Swain, Tony

Born 20 January 1952, London, England. Record producer, musician and songwriter Swain started his career as a television cameraman, where he met Steve Jolley in 1975. They worked together on the “Muppet Show” until Tony left to work in a recording studio as a writer/producer. In 1981 reunited with Jolley they built a reputation when their song ‘Body Talk’ became a major hit for Imagination. The formula continued through a run of eight further hit singles, including “Just An Illusion” which narrowly missed the UK number 1 spot. In addition to four albums with Imagination, their high standing in the music business gave them an impressive list of productions with major success with Bananarama, Spandau Ballet and Alison Moyet, including the multi-million selling number 1 albums “True”, “Parade” (Spandau Ballet) and “Alf” (Alison Moyet). Swain co-wrote all the tracks bar one on the last, and played keyboards on this classic pop album including the major hit Love Resurrection. Swain with Jolley were nominated for a BPI award following its success. Since then they have worked with the Truth, Diana Ross, Tom Robinson, Errol Brown, Wang Chung and Louise Goffin, and following their mutual break Tony went on to produce Kim Wilde’s “Close” which became another million-seller. Towards the end of a highly lucrative decade, Swain saw the completion of his own ‘state of the art’ recording studio at his home in Hertfordshire. He was a major contributor to quality British pop music throughout the ’80s.
Tony continued to work with Kim, co-writing songs like Love (Send Him Back To Me), Storm in our Hearts and This I Swear.
Swain is now an A&R manager for Universal Records.