Oscar Toney Jnr
Oscar Toney Jr. was an American soul singer born on May 26, 1939, in Selma, Alabama. Raised in Columbus, Georgia, he began singing gospel in churches and later joined groups like The Sensational Melodies of Joy before transitioning to secular music with The Searchers in the late 1950s.
He released his first solo single, "Can It All Be Love," on King Records in 1964, though it gained little attention. Toney toured the UK in the 1960s, often backed by the band Merlin Q, and signed with Bell Records in 1967 after impressing producer Papa Don Schroeder. His breakthrough cover of "For Your Precious Love" reached No. 4 on the R&B chart and No. 23 on the pop chart.
Shifts to Capricorn Records in 1970 yielded flops like "Down on My Knees," leading to his release in 1973. He found a niche with UK Northern soul fans via Contempo Records in the 1970s before returning to gospel in the 1980s. Key albums include For Your Precious Love (1967, U.S. No. 192, R&B No. 27), I've Been Loving You Too Long To Stop Now! (1975), and Guilty of Loving You (2001).
I’ve Been Loving You Too Long To Stop Now
Written-By – Bacharach
A2 Everybody's Needed
Written-By – Toney Jnr.
A3 The Thrill Is Gone
Written-By – Benson, Pettite
A4 Everything I Own
Written-By – Gates
A5 My Girl
Written-By – White, Robinson
B1 Make It Easy On Yourself
Written-By – Bacharach, David
B2 I've Been Loving You Too Long
Written-By – Butler, Redding
B3 Is It Because I'm Black
Written-By – Watts, Jones, Johnson
B4 For Your Precious Love
Written-By – Brooks, Butler, Brooks
Label: Contempo – CLP 511
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: UK
Released: 1975
Genre:
R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Deep Soul
Oscar Toney Jr.'s 1975 album, often linked to the Contempo Sessions (re-released as 'Loving You Too Long'), was a significant deep soul release, praised for Toney's powerful vocals on great ballads and soulful tracks, with reviewers calling it some of the best London-recorded deep soul, though later CD reissues add bonus tracks that slightly alter perception of the original, solidifying his status as a soulful powerhouse despite being overlooked in some soul histories.
The original 1975 LP (on Contempo Records) was heralded for its authentic, heartfelt deep soul sound, with tracks like "I've Been Loving You Too Long" (a cover of Otis Redding's classic) extended for dramatic effect.
Oscar Toney Jr. was known for his incredible voice, delivering emotional depth on ballads, making these sessions standout recordings.
These tracks were recorded in London, showcasing a classic Southern soul vibe produced in the UK, and were considered top-tier soul by critics like Alan Lewis.
This album cemented his reputation as a soulful balladeer, though he remained somewhat under the radar compared to bigger names.
Reviewers highlight the powerful vocals and deep soul feeling, even noting that some tracks on later reissues might feel less cohesive than the originals, but still exceptional.
Reissues (like the Shout! Factory release) feature bonus alternate mixes and unreleased tracks, offering a comprehensive look at this significant period, even if the original flow is slightly altered.
Some critics suggested these could be some of the best deep soul recordings ever made in London.
In essence, the 1975 album (Contempo Sessions) is a must-have for deep soul fans, showcasing Oscar Toney Jr.'s incredible vocal talent on raw, emotional tracks that define the genre, despite being somewhat an "oddity" in soul music history.