Toni Price Death: On November 22, 2024, the world lost an extraordinary talent, Toni Price, who passed away peacefully following complications from a brain aneurysm. The Austin-based singer, an inductee of the Austin Music Hall of Fame, left an indelible mark on the hearts of her fans and the fabric of the city’s music culture. For over two decades, Toni was the voice of Austin’s Tuesday nights, bringing a sense of magic and community to her iconic “Hippie Hour” performances at the Continental Club.
Toni’s passing marks the end of a remarkable journey filled with music, love, and the pursuit of a life lived authentically. As we reflect on her life and legacy, we honor not only the incredible music she made but also the deep connections she fostered with her audience, collaborators, and friends. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1961, Toni Price—originally named Luiese Esther Price—was destined to find her place in the world through music.
Adopted by loving parents who later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, Toni began to carve her path at an early age. Her first public performance at a talent contest, singing an a cappella rendition of “One Tin Soldier,” was an early glimpse of her fierce determination and raw talent. By then, she had already chosen her stage name, Toni Price, signaling her readiness to shape her identity as an artist.
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Nashville gave Toni a foundation in classic country, rock ‘n’ roll, and blues. Influenced by legendary voices such as Patsy Cline, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, Toni began developing her unique style—a blend of bluesy warmth and soulful expression that would become her hallmark.
In the mid-1980s, Toni’s career took a significant turn when she met songwriter and guitarist Gwil Owen. Their collaboration brought forth a wealth of songs that showcased her ability to bring lyrics to life with profound emotional depth. In 1989, Toni’s life changed once again when she performed at Antone’s, Austin’s iconic blues club. There, she discovered her true musical home and a community of like-minded artists who embraced her spirit and talent.
Toni’s debut album, *Swim Away* (1993), became an instant classic, filled with songs penned by Owen and other talented writers. Over the years, she released a total of eight albums and two EPs, all of which highlighted her exceptional ability to interpret and inhabit songs as if they were written solely for her. Tracks like “Richest One,” “Hey,” and “Sol Power” resonated deeply with listeners, earning her a devoted following.
For 22 years, Toni presided over the legendary “Hippie Hour” at the Continental Club in Austin. Every Tuesday night, she transformed the venue into a haven for music lovers, filling it with her soulful voice, a stellar lineup of Texas musicians, and a palpable sense of community. Accompanied by some of the finest players in the state—Champ Hood, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, Rich Brotherton, and many more—Toni created an atmosphere that was part revival meeting, part family gathering. Toni once told writer Michael Corcoran, “I don’t like religion because it comes with rules.
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But I’m a spiritual person, and I definitely feel the spirit on Tuesdays. We’re all trying to get healed, all trying to feel the spirit of community.” That sentiment perfectly encapsulated what made her performances so special: they were about connection, healing, and shared joy. Her historic residency has been called “the most successful in Austin music history,” a testament to the transformative power of her voice and the magic she created every week.
Toni Price was famously uninterested in the music industry machine. She never toured, choosing instead to let her fans come to her. It was a bold choice that underscored her commitment to authenticity and her refusal to compromise her art for commercial gain. Her loyal fanbase, however, stretched far beyond Austin, with admirers traveling from around the world to experience her music firsthand.
Despite her resistance to industry norms, Toni earned widespread recognition for her artistry. She won 12 Austin Music Awards between 1993 and 2004, including accolades for “Best Female Vocals,” “Album of the Year,” and “Song of the Year.” In 2017, she was inducted into the Austin Music Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the city’s most cherished artists.
Toni’s music was deeply personal, and her life mirrored the authenticity of her songs. Her approach to artistry—choosing songs that resonated with her and surrounding herself with musicians who shared her vision—allowed her to create something timeless and wholly unique. She often described herself as a “song charmer,” a title that perfectly captured her ability to breathe life into every note she sang.
Her albums, particularly Swim Away, Hey, and Sol Power, were perennial best-sellers at Austin’s Waterloo Records and remain beloved by fans. As Austin Chronicle writer Kevin Curtin noted in 2018, Toni was “one of the finest song charmers this city has ever called resident.” Toni Price’s influence extended far beyond her music. She was a mentor, a friend, and a beacon of light for those who knew her.
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Her Tuesday night performances weren’t just concerts—they were gatherings that fostered a sense of belonging and unity. Toni’s ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level was one of her greatest gifts. Her family, friends, and fans remember her as a warm, loving person who brought joy to everyone she encountered. She leaves behind two daughters, Amber and Della Price, two grandchildren, Conway and WillieMae, and countless others whose lives were enriched by her presence.
As the Austin community mourns the loss of this extraordinary artist, plans are underway to celebrate her life and legacy. Her family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, acknowledging the many people who helped shape Toni’s journey. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to organizations that support local musicians and artists—a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to the craft she loved and the community that embraced her. Toni Price was more than an artist; she was a force of nature.
Her voice, her spirit, and her unwavering authenticity made her a true icon of Austin’s music scene. Though her absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, her legacy lives on through her music, her family, and the countless memories she created for those lucky enough to know her. As we say goodbye to Toni, let us also celebrate the incredible life she led. May her music continue to inspire, her spirit continue to heal, and her legacy continue to shine as brightly as the Texas stars she called home.
