Photo Credit Anthony Tolson FB
Anthony Tolson, a well known Detroit bass player, was tragically killed on Christmas Eve while en-route to see his kids on the eastside of Detroit. He was on his way to deliver Christmas gifts to sons William, 7, and Aaron, 12, and daughter Amber, 13. He never made it. He was carjacked and shot several times after he made a stop at the store on his way to their house. The thieves stole his SUV that contained his kids’ Christmas gifts and his beloved music equipment, including his bass guitar. Tolson was left to die on the same streets that raised him. Sadly, what was meant to be a joyous occasion for the holiday season turned into a time of mourning for this family and many others Tolson touched.
Tolson pictured with his children – Photo Credit Anthony Tolson FB
Anthony Tolson was loved and revered by many. He’d just turned 33 years old on Sunday, Dec. 20, and spent the very next day with his “two favorite dudes,” his sons Aaron and William. They went to see the new Star Wars movie together. Little did they know, that would be one of the very the last times they would share together and create lasting memories.
“He was a good guy, very funny, very silly. He was an amazing musician and bass player. He’s toured with A-list artists such as Neyo and Jeezy,” said Joe Smith, producer, musician and CEO of Soul Food Entertainment, which is a Detroit based entertainment firm. Smith continued, “This guy was incredible! I had the chance to work with him on numerous occasions including last year when we worked together on Perilous Times the stage play. He was just fun. He came in, did his job but he was fun. He had a good heart.”
Tolson and fellow band members pictured with Grammy Recording Artist Neyo. Photo Credit Anthony Tolson FB
Tolson led a full life. In addition to the artists Smith mentioned above, Tolson also toured with the likes of Kelis, and gospel recording artist J. Moss. If you take a look at Tolson’s Facebook page, you’ll mostly see him on stage doing what he loved the most – playing bass. Unfortunately, his life was taken too soon and his young children are left without a father. Now, what’s left are the score of memories he made for his loved ones to cherish.
Murders such as this are senseless. As a community, we need to band together to stop the violence. We need to do better. Black lives need to matter to everyone, not just to the mainstream media or not only when it’s convenient. Black lives need to matter in our own community, as well. It’s time we rally together and really mean what we say. Let’s take care of one another. Let Anthony Tolson’s life be a reminder that yet once again, Black Lives Matter … in our own community, too.
If you have any information on the killing, please call Detroit Police Homicide Division at 313-596-2260.
