Was it not?? I grew up in that era, 80's/90's -- can't remember it being #1 as such, but it got a lot of air time on the radio. I wonder if she was competing with Michael Jackson or Prince at the time?
@@cherriblackmore2002 Greetings from Australia Cherri. Like that other reply she is in fact living in Byron Bay in my home state of New South Wales Australia. She married an Australian record producer circa 2012 and they've been living there since. She did a tour of regional centres in NSW from about March 2019 to Sept same year but unfortunately didn't come to Sydney where I live. A real bummer that.
probably 1 of the most underrated and under-appreciated artist of my time. Her powerhouse voice rivits raw emotion to every word and leaves you knowing you just heard something great no matter where you were or what you were doing before the song began.
It brings back some awesome memories! I had won a bet to see who could get a job at the first all CD store in our city. I aced a 100 question exam and beat out 400 applicants. I was one of 12 hired. This song was a Grammy nominated track and she was married to one of members of the duo David & David. I received a promo of this CD and played to death. I still listen to it regularly.
Damn....this girl should have BLOWN UP 20 years ago! Her other cut "The Dead Are Dancing" from the album "HOUSE OF HOPE" is also a stunning performance. A truly great, under appreciated talent.
before her solo album, she played all over L.A. in a band called Toni and The movers, we used to go see her almost every weekend. She was always an amazing talent.
Back in 1989 Toni performed this song on The Grammy's that was nominated, "Song of the year", and she was nominated as "Best New Artist". She didn't win in either catagory, but she gained instant recognition. She appeared on many talk shows performing this song, and others from her album.
Easily one of the most underrated songs in American pop history during the 1980's. I know she became very popular in New Zealand during her career, but once again, we Americans missed the boat on someone who was/is certainly an extraordinary singer/songwriting supertalent, but never got the credit she deserved. Every time I hear this song, it feels freakin' ANTHEMIC. Go, Toni, you effin' rock.
Greetings from Australia Matt. I am and have one of her Legion of fans for a lonnnnnng time. What a deliciously rich and powerful voice she has. This particular track is probably the best showcase of her rich voice👌👌👌👌👌👌 She married an Australian record producer circa 2012 and has been living in Byron Bay in my home state of New South Wales Australia since.
This song popped in my head today and I hadn’t heard it since it was first released. So glad I found it here. What a powerful voice! Awesome song from an amazing talent. Love it!!
Her and Anita Baker, Oletta Adams; like most women black or white unless your a " Pop" singer; you fade Bonnie Raitt's another one, left in the dust of Arianda, Taylor et all ! No air play on stations. Today's music is terrible, no-one plays instruments. Back in the day Prince played several as opposed to MJ who didn't play any ! ? Sad.
To be fair, those shows have singers who are inexperienced. It takes a LOT to sing like a pro--like voice projection and control and a great set of lungs to make it through a whole song--especially if they are dancing as well.
Man...what a voice & what a song. 1988...I was 19 yrs old & a senior in high school. I was a head-banger in high school, but i really thought this song was SO AWESOME!!! I'm 52 yrs old now & i think this song is just as awesome as it was in 1988!!! Much love from Mobile Alabama.
great great voice this lady has--- strong and enduring ... an artist who will always stand the test of time since 20 years later people are still listening and liking... hey imagine if she collaborated with someone like Bjork for example... now that would be an interesting listen for sure...
Didn't get past THIS American :-) She's one of my ALL TIME favorite artists. Vocals completely unique and explosive- not to mention she's a great human being.
Big voice, big talent. Ohhhhhh where have all the performers like Toni gone? Cannot stand the CRAP being flogged to death on commercial radio these days. No one records anything with meaning anymore. I saw an interview with Toni years ago before she dropped out of the scene, she said she never sang or would never singer anything that did not move her. Really shows in her music. What a talent. What a loss
So underrated by the music industry, music critics and folks. Incredible talent, and voice - very few match her. Still listening, and loving it, after all these years. Songs boost your moral like hell ye ye
Cyndi Watt, Yes, it came out in the '80s; 1988 to be exact. It was on Toni's album, "Union". Yes, what a great voice she has. I read somewhere she didn't release much music after this, if I'm not mistaken.
Man... this takes me back to the good old days when nothing mattered except who got the back seat on the bus, who was in king square longest in handball & the next day at school. WOW... LOVE IT
Saw her in concert at a small club in NJ, the Club Bene. It was 1989 and she was promoting her fist album Union. She was amazing and my husband and I both fell in love with her. What a talent!
I was watching a program about singer with a great voice that never made it to his potential and that instantly made me think of Toni Childs. I first heard this song when it first came out. I was in my late teens and her voice was mesmerizing. Everytime I here it now I cringe at the bad late 80s synth-pop sounding instruments. I have said for years that I would love to hear her vocals put over less "processed" sounding instruments.
I laughed my ass off when i first heard this song at 13 yrs old, her voice was so over the top for me back then...made me want to run away from being chased by a crazy women like her shouting " DOOONNT WALK AWAYIIIIEEEEE" LOL
Alden R. Davis, Me too. I also love this music video of this song. It was quite awesome for it to be in black and white, because the song's "drama" would stand out at its best. In my view, color would not have served the purpose of getting the drama to stand out in this video.
In 1991 I was in a store and I heard this song, asked the owner of the shop who this was and she said Toni Childs House of Hope. I bought the CD that day and have been jamming to Toni Childs ever since. Awesome voice and the music has the coolest groove. Thanks Toni
This song used to pump me up for football games 30 years ago now it fires me up for 14 hr days of asphalt paving such a pwerful voice gets me all fired up at 4 am love this song
I am just discovering Toni's music because Spotify's editors put one of my songs on a playlist with hers. I don't think we are similar, but I am grateful to be considered in the same room with her :).
I will never forget the first time hearing Toni on MTV back in 1989 with Don't Walk Away in rotation for a brief time and I heard the voice but didn't see her until I stopped in my tracks and said who the hell is this voice singing ???? I went to the tv and there she was grooving away in the video and he beauty matched her voice perfectly . She STILL looks and sounds awesome in 2022 !!
It's 2024 and I still love listening to aToni Childs❤❤
You ain't the only one. She's still incredible. My goodness,....what a powerful voice. I still listen to this song frequently. Wow.
This song should’ve been a No.1 hit.
Was it not?? I grew up in that era, 80's/90's -- can't remember
it being #1 as such, but it got a lot of air time on the radio. I wonder
if she was competing with Michael Jackson or Prince at the time?
I agree
Barefoot Toni Childs sings with a rawness that is so apparent in its simplicity and splendour. Every time she tosses her hair I gasp❤❤❤❤
Still loving this classic in 2021.. anyone else?
You bet. My fave of hers.
Found the Union CD at a thrift store. The most wonderful music I've ever heard. Now where is she? Is she still performing?
@@cherriblackmore2002 She’s still around and she’s now living in Byron Bay, New South Wales.
@@AldenRDavis Thank you Mr. Davis.
@@cherriblackmore2002 Greetings from Australia Cherri. Like that other reply she is in fact living in Byron Bay in my home state of New South Wales Australia. She married an Australian record producer circa 2012 and they've been living there since. She did a tour of regional centres in NSW from about March 2019 to Sept same year but unfortunately didn't come to Sydney where I live. A real bummer that.
I have no idea why Tony Childs was and remains so overlooked... That voice... that VOICE. Gives me shivers...
I saw Toni perform live in Melbourne last week (6/11/23) - she was bloody amazing!
Saw her in Auckland (Corrs) I never was a fan but she was way better than the other support acts!
#ToniChilds #DontWalkAway.. still loving this classic in 2023 with the awesome old school music power of classic MTV.. anyone else?
Her voice is like lightning striking a tin roof !!! Raw, gritty, overpowering, and warm. What talent !!!
Absolute......James
Her voice is terrible
110% NATURAL NOT digitally altered ie Adele!!!!!!!!!!
Them that is a great way of describing her . Just like tj.
probably 1 of the most underrated and under-appreciated artist of my time. Her powerhouse voice rivits raw emotion to every word and leaves you knowing you just heard something great no matter where you were or what you were doing before the song began.
Well said.
Thank you for saying so . . . been writing copy for PR and advertising over 20 years :-)
Donald Baldwin
yes I first heard this song back in 88 back in Iowa on radio station rock 108. kfmw . and the song still rocks today in 2017.
This song brings back so many memories. I had just moved from TX to ME when I first heard this gem. And yes, most definitely underrated!
Coming back 31 years later. My God she's good.
Couldn't have said it better! One of the best from the late 80's.
She told you not to walk away, and you Heard her!
The Union album swallowed me whole.
A masterpiece
she should have been bigger in the US. she is such a talented musician, and SHE ROCKS!!
One of those great underrated songs that is hardly played on the radio.
Can't believe this wasn't a huge hit
A World class talented beautiful woman singing a truly BAD ASS song. LOVE IT!!!
Anyone still loving this in 2020?
Alden R. Davis yes, she is amazing!!!
Absolutely!
Yes!
It brings back some awesome memories! I had won a bet to see who could get a job at the first all CD store in our city. I aced a 100 question exam and beat out 400 applicants. I was one of 12 hired. This song was a Grammy nominated track and she was married to one of members of the duo David & David. I received a promo of this CD and played to death. I still listen to it regularly.
Yes. Outstanding voice, great song!
Damn....this girl should have BLOWN UP 20 years ago! Her other cut "The Dead Are Dancing" from the album "HOUSE OF HOPE" is also a stunning performance. A truly great, under appreciated talent.
Her voice is a roaring thunder storm that jilts your inner soul !
That totally unmistakable clench in her voice, and those powerhouse vocals that could nail you to the wall!
ALL HAIL!
This was my absolute favourite song as a teenager. Was gutted when my "cassette" got ruined, went straight to buy CD, still listen to it to this day!
James Moles me too! This was summer of 90 for me.
One of the all time great songs on my favorite list along with Bryan Ferry, Bowie, Steely Dan, Lene Lovich, PIL, Tanita Tikaram etc.
@@ZobethC
My Daughter was born in 89 and she grew up listening to Tracy Chapman and Toni Childs, she's still listening.
The Scooter wow, 89 was the year I graduated high school! Toni and Tracy are legends.
before her solo album, she played all over L.A. in a band called Toni and The movers, we used to go see her almost every weekend. She was always an amazing talent.
I lived, worked and partied in LA in the 70's 80's. Great music scene, clubs and bands. Went to many concerts. Great times. Great city.
Still listening to this classic in 2022..anyone else?
Me. Played and watched it many times. Now it's 2024
Very underrated song of the 80's in the United States. The song stalled out at #72. It should have had more airplay and been top 20.
Totally. A great song and a great singer.
Che voce e che grinta.
Quanti ricordi!
Meravigliosa Tony
Tonis albumn The Womans Boat is iconic
That voice is crisp and stellar! "Walk And Talk Like Angels", and "Zimbabwe" are such perfect tunes!
Is that one in Thelma & Louise movie? ✌ 'loved her from Live redio back then, also M. Ethridge... I purchased her CD bc of Zimbabwe.
Back in 1989 Toni performed this song on The Grammy's that was nominated, "Song of the year", and she was nominated as "Best New Artist". She didn't win in either catagory, but she gained instant recognition. She appeared on many talk shows performing this song, and others from her album.
After all these years, her voice still blasts me away - what a voice !
She was a wonderful singer.
@@rain73ful she still is, went and seen her last night and that voice is just as good live...........maybe even better haha.
What a bloody voice! 🧡💣
That belting rasp! Can't forget it. Such tremulous power through a compelling song. Love it.
Powerful song and a powerful voice from Toni. One of my favourite 80s songs.
Easily one of the most underrated songs in American pop history during the 1980's. I know she became very popular in New Zealand during her career, but once again, we Americans missed the boat on someone who was/is certainly an extraordinary singer/songwriting supertalent, but never got the credit she deserved. Every time I hear this song, it feels freakin' ANTHEMIC. Go, Toni, you effin' rock.
" ANTHEMIC." ,....exactly right. Powerful. Great..
She's so naturally beautiful, her hair, skin, bone structure and of course that low alto almost tenor powerful deep sultry voice. 😊
Remember this song coming out, blew me away, great voice. Could never understand why she didn't make it to the top
Greetings from Australia Matt. I am and have one of her Legion of fans for a lonnnnnng time. What a deliciously rich and powerful voice she has. This particular track is probably the best showcase of her rich voice👌👌👌👌👌👌 She married an Australian record producer circa 2012 and has been living in Byron Bay in my home state of New South Wales Australia since.
One of the best female singers around - this cut still kills it!
One word legend. Full stop 👍👍👍👍
34 years later , now in 2022, this song still is so dam good, Toni has such a powerful voice.
Where has the time gone. Still playing and listening to this great song and singer. Why didn't she get more fame, money and recognition?
This song popped in my head today and I hadn’t heard it since it was first released. So glad I found it here. What a powerful voice! Awesome song from an amazing talent. Love it!!
Her and Anita Baker, Oletta Adams; like most women black or white unless your a " Pop" singer; you fade Bonnie Raitt's another one, left in the dust of Arianda, Taylor et all ! No air play on stations.
Today's music is terrible, no-one plays instruments. Back in the day Prince played several as opposed to MJ who didn't play any ! ? Sad.
The lyrics, the rhythm and her soul makes this music stand out and will NEVER be able to be repeated nor replicated!!
I'm really in love with her voce, her energy, with her !!!
I seen her perform live at the Hult Center in Eugene Oregon late 80's , wow ! she can sing to bad we don't hear more of her today
What a strong voice she has 👍👍👍
Most of the singers on American Idol, X Factor, and The Voice (exception Tessanne) do not come close to the talent of Toni Childs. What a voice.
So true, but then most singers on this earth don't come close to her voice :). Just to add, I saw her in concert in 1989 and she was mesmerising.
All the autotuned generic stuff today can't match the raw realness of the great talents ...........
She is amazing this is what I call music.
To be fair, those shows have singers who are inexperienced. It takes a LOT to sing like a pro--like voice projection and control and a great set of lungs to make it through a whole song--especially if they are dancing as well.
They sure as hell don't
Man...what a voice & what a song.
1988...I was 19 yrs old & a senior in high school.
I was a head-banger in high school, but i really thought this song was SO AWESOME!!!
I'm 52 yrs old now & i think this song is just as awesome as it was in 1988!!!
Much love from Mobile Alabama.
Maybe even MORE awesome. A classic.
Welcome to Australia as a citizen Toni. The land of OZ
I’m an old rocker into classic rock, 80’s metal, thrash, but man, I love this song. I bought the CD as soon as I heard this song. Fantastic voice.
great great voice this lady has--- strong and enduring ... an artist who will always stand the test of time since 20 years later people are still listening and liking... hey imagine if she collaborated with someone like Bjork for example... now that would be an interesting listen for sure...
A timeless song and powerful voice.
What A Voice.
Didn't get past THIS American :-) She's one of my ALL TIME favorite artists. Vocals completely unique and explosive- not to mention she's a great human being.
Big voice, big talent. Ohhhhhh where have all the performers like Toni gone?
Cannot stand the CRAP being flogged to death on commercial radio these days.
No one records anything with meaning anymore.
I saw an interview with Toni years ago before she dropped out of the scene, she said she never sang or would never singer anything that did not move her. Really shows in her music. What a talent. What a loss
The best of Toni childrens is awesome album
A gem 💎 I regret forgetting about
Absolutely one of the most underrated songs of all time.
And singers.
My favorite of all her hits. Such power and passion coming through that distinctive voice. She can sing anything! With panache.
Her Breakthrough Hit In The Late Eighties. We miss great one hit wonder artist like her.
So underrated by the music industry, music critics and folks. Incredible talent, and voice - very few match her. Still listening, and loving it, after all these years. Songs boost your moral like hell ye ye
Love this tune!!! Ever since it came out. I believe the 80's. She got a voice don't she 😊
Cyndi Watt,
Yes, it came out in the '80s; 1988 to be exact. It was on Toni's album, "Union". Yes, what a great voice she has. I read somewhere she didn't release much music after this, if I'm not mistaken.
Yes she does! She is apparently an Aussie now, 💕.. 1988, the year I left school lol..
Absolute beautiful voice, I love her music very much. Bloody GOOD. BRING SOME MORE.
I have been listening to Toni Childs for sooooo many years!!!! Never gets old.....great performer
Yup, hearing Toni alot lately 😁.
her amazing voice caught my attention decades ago as a student.Try her out!
Same. I remember seeing her sing this on some TV special one night. Unreal singer.
Man... this takes me back to the good old days when nothing mattered except who got the back seat on the bus, who was in king square longest in handball & the next day at school. WOW... LOVE IT
Omg... Amen 🙏
takes me back to seeing Toni live in Brisbane in the 80's..she is FANTASTIC..I love this song!!
Love that song and her voice makes it a powerful message!
Great vocal. Totally arresting. One of my favourite songs from the 80s, and it sounds so real, so genuinely felt by Toni.
Such a strong an powerful voice ❤
Saw her in concert at a small club in NJ, the Club Bene. It was 1989 and she was promoting her fist album Union. She was amazing and my husband and I both fell in love with her. What a talent!
she is beautiful and sings from the heart and soul. love her.
I was watching a program about singer with a great voice that never made it to his potential and that instantly made me think of Toni Childs. I first heard this song when it first came out. I was in my late teens and her voice was mesmerizing. Everytime I here it now I cringe at the bad late 80s synth-pop sounding instruments. I have said for years that I would love to hear her vocals put over less "processed" sounding instruments.
I laughed my ass off when i first heard this song at 13 yrs old, her voice was so over the top for me back then...made me want to run away from being chased by a crazy women like her shouting " DOOONNT WALK AWAYIIIIEEEEE" LOL
Her first album 'Union' is truly amazing..........
agree !
Paul Purcell it is my favorite to this day. Where’s the ocean amazing
...And still one of the best debut albums of all time!!
Agreed i have it on my music playlist always happy to hear it
Paul Purcell my favorite album of hers 🥰
Toni Child's Underrated performer.
I love Toni Childs' "Don't Walk Away." It's the best.
One of my all time favorite songs by a great singer with an amazing voice.
Mine too, it's one of my all-time favorites too.
Alden R. Davis,
Me too. I also love this music video of this song. It was quite awesome for it to be in black and white, because the song's "drama" would stand out at its best. In my view, color would not have served the purpose of getting the drama to stand out in this video.
Man this girl had the voice
Absolutely adore her. Amazing voice, and such a sweet person if you ever get the chance to talk to her.
Just saw her perform this in Melbourne… her voice is incredible!
This woman! Absolute favorite since the 80s! Powerhouse!! Chills! Get it mama!!!
And she's coming back to the top of the world. Tour USA 2020!
Maybe not 2020☹️
I Love her and her voice AMAZING. 💖💖💖💖💖👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💖💖💖
I'm from Zim I know her. She is the belter I have ever heard. Simply the best. 👍👍💖😆
Great 80s tune
Very strong voice .....very alternative rock...always great song and voice...
Legend. Full stop 👍👍👍👍👍
One of the, the, the, very best songs of the 80s....yes, it was and still immensely powerful...
I guess that's why I still play it and listen to it.
saw her live down under. Amazing performer, unique, powerful, range, unlike the excrement served and wrapped today
In 1991 I was in a store and I heard this song, asked the owner of the shop who this was and she said Toni Childs House of Hope. I bought the CD that day and have been jamming to Toni Childs ever since. Awesome voice and the music has the coolest groove. Thanks Toni
DATS some strong coffee right there. They dont brew no Flava like this anymore!
Foxxtrott1100
Roger that,foxtrot
after that brew they threw out the kettle
amazing flava...what a voice
Still rocks in 2022!
Representing 2022! This song's greatness is timeless.
This song used to pump me up for football games 30 years ago now it fires me up for 14 hr days of asphalt paving such a pwerful voice gets me all fired up at 4 am love this song
I am just discovering Toni's music because Spotify's editors put one of my songs on a playlist with hers. I don't think we are similar, but I am grateful to be considered in the same room with her :).
What a truly awesome and powerful voice that is. Still stands the test of time.
I love this woman's strong voice u go toni
I used to hear this 5 times a day everyday working at Target, it was on the store playlist
She has the most powerfully insane voice. Love it
So undeservedly underrated. #HallOfFame where are you #suckers!!!
Love your voice Toni, such gorgeous piognent songs of love , loss adventure and yearning,,
una voce che meritava di essere sfruttata di più
I will never forget the first time hearing Toni on MTV back in 1989 with Don't Walk Away in rotation for a brief time and I heard the voice but didn't see her until I stopped in my tracks and said who the hell is this voice singing ???? I went to the tv and there she was grooving away in the video and he beauty matched her voice perfectly . She STILL looks and sounds awesome in 2022 !!