Toni Basil - The Authorized Site

A Visual Journey of Toni Basil's Oral History Project
Interview for the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center.

Conducted by Juliana DeVaan

11-Hour Oral History in 7 Sessions

This 11 hour oral history includes audio recordings and written transcripts has been compiled and will be accessible in the future through the Jerome Robbins Dance Division by emailing dance@nypl.org under the title Interview with Toni Basil 2023 or visit the Library for the performing Arts at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Please see the videos and pictures below all seven audio files, which correspond and accompany each session of the interview.

Audio

Session 01

1919 Family Vaudeville, 1943 Birth, 1947 Chicago, 1957 Las Vegas, 1962 Los Angeles

Session 02

1962 -1969 Los Angeles

Session 03

Late 60s and Early 70s

Session 04

1970s continued and 1980s

Session 05

1980s continued

Session 06

1980s – 1990s

Session 07

1990s, 2000, and Today

Videos and Pictures

Session 01

1919 Family Vaudeville, 1943 Birth, 1947 Chicago, 1957 Las Vegas, 1962 Los Angeles

Toni Basil's Vaudeville family mother's sisters (Eclair Twins) Iva and
Christine and Billy Wells—this 1919 performance filmed by Briths Pathé.

In Las Vegas, Toni meets her most
influential choreographer Ron Lewis

Toni’s family Wells and the Four Fays performed
the Ed Sullivan Show twice in the sixties (1962)

Toni’s family Wells and the Four Fays performed
the Ed Sullivan Show twice in the sixties (1964)

Toni Basil's Vaudeville family mother's sisters (Eclair Twins) Iva and Christine and Billy Wells—this 1919 performance filmed by Briths Pathé.

Eclair Twins left Australia to tour London and performed their act in shows and silent film entitled Mirth, Melodies and Madness.

Toni’s mother Jaqueline and Uncle Pat left Australia for the U.S. And then the act became Billy Wells, and the Éclair Towns became Billy Wells and the Four Fays.

Father Lois Basil was the orchestra leader of touring Gaucho Band – a Cabaret in Cuba. This was where Toni s father met her mother on August 27, 1927, as they were on the same bill at the Orpheum Theatre.

Mother Jacqueline married Louis Basil, left the family act and Toni was born on September 25, 1943, in Philadelphia. Toni’s father was the orchestra leader at the Carmen Theater in Philadelphia (Circa. 1943-46)

The family moved to New York where father performed as the orchestra leader at Loew’s State Theater (Circa. 1946).

When Billy Wells and the Four Fays act performed, Toni at the age of 4 years old helped backstage with the hoops.

Family moved to Chicago where Louis Basil was the orchestra leader at the Chicago Theatre from Circa. 1947-1957

Toni started ballet dancing lessons with Micheal Chumakov and Edna L. McRae’s dance studio. Pictures from recital Micheal Chumakov.

1947-1957 Chicago theatre clipping advertisement featuring as Louis Basil conductor here a few newspapers weekly advertisements featuring Louis Basil myriad performances Billy Daniels, Pearle Baily, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Vic Damone, Nat King Cole, Herb Jefferies.

Toni aged 8 years splits in the dressing room in Chicago Theater.

In 1949, Billy Wells died during a Chicago theater performance and Christine took over the Little Man act so the show could continue. Christine as little man switch picture with face showing

In 1949, Billy Wells died during a Chicago theater performance and Christine took over the Little Man act so the show could continue. Christine as little man switch picture with face showing/small>

A court case from (Circa. 1951) witness denies abortion plot, Louis Basil acquitted of charges.

As the stage shows were closing in 1957 at the Chicago Theatre, “Uncle Slim” AKA Gus Alexis took the family to Las Vegas to help set up shows for future employment at the Flamingo Hotel, then the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.

“Uncle Slim” AKA Gus Alexis took the family to Las Vegs to help set up shows for future employment at the Flamingo Hotel, then the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas.

Toni graduated in 1961 from Las Vegas High where she is head cheerleader and voted the most talented.

Toni drove to Los Angeles with a reference letter from Eleanor Powell to Tanya Rubachinca lead ballerina from Bally Monte Carlo bring to a dance studio.

Session 02

1962 -1969 Los Angeles

Toni Basil interviewed David Winters in 2018 about his extraordinary
performance in the Broadway show and movie West Side Story.

Toni Assistant Choreographer to David Winters dancing on Shindig
with Bobby Freeman doing “The Swim”

Toni reflects on James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and the dancers on the
T.A.M.I. Show. Toni was the Assistant Choreographer to
David Winters. (Filmed Oct 28, 1964 - Oct 29, 1964,
Released December 29, 1964)

Toni choreographer and costars in The VILLAGE OF THE GIANTS
(Released October 20, 1965)

Musical number PAJAMA PARTY in order of appearance Dorothy Lamour
, Kay Sutton, Terri Garr, Anita Mann and Toni Basil (circa. 1964)

Toni Basil documentary on her being the featured dancer in
ROBIN & THE 7 HOODS Documentary (filmed Oct 31, 1963 –Dec 1963;
Released June 24, 1964)

Toni Basil Assistant Choreographer to David Winters is the girl
with the red dress in Elvis Presley’s motion picture VIVA LAS VEGAS
(Filmed Jul 15, 1963 - Sep 16, 1963, released May 20, 1964)

Wells and the Four Fays appear twice on the Ed Sullivan Show
in the 1960’s. (Circa. 1962)

Wells and the Four Fays appear twice on the Ed Sullivan Show
in the 1960’s. (Circa. 1964)

BREAKAWAY filmed by multi-media artist Bruce Connor (circa. 1967)

“Daddy’s Song” with Davey Jones (Filmed Feb 11, 1968 - May 21, 1968,
released November 20, 1968 (Not to be Reproduced)

“Can You Dig it” with the Monkees (Not to be Reproduced)

Dean Stockwell, Billy Gray - A Ping Pong Match (Circa. 1967)
shown in Wallace Berman Museum Tour (Not to be Reproduced) ©Toni Basil

GREASER’S PALACE directed by Robert Downey with actor Pablo Ferro
(released July 31, 1972) – Stills from Movie. (Not to be Reproduced)

Toni Basil choreographed THE COOL ONES (Filmed / Directed by Gene Nelson
July 1966 – August 1966, released April 12, 1967)

EASY RIDER (Filmed Mar 1968 - May 1968, released July 14, 1969)
FIVE EASY PIECES (Filmed Nov 10, 1969 - Jan 3, 1970,
released September 12, 1970)

Multiple dance and acting clips of Toni Basil in the 1960’s

Image of Toni and Terri out dancing on the Sunset Strip. (Circa. 1962-63).

Toni Basil meets and dances with David Winters and plays Baby Johns Girl in the L.A. production of the West Side Story. She becomes his assistant choreographer throughout the 1960’s and he becomes one of the biggest influences of her life.

Images of Toni Basil in the part of Anita in the San Diego production of West Side Story starring Pat Boone. (Circa. 1962-1963)

Toni Basil became the assistant choreographer to David Winters for the groundbreaking television show Shindig! (Circa. 1964-1966) Pictured her Toni is dancing with Bobby Freeman television show “Shindig!” doing the “Swim” (circa. 1964)

Toni Basil documentary on her being the featured dancer in ROBIN & THE 7 HOODS (Circa. 1964)

Pajama Party (Circa. 1965)

Images of Toni Basil, Dean Stockwell and Wallace Bergman

Toni stars in Village of the Giants

Toni Basil still pictures taken by Dennis Hopper with Bruce Connor (Circa. 1965 and 1966)

Toni Basil in Head (1968)

EASY RIDER (Filmed Mar 1968 - May 1968, released July 14, 1969)

FIVE EASY PIECES (Filmed Nov 10, 1969 - Jan 3, 1970, released September 12, 1970)

Session 03

Late 60s and Early 70s

The Finding of Lamont: who told Toni about Don Campbel. Lamot is
The Runaway Freezes and Poses turned into Waacking (Circa. late 1960’s)

Pajama Party (Circa. 1964) Toni was the featured dancer and
Assistant Choreographer to David Winters

The Cool Ones choreographer (Circa. 1967)

“The Campbellock” (song) by Don Campbellock

Film “I am Don Campell” - Don Campell at The Grand Hotel in
OC with legendary Street Dancers.

The Lockers appear on third episode SNL with Penny Marshall and
Rob Reiner hosting featuring their television routines with
all solos and specialty tricks. (Circa. 1975)

Toni Basil documentary Street Star featuring Andrew Frank,
Billy Star, Jo Shabadoo at 5:53 Lamont Delafontaine performs
in Michael Bennet’s show Seesaw.

Toni Basil stars in Easy Rider (Circa. 1969) with Peter Fonda

Five Easy Pieces (Circa. 1969) Jack Nicholson, Karen Black and Helena Kallianiotes

The Living Theater: Frankenstein (Circa. late 1960’s) very influential live theatre production in Toni’s life.

Toni stars in the “The Last Movie” (Circa. 1971) with Dennis Hopper directing and an all-star cast including Dean Stockwell, Peter Fonda, Michelle Phillips, Kris Kristofferson, among others. This film was shot in Peru.

Toni was asked to choreograph the Roberta Flack Special on ABC television (Circa. 1973) produced by Dick Clark Productions and she took the opportunity to form The Cambell-Lockers. A dance created Don “Camblelock Campell. SEE ad in Variety Magazine (Circa. 1973) that then was later renamed The Lockers due to a song copyright over the name “The Campbellock”. NOTE: The Campbellock Dancers performed only seven engagements and were renamed “The Lockers”.

To name just a few of the hundreds of Performances of the Lockers live at MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas opened for Jimmy Dean, Taho (Cosby), Reno, Carnegie Hall with Sinatra and Radio City Music Hall, Ohio Players and Funkadelic’s. Television includes Soul Train, SNL, Midnight special to name few. (Circa. 1973 through 1976 with the seven originals; The Lockers changed the face of dance.

The Lockers perform in Los Angeles for Mayor Tom Bradley (Circa. 1974) a few of the many ads, publicity and reviews.

Toni Basil is chronicled on June 18, 1974, Soul Publication coined the phrase “Street Dance”.

David Bowie’s legendary “Diamond Dogs” Tour (Circa. 1974) christened the birth as “Rock Theatre”.

Toni Basil Co-Director & Choreographer Credit on the Program (Bowie)

Dance Magazine editor Bill Como’s on article with The Lockers (Circa. 1974) this is a monumental breakthrough for “Street Dance” as an American art form. Before the articles Dance Magazine only contained ballet and contemporary dance stars. This was a big breakthrough for street dance as an American art form.

After Dark cover and editor Bill Como article and the “Young Americans” album cover (Circa. 1975)

Toni Basil Choreography Bette Midler’s Songs from a New Depression Tour (Circa. 1976)

Toni Basil’s Show at The Roxy set by George Hermes pictured are dancers and singers Andrew Frank, Shabbado, Arthur Golf (Wackers) Chrissy Bocchino and sister Jerri Bocchino
Rehearsal photo for the Roxy (Circa. 1976)
Opening
Act 1

Backstage at the Roxy and after party photos with Toni Basil Mo Austin, Jerry Weintraub, Ken Krogen.

Toni Basil Television Pilot taken from the video Street Star

Toni Basil at the Fox Venice poster for Lavish Folles Bizarre! (Circa. 1978)

Session 04

1970s continued and 1980s

Fred Berry as Re-run TV’s What’s Happening (Circa. 1976-1979)

The Lockers on Midnight Special. (Circa. 1975)

Saturday Celebration closing number on the NBC Special that
The Lockers hosted and used as the pilot. (Circa. 1976)

The Lockers on SNL (Circa. 1975)

Toni Basil performs WHAM! Re-Bop on SNL (Circa. 1976)

Toni Basil creates / codirected with Gary Weiss “Swan Lake” on
film for SNL (Circa. 1978)

Toni Basil choreographs “Disco Inferno” for Tina Turner’s first
solo night club act (Circa. 1978)

Toni Basil choreographs film “The Rose” (Circa. 1979)
with Bette Midler & Sylvester

Toni Basil shoots the first three videos of her seven long form videos
from “Word of Mouth” - Space Girls, You Gotta Problem. Be Stiff from
“Word of Mouth” (Circa. 1981)

Toni Basil shoots “Mickey”, “Time after Time”, “Little Red Book”, and
“Nobody” that become the eventually Grammy nominated
long-form from “Word of Mouth” (Circa. 1981)

Behind the scenes of pictures from “Over My Head” music video (Circa. 1983) is pictured by Michelle Foelds.

Official Press Kit for “Word of Mouth” (circa. 1981-82) with Billboard Advertisement for the “Word of Mouth” Home Video album.

Toni Basil with her first of many certified Gold and Platinum record awards for “Hey Mickey” pictured with friend and frequent songwriting partner Allee Willis.

On December 11, 1982 Toni Basil tops the Billboard HOT 100 chart for her RIAA Platinum (2 Million copies) recording of “Hey Mickey”

Some of the television promotion stops include Dick Clark’s American Bandstand as well as Solid Gold.

Session 05

1980s continued

You Gotta Problem (Circa. 1981) Word of Mouth

You Gotta Problem (1982) from BBC Special

Be Stiff (Circa. 1981)

Space Girls (Circa. 1981)

Mickey (Circa. 1981) New Master

Little Red Book (Circa. 1981)

Nobody (Circa. 1981)

Thief on the Loose (1982 BBC Special – Tape 1 opening number)

Mickey (Shabba Doo & Spaz Attack BBC Special - Tape 1 Punk UK Version with Band; Circa. 1982)

You Gotta Problem (1982) from BBC Special – Tape 1 closing number

I Don’t Hear You BBC Special Tape 2 opening number

Toni Basil interviews Penguin, Shabba Doo, Popin Pete, and Spaz from BBC Special Tape 2

Best Performance from BBC Special Toni Basil Tape 2 (05:59)

Space Walking the Dog

Street Beat BBC Special Tape 2 closing number

Solid Gold “Mickey” Appearance 1 (Circa. 1982)

American Bandstand Appearance 1 (Circa. 1982)

American Bandstand with Dick Clark Interview (Circa. 1982)

Talking Heads – Once in a Lifetime (David Byrne Collaboration; Circa. 1981)

Shoppin’ from A to Z (Circa. 1983)

Solid Gold Appearance Shoppin’ from A to Z (Circa. 1983)

Crosseyed and Painless by Talking Heads (Circa. 1981)

Top of the Pops performance of "Mickey" (Circa. 1982)

Over My Head (Circa. 1983)

Smothers Brothers TV performance of “Street Beat” (Circa. 1988)

Solid Gold Appearance Over My Head (Circa. 1984)

American Bandstand Appearance 2 Over My Head (Circa. 1984)

David Bowie & Toni Basil (Circa. mid to late 1980’s)

Various promotional photos from “Word of Mouth” (circa. 1981)

“Hey Mickey” Video rehearsal and still shot from music video (circa. 1981)

26th Annual Grammy Awards nominated for “Word of Mouth” Best Video Album pictured with Duran Duran members Simon LeBon and Nick Rhodes (Circa. 1984).

Toni Basil at the MTV Awards with Cyndi Laper, Grace Slick, et al. (circa, 1984) where “Over My Head” was nominated for two awards including “Outstanding Choreography” opposite Micheal Jackson’s Thriller.

“Over My Head” 12” Single extended Club Mix

“Street Beat” Single

Toni Basil in costume from her second BBC Special singing ‘Best Performance” (circa. 1983).

Session 06

1980s – 1990s

The Lockers on a TV Commercial (mentioned out of chronological order). (Circa. 1975)

Toni Basil is interviewed by Dick Clark on ground in an episode of American Bandstand (Circa. 1982)

Toni Basil performs “Mickey” on Solid Gold (Circa. 1982)

Toni Basil performs “Shoppin’ from A to Z” on Solid Gold (Circa. 1983)

Toni Basil performs "Over My Head" on Solid Gold (Circa. 1984)

Toni Basil performs “Over My Head” on American Bandstand (Circa. 1984)

Toni Basil performs “Hey Mickey” LIVE on TV (Circa. 1990).

Toni Basil “Street Life” Performance on Smothers Brothers (Circa. 1988)

Toni Basil choreographs Linda Ronstadt (video) “You Took Advantage of Me” (Circa. 1984)

Toni Basil red carpet for her MTV Video Award nominations for “Over My Head” (Circa. 1984)

Toni Basil choreographs David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour (Circa. 1987)

Toni Basil choreographs Smothers Brother’s Emmy nominated
Swan Lake - performance with Poppin Pete Solomon,
Steven Skeeter Rabbit Nickolas, Terry Bixlar, Jazzy Jay Soul Fire. (Circa. 1988)

Toni Basil sings and dances LIVE on Smothers Brother’s with
a performance of “Street Beat” (Circa. 1988).

Toni Basil performs on the Smothers Brother’s Street Life.
Choreography by Toni Basil. Boogaloo Shrimp, Greg "Campbellock" Jr,
Wayne "Crescendo" Ward, T.C. Diamond, Terry Bixler, Jazzy J AKA Soul Fire ,
Kevin Columbus and Popping Pete (Circa. 1988)

Toni Basil performs on Smothers Brother’s LIVE Beethoven's Fifth,
Choreography by Toni Basil Starring Bruno "Poppin Taco" Falcon
with Popping Pete Solomon, Hugo Mr. Smooth Huzar, Skeeter Rabbit,
Anna "Lollipop" Sanchez, Kevin Columbus. (Circa. 1988)

Sesame Street - Toni Basil is the director, choreographer and
concept behind three segments “Feet”, “Four with the Godfathers” and
“Stop Dance” with Skeeter Rabbit and Anne-Marie Deangelo (Circa. 1999)

Toni Basil director / choreographer of Bette Midler’s
“Show Girl Must Go On” 2 -year residency at Caesars Palace. (Circa. 2008)

Toni Basil director, / choreographer on Bette Midler’s
“The Showgirls' Journey - a documentary film by Toni Basil for
Bette Midler. (Circa. 2008)

Toni Basil director / choreographer of “I Look Good”
by Bette Midler (Circa. 1999-2000)

Toni Basil director / choreographer “Divine Miss Millenium” (Circa. 2000)

Toni Basil director / choreographer Diva Las Vegas. (Circa. 1997)

Toni Basil director, choreographer “Show Girl Must Go On”

Glass Spider Tour (circa. 1987) Toni pictured Deborah Harry of Bondie and David Bowie backstage. Toni co- directed, choreographed and directed the show with David Bowie.

Pages from David Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour (circa. 1987) concert program with credits.

Toni Basil appears on the cover of Dance (Circa. 1988) with David Byrne. Edited by Bill Como.

Toni Basil choreographs Smothers Brother’s Emmy nominated Swan Lake - performance with Poppin Pete Solomon, Steven Skeeter Rabbit Nickolas, Terry Bixlar, Jazzy Jay Soul Fire and four classical ballerina’s. (Circa. 1988)

Toni Basil stars as Pheobe in “Rockula” a Musical / Horror film (Circa. 1990) and Slauer House Rock.

Toni Basil is out and about in 1980s and 1990s Poppin’ Taco.

Toni Basil is out and about in 1980s and 1990s Elvira and Paul Reubens.

Session 07

1990s, 2000, and Today

Toni Basil is the director, choreographer “Experience the Divine” (Circa. 1993)

“Shockin the House” Toni Basil creator and director of the
History of LA Street Dance featuring Popping Pete,
Skeeter Rabbit, The Lockers, Queen Anne Drill Team Girls,
Godfather’s, The Soul Brothers, Fatima Hop Girls.

Toni Basil choreographer of the film “My Best Friend’s Wedding”
and opening titles. (Circa. 1997)

Toni Basil choreographer of Legally Blonde “Bend and Snap” (Circa. 2001)

“Spread my Wings” by Troop with Choreography by Toni Basil
Assisted by Doc Clarke & Hugo "Mista Smooth" Huizar (Circa. 1989)

GAP Commercial - staged by Toni Basil Directed by Roman Coppola
including dancers Timothy "Popping Pete" Earl Solomon,
Stephen "Skeeter Rabbit" Nichols, Flo Master, Wade Robson, Flii Stylz (Circa. 2000)

Toni Basil performs “Hey Mickey” Live at New York City Center with
World Cup Shooting Stars at the Career Transition for Dancers Gala (Circa. 2004)

TV Land Awards “Salute to Soul Train" Choreographed by Toni Basil (Circa. 2005).

Toni Basil Salsa (Latin Period) her expertise in Salsa, Mambo, Afro Cuban,
Flamenco and Argentinean Tango, and in 1995 performing Guido and
Confana in two bands. (Circa. 1995 through 1998).

“Bust a Move” Street Dance Battle in Canada Judges Demo of Toni Basil (Circa. 2013).

Toni Basil, co-director and choreographer for Tina Turner Final Tour (Circa. 2009)

Toni Basil judging on So You Think You Can Dance? seen here Judging
Twitch from the Ellen Degeneres Show (Circa. 2008)

Toni Basil interviewed at Judging at HHI World Battles Locking (Circa. 2014)

Toni Basil Viral Video in dance studio and at home studio (Circa. 2017)

Toni Basil Judges Demo Freestyle Session (Circa. 2017)

Once upon a Time in Hollywood (circa. 2018) Quentin Tarantino
talks about Toni Basil “Eye on LA”

Living Legend of Hip Hop Honoree (Intro) (2009).

Judges Demo Toni Basil, AKA Ya, Suga Pop Judge's Demo (Circa. 2019)

Toni Basil on Japanese TV show

Toni Basil working with / directing / choreographer on
Tina Turner 50th Anniversary Tour– closing of Act 1 (Circa. 2009)

Toni Basil choreographer for Legally Blonde - “Bend and Snap”

Toni Basil in Korea Judges Demo (Circa. 2012)

Toni Basil presents a 1960’s Go-go dance zoom series with
dances steps songs and film clips. (Circa. 2022)

Toni’s 60s Go-Go Class (Tribute to Tina Turner)

Quintin Tarantino talks about Toni Basil on Eye on LA
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (Circa. 2018)

Toni Basil choreographs That Thing You Do (Circa. 1996)

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Trailer)

Head—Toni Basil Choreography for Daddy's Song assisted by Jimmy Hibbard.
"Daddy's Song" with Davey Jones (The Monkees)(Circa. 1968)

Grammy Museum An Evening with Toni Basil (2023)
Link available at Grammy Museum’s Interview Website

Toni Basil Salsa (Latin Period) her expertise in Salsa, Mambo, Afro Cuban, Flamenco and Argentinean Tango, and in 1995 performing Guido in two bands Son Mayor and Cecelia Noel and the wild Clams. (Circa. 1995 through 1998).

Toni Basil performs “Hey Mickey” Live at New York City Center with World Cup Shooting Stars at the Career Transition for Dancers Gala (Circa. 2004) Featured in the New York Times on October 27, 2004.

Toni Basil - Camp Hollywood Judge (Circa. -1998-2017)

Toni Basil Lecturing and Judging

Toni Basil collaborates with Lilly Tomlin’s “Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” LA stage touring production. (Circa. 2003)

A still from the recurring character Delores Delago from Bette Midler’s multiple tours and Vegas residencies that Toni Basil was the choreographer and later choreographed and co-directed for Bette Midler.

Toni Basil, pictured with Tina Turner. Toni Basil co-directed and choreographed Tina’s first club tour, What’s Love? (Circa. 1983), Wildest Dreams (1996) and Tina Turner Final Tour (Circa. 2009)

American Graffiti Poster Italian Version (Circa. 1973)

Living Legend of Hip Hop Honoree (circa. 2009) Howard Swatz, Don Cambellcock, Boogaloo Sam

Palm Desert Choreography Festival 2022 (Circa. 2022)

Toni Basil and some of her famous friends and collaborators Bette Midler, Donna Lewis, Russ Stabler, George Chakiris, David Lee Roth, Margaret O’Brien, Adele, Paula Adul, (Circa. 2000 to present)