Tony Bird Cancer Fund Continues: See Update #6
Donation protected
Iconic African folk-rock singer/songwriter Tony Bird was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in 2018. The cancer had spread to his pelvic area and spine. Through his dedication to a rigorous regimen of various treatments, and with the loving support of his partner Joyce, he has been making good progress and is encouraged and optimistic.
Shortly after his diagnosis, Tony experienced severely impaired use of his legs. He has had to temporarily abandon his music career, and both he and Joyce are unable to pursue any additional wage-earning endeavors while dealing with all of the medical and personal challenges. As is to be expected, there have been both some improvements and some setbacks during the past few months, but the couple is singly focused on recovery.
Of British heritage, Charles Anthony Bird was born and raised in the former British colony of Nyasaland, now Malawi, and his music has been deeply influenced by his southern African roots. His songs evoke the richness of the African landscapes and culture and reflect the various struggles during the era of colonialism and apartheid. His eclectic music incorporates African rhythms and sounds, resulting in a unique voice and personalized guitar style.
After leaving Africa for the British and overseas folk scenes in the mid '70s, Bird eventually settled permanently in New York City in 1980. Over the years, he has performed in the US, Canada, Europe and England. A prolific songwriter, Tony brings the fresh perspective of his American, African and world experience to his more recent music, while continuing to please audiences with the deeply African-influenced songs that originally drew them to him.
While Bird fans immediately recall his very popular “Mango Time,” Tony’s other original recordings include such songs as “Tssik Tssik Tsa,” “Zambezi-Zimbabwe,” “Nothing But Time,” “Athlone Incident,” “Cape of Flowers,” “The Mynah Birds” and “Sorry Africa.” Samples of his music, as well as his bio, can be found at www.mangotime.net
Some other relevant links are:
Article by Paul Mark Phillips, British music journalist/CBS Records A&R:
https://driver67.com/2014/08/05/looked-for-sugarman-found-him-now-wheres-tony-bird/
Tony Bird closing the 1983 Winnipeg Folk Festival
The artist in Tony is eager to get back to his preferred purpose in life, making and sharing his music. A long affliction with Lyme disease, which he did eventually overcome, preceded his cancer diagnosis. With his inability to perform or record for an extended period of time, financial issues have become overwhelming. Now focused solely on recovering from cancer, Tony could use some help.
Perhaps one could say it IS “Mango Time”- time to give something back to this unique artist who has given so much of himself. So, let's get him well, performing again and back on the road!
Your support and encouragement is deeply appreciated. While Tony may not be able to perform at this point in time, the creative juices have not stopped flowing, and he finds that his newest songs are ones that reflect his deep gratitude to the caregivers and loving friends who have helped him along the way throughout this new and challenging experience.
Shortly after his diagnosis, Tony experienced severely impaired use of his legs. He has had to temporarily abandon his music career, and both he and Joyce are unable to pursue any additional wage-earning endeavors while dealing with all of the medical and personal challenges. As is to be expected, there have been both some improvements and some setbacks during the past few months, but the couple is singly focused on recovery.
Of British heritage, Charles Anthony Bird was born and raised in the former British colony of Nyasaland, now Malawi, and his music has been deeply influenced by his southern African roots. His songs evoke the richness of the African landscapes and culture and reflect the various struggles during the era of colonialism and apartheid. His eclectic music incorporates African rhythms and sounds, resulting in a unique voice and personalized guitar style.
After leaving Africa for the British and overseas folk scenes in the mid '70s, Bird eventually settled permanently in New York City in 1980. Over the years, he has performed in the US, Canada, Europe and England. A prolific songwriter, Tony brings the fresh perspective of his American, African and world experience to his more recent music, while continuing to please audiences with the deeply African-influenced songs that originally drew them to him.
While Bird fans immediately recall his very popular “Mango Time,” Tony’s other original recordings include such songs as “Tssik Tssik Tsa,” “Zambezi-Zimbabwe,” “Nothing But Time,” “Athlone Incident,” “Cape of Flowers,” “The Mynah Birds” and “Sorry Africa.” Samples of his music, as well as his bio, can be found at www.mangotime.net
Some other relevant links are:
Article by Paul Mark Phillips, British music journalist/CBS Records A&R:
https://driver67.com/2014/08/05/looked-for-sugarman-found-him-now-wheres-tony-bird/
Tony Bird closing the 1983 Winnipeg Folk Festival
The artist in Tony is eager to get back to his preferred purpose in life, making and sharing his music. A long affliction with Lyme disease, which he did eventually overcome, preceded his cancer diagnosis. With his inability to perform or record for an extended period of time, financial issues have become overwhelming. Now focused solely on recovering from cancer, Tony could use some help.
Perhaps one could say it IS “Mango Time”- time to give something back to this unique artist who has given so much of himself. So, let's get him well, performing again and back on the road!
Your support and encouragement is deeply appreciated. While Tony may not be able to perform at this point in time, the creative juices have not stopped flowing, and he finds that his newest songs are ones that reflect his deep gratitude to the caregivers and loving friends who have helped him along the way throughout this new and challenging experience.
Organizer
Joyce Kegeles
Organizer
Worcester, MA
