Toni Basil, known as one of new wave’s unforgettable one-hit wonders, made a remarkable mark in the music industry with the infectious cheerleader-chant single ‘Mickey.’ Born as Antonia Christina Basilotta in Philadelphia, her birth year sources vary from 1943 to 1950. Her high school years in Las Vegas saw her actively involved in the cheerleading squad, setting the stage for her future path. Transitioning from high school, she ventured into the world of go-go dancing and swiftly transitioned to choreography, showcasing her talents on popular ’60s television programs like Shindig and The T.A.M.I. Show. Her film debut in 1964 alongside Annette Funicello in Pajama Party, which she also choreographed, marked the beginning of her multifaceted career. In 1966, Basil released her first single ’28,’ featuring the Graham Gouldman-penned track on the A-side and the title song from Bruce Conner’s Breakaway on the B-side, a film in which she also appeared as a dancer.
Tackling acting roles in iconic films such as Easy Rider, alongside Jack Nicholson in Five Easy Pieces, and with Dennis Hopper in The Last Movie, Basil showcased her versatility across the entertainment industry. During the ’70s, her choreography skills graced the screens of films like American Graffiti and The Rose, and she even contributed to David Bowie’s 1974 concert tour. In the late ’70s, Basil founded her urban-style dance group, the Lockers, and expanded her artistic horizon to music video directing, notably directing the groundbreaking video for Talking Heads’ ‘Once in a Lifetime.’ Signing with Chrysalis in 1981, she released her debut album ‘Word of Mouth,’ featuring the iconic track ‘Mickey’ that propelled her to international success. Despite the grandeur of ‘Mickey,’ subsequent singles like ‘Shoppin’ From A to Z’ and ‘Over My Head’ struggled on the charts, leading to her 1983 self-titled album not meeting the same acclaim. Nonetheless, Basil embraced her diverse talents, revisiting her acting and choreography roots in notable productions like Delirious, That Thing You Do, and My Best Friend’s Wedding.