Toni Basil's journey in the entertainment industry began with her work as a dancer and assistant choreographer, contributing to the iconic show Hullabaloo in 1965, choreographed by David Winters. She went on to make a lasting impact in the film industry, choreographing the 1973 hit American Graffiti and appearing in notable films, including the cult classic Easy Rider in 1969.
Following her early success, Basil launched her music career with the release of her debut album, "Word of Mouth", in 1981, which was a groundbreaking innovation in the music industry at the time. The album was released as both a record and a video, and it included the catchy single "Mickey", which would go on to become a massive hit worldwide, initially topping the charts in Britain.
The song's success was followed by the release of Basil's self-titled second album in 1984, which featured the American Top 40 hit "Over My Head". Although she would not achieve the same level of chart success in the future, Basil remained a prolific and in-demand artist, appearing in films such as Rockula in 1990 and making guest appearances on popular TV shows like Baywatch in the late 1990s.
Throughout her career, Basil has also utilized her choreographer talents to work with renowned artists, including Bette Midler and David Bowie. In 1998, she choreographed a successful advertising campaign for The Gap, cementing her status as a versatile and innovative artist in the entertainment industry.
