# Toni Basil

> American singer, actress, choreographer, dancer, and director (born 1943)

**Wikidata**: [Q242889](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q242889)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toni_Basil)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/toni-basil

## Summary
Toni Basil is an American singer, actress, choreographer, dancer, and director born in 1943. She is best known for her 1982 hit single "Mickey," which became a global pop culture phenomenon and remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s.

## Biography
- Born: 1943
- Nationality: United States
- Known for: Achieving international fame with the song "Mickey" (1982) and her distinctive dance style.
- Employer(s): Chrysalis Records (record label)
- Field(s): Music, film, television, choreography

## Contributions
- **Music**: Released "Mickey" in 1982, which topped charts worldwide and became a defining song of the 1980s.
- **Film and Television**: Appeared in films and television shows, including *The Mickey Mouse Club* (1980).
- **Choreography**: Developed her signature dance style, which became a cultural touchstone.

## FAQs
- **What is Toni Basil known for?**
  Toni Basil is known for her 1982 hit single "Mickey," which became a global sensation and remains iconic.

- **Where has Toni Basil worked?**
  She has worked with Chrysalis Records and appeared in various film and television projects.

- **What genres of music did Toni Basil perform?**
  She performed pop and new wave music, with "Mickey" being a defining example of the latter.

## Why They Matter
Toni Basil's "Mickey" revolutionized pop music in the 1980s, blending new wave influences with catchy hooks. The song's success paved the way for similar dance-pop acts and cemented her legacy as a one-hit wonder with lasting cultural impact.

## Notable For
- Released "Mickey" in 1982, which became a global hit and a defining song of the decade.
- Worked with Chrysalis Records, a major British record label.
- Performed in film and television, including *The Mickey Mouse Club*.

## Body
### Early Life
Toni Basil was born in 1943. Little is known about her early life, but she began performing in the entertainment industry in the 1960s.

### Career
Toni Basil's career began in the 1960s, with early work in film and television. She gained widespread recognition in 1982 with the release of "Mickey," which topped charts worldwide. The song's success was driven by its catchy melody, distinctive dance style, and cultural relevance.

### Music and Dance
Toni Basil's signature dance style, which she developed for "Mickey," became a defining feature of the song. The song's success led to a resurgence of interest in new wave and dance-pop music in the 1980s.

### Film and Television
Toni Basil appeared in various film and television projects, including *The Mickey Mouse Club* (1980). Her work in these mediums helped establish her as a versatile performer.

### Legacy
Toni Basil's "Mickey" remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1980s. The song's influence can be seen in later pop and dance music, and its cultural impact continues to be felt today.

## References

1. Museum of Modern Art online collection
2. datos.bne.es
3. [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com/artist/toni-basil/)
4. [Library of Congress Authorities](http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n92119923)
5. [The Movie Database](https://www.themoviedb.org/person/8964-toni-basil)
6. [German National Library](https://d-nb.info/gnd/134322517)
7. [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/PDS-Gypsy-Awards-to-Honor-George-Chakiris-and-Barrie-Chase-Choreography-Award-To-Toni-Basil-20180314)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. MusicBrainz
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
13. Integrated Authority File
14. [International Standard Name Identifier](https://isni.org/isni/000000006302027X)
15. [International Standard Name Identifier](https://isni.org/isni/0000000396897969)
16. CONOR.SI
17. BBC Things
18. Discogs
19. The Movie Database
20. [Source](http://www.moma.org/collection/works/118262)
21. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data