Toni Basil

Toni Basil (born Antonia Christina Basilotta on September 22, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a musician, video artist, actress, and choreographer.

Music career

Her recording career began in 1966 with a rare one-off single for A&M Records, the title song from the film Breakaway. Although she appeared three times as musical guest during the first season Saturday Night Live in 1975–76, it wasn't until 1981 that she recorded a follow-up, the hit song "Mickey". The music video for "Mickey" was released in 1982 and was one of the most popular of the early MTV videos. In the video, Basil wore a Las Vegas High School cheerleader uniform, the same school from which she graduated. It should be noted that this song is in fact a cover of "Kitty", a 1980 release by UK band Racey. "Mickey" itself would be covered in a parody by "Weird Al" Yankovic as "Ricky".

Related Topics:
1966 - A&M Records - Saturday Night Live - 1975 - 76 - 1981 - Mickey - Music video - 1982 - MTV - Las Vegas High School - Cheerleader - Cover - 1980 - UK - "Weird Al" Yankovic

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Furthermore, she is said to have helped bring street dance to prominence with her breakdancing group, The Lockers.

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