Part 2 of 2 from Dr. Campbell's interview with Tone B. Nimble for our Champions of the Culture: Modern Advocates Preserving Black Music special season. Anthony Fields, aka Tone B. Nimble, has been a vital entity, on the music scene, for over 35 years. His calling started in the mid-1980’s as a DJ spinning House, Disco, and Electro in Chicago’s flourishing underground scene. With an open mind and ear, Tone branched out into hip-hop early in his career. Tone’s musical journey includes: Mixshow DJ, several DJ residencies, Music Buyer, Label Owner, and Recording Artist.
In 2011, Tone started Al-Tone Edits with partner Al Bumz, a disco edit label devoted
to featuring lesser known Soul, Disco, and Gospel tunes. With support from the likes of Gilles Peterson, Sadar Bahar and many others. Al-Tone Edits is regarded as a label for Disco savants. Eleven volumes deep, Al-Tone Edits continues to grow in exposure, while opening doors for the duo. More recently Tone developed a following for “Soul Is My Salvation” a music series dedicated to dance and DJ friendly Gospel tunes. The series has released three mixtapes (Record Breakin’ Music) and nine 45’s (Rain & Shine), with plans to expand into installations centered around this same theme.
In 2019 Tone opened Conservatory Vintage and Vinyl with his wife Chogie. The store focuses on vinyl records and mid century modern furniture. Known for its great selection of soul and jazz, the shop hosts some of the world’s most respected record collectors for digging and DJ sessions. Presently Conservatory Vintage and Vinyl is Tone’s primary focus, with an occasional DJ gig, and his ongoing research in gospel music.