Why TOAST mattered more to Bananarama ... Hit Producer Tony Swain on the 80s

Find out the answer in this interview.

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As part of the production duo Jolley & Swain, Tony Swain was involved in some of the greatest songs of the early 80s, with a legacy that inspired Frankie Knuckles in the development of House Music.

Tony started his career as a cameraman on the Muppet show - he was there when Bowie and Bing Crosby sang 'Little Drummer Boy'. But it was in 1981 that his production skills were first feted after producing Imagination's 'Body Talk', an album so new and fresh, that Frankie Knuckles cited one track - Burnin' Up as an influence on House Music. Even Madonna, whose career was about to make it through the wilderness, called him up, desperate to work with him.

But Tony's schedule didn't fit with hers. Instead, he went on to produce the first two albums with Imagination and also a remix album of their hits. At the same time, he worked with Bananarama, producing the album 'Cruel Summer', with Alison Moyet on Alf, and most notably 'True' and the follow-up album 'Parade' for Spandau Ballet.

This is Tony's story, a man who has remained fascinated by technology, and its uses in creating new and inventive sounds. One of the reasons he believes is why the 80s remain interesting to music lovers today.