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Emerson Hart
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Emerson Hart (born July 21, 1969 in South Orange, New Jersey) is a songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and producer.
Emerson Lee Hart formed the alternative band Tonic in 1993 with guitarist and childhood friend Jeff Russo, bassist Dan Rothchild and drummer Kevin Shepard. After inking a deal to write songs for EMI publishing and playing around Los Angeles, the foursome signed with Atlas/Polydor Records in 1995. On their first release, producer Jack Joseph Puig (who produced albums for Jellyfish, The Black Crowes, and Semisonic) gave Tonic a decidedly rootsy, but rocking feel. The album, titled Lemon Parade, was released in 1996 and quickly became a mainstream success - selling multi-platinum and scoring enormous radio success with the hit songs, “If You Could Only See" and "Open Up Your Eyes". "If You Could Only See" went on to become radio's most played Rock Song at radio in 1997.
After replacing bass-player Rothchild with Dan Lavery, the band contributed to soundtracks including "You Wanted More" for American Pie, Scream 2, The X-Files, and Clay Pigeons before returning in 1999 with their second album Sugar. Again, the band was welcomed at rock radio with the singles, "Knock Down Walls" and "You Wanted More." In 2002, Tonic returned with their third LP, Head On Straight. "Take Me As I Am" was a smash hit on modern rock radio. However, Tonic's shining moment came early in 2003 when they received two Grammy nominations - one for best Rock Performance By Duo or Group With Vocal for "Take Me As I Am" and the second for Best Rock Album.
In 2002 Emerson also wrote and performed the song "Generation" for the hit NBC TV show American Dreams. The song garnered an ASCAP award for Best Theme Song-Television. Emerson made the decision in 2004 to begin writing and recording for his first solo album and plans to release his solo effort in 2007.
He married actress Nicole Taylor Hart in 2000. Their wedding was featured in the 2001 February issue of In Style magazine.
In February of 2007 Hart signed a solo record deal with EMI/Blue Note/Back Porch Records to release his debut solo effort "Cigarettes and Gasoline".