The Nylons
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in Toronto, Canada |
| Defunct | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
Area served | Canada, United States |
Key people | Claude Morrison (founding member) |
| Products | A cappella music albums and singles |
The Nylons were a Toronto-based Canadian a cappella ensemble established in 1978, recognized primarily for their renditions of popular songs such as "Happy Together", "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".
At the time of their disbandment, the group consisted of Claude Morrison (tenor), Garth Mosbaugh (tenor/baritone), Gavin Hope (baritone/tenor/bass), and Tyrone Gabriel (bass/baritone). Morrison remained the only founding member through to their retirement. Their music collection has been re-released on CD by Unidisc Music.
The band ceased activities in 2016, completing their final tour in 2017.
Career
The founding lineup included Claude Morrison (tenor), Paul Cooper (baritone), Marc Connors (tenor), and Denis Simpson (bass). After Simpson departed in 1979 to pursue theatre, Ralph Cole took his place. Initially, all founding members identified as gay men; however, subsequent rosters featured both gay and non-gay vocalists. Cole exited in 1981 and was succeeded by Arnold Robinson.
During the mid-1980s, The Nylons increased their visibility by appearing on children's programming such as Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show and performed the theme song for the sitcom Throb. They also made an appearance on the Super Dave Osborne Show in 1987.
A significant moment in their career was performing "O Canada" at Game 6 of the 1992 World Series in Atlanta, prior to the Toronto Blue Jays securing their inaugural championship.
In 1990, Paul Cooper retired and was replaced by Micah Barnes. Following Marc Connors’ death in 1991 due to AIDS-related causes, Billy Newton-Davis joined as tenor. Both Newton-Davis and Barnes left in 1994 to focus on solo projects; Garth Mosbaugh and Gavin Hope filled their roles. Hope departed in 1997, with Mark Cassius stepping in until Tyrone Gabriel replaced him in 2005. After Arnold Robinson retired in 2006, Hope returned as baritone while Gabriel transitioned to bass.
Paul Cooper died from cardiac arrest in 2013 at age 63.
On May 30, 2014, The Nylons reunited for a concert in Toronto featuring all living former and current members.
Their final tour took place across Canada during late 2016 before officially disbanding in 2017.
Members
- Marc Connors (tenor, 1978–1991) (deceased March 1991)*
- Paul Cooper (baritone, 1978–1990) (deceased December 29, 2013)*
- Claude Morrison (tenor, 1978–2017) (deceased April 22, 2025)*
- Denis Simpson (bass, 1978–1979) (deceased October 22, 2010)*
- Ralph Cole (bass, 1979–1981) (deceased; interred in Manitoba, Canada)
- Arnold Robinson (bass, 1981–2006) (deceased March 16, 2013)
- Micah Barnes (baritone, 1990–1994)
- Billy Newton-Davis (tenor, 1991–1994)
- Garth Mosbaugh (tenor, 1994–2017)
- Gavin Hope (baritone, 1994–1997, 2006–2017)
- Mark Cassius (baritone, 1997–2005)
- Tyrone Gabriel (baritone, 2005; bass, 2006–2017) (deceased January 11, 2022)
- Indicates original founding members.
Discography
Between 1982 and 1989, albums were released through Attic Records in Canada and Windham Hill in the United States; from 1989 until 1996 under the BMG's Scotti Brothers label; and following 1997 on Shoreline Records.
- Some People (1980, EP)
- The Nylons (1982) – #8 Canada
- One Size Fits All (1982) – #59 Australia / #25 Canada
- Seamless (1984) – #133 Billboard 200 / #40 Canada
- Happy Together (1987) – #43 Billboard 200 / #45 Canada
- Rockapella (1989) – #60 Canada
- The Very Best of The Nylons (1989, compilation)
- 4 on the Floor (1991, live)
- Live to Love (1992)
- The Best of the Nylons (1993, compilation)
- Illustrious: A Collection of Classic Hits (1993, compilation)
- Because... (1994; also known as Another Fine Mesh)
- Harmony: The Christmas Songs (1994)
- Run for Cover (1996)
- Hits of the 60's: A Cappella Style (1997, compilation)
- Fabric of Life (1997)
- Perfect Fit (1997, compilation)
- A Wish for You (1999)
- Lost and Found (1999; unreleased tracks and new arrangements)
- Fabric of Life: Vocal Percussion Remix (2000)
- Play On (2002)
- Sterling (2006; double album featuring new material)
- Skintight (2011)
Singles
Run For Cover| Year | Track | Highest Chart Rankings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can.Top Singles | AUS | US Hot 100 | US Adult | Album | ||
| 1982 | "Up the Ladder to the Roof" | - | - | - | - | One Size Fits All |
| 1986 | "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" | 91 | - | - | - | The Nylons |
| 1987 | "Kiss Him Goodbye" | 15 | 93 | 12 | 10 | Happy Together |
| "Happy Together" | - | - | 75 | 16 | ||
| 1989 | "Poison Ivy" | - | - | - | - | Rockapella |
| "Wildfire" | 53 | - | - | - | ||
| 1994/95 | "Time Of The Season" | 32 | - | - | - | Because |
| "Love T. K. O." | 39 | - | - | - | ||
| 1996 | "God Only Knows" | 83 | ||||