He attended Howard University where Donald Byrd, head of the jazz studies department, assembled a group of students which became the fusion band the Blackbyrds, led by Toney. The band played with Chick Corea, The Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, and Grover Washington Jr. Seven albums by the band were released.
A student at Howard University was brought together by Donald Byrd, head of the jazz studies department, to create a group that would eventually become the fusion band the Blackbyrds, led by Toney. The band collaborated with notable musicians such as Chick Corea, The Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, and Grover Washington Jr., releasing seven albums.