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.
At Howard University, Donald Byrd, head of the jazz studies department, gathered a group of students that would eventually form the fusion band the Blackbyrds, led by Toney. The band shared the stage with prominent musicians such as Chick Corea, The Crusaders, Herbie Hancock, and Grover Washington Jr., releasing seven albums.