Tony Antonio | SoultoneCymbals.com

Tony Antonio

Tony Antonio

Tony was born and raised in Lansing Michigan. His love affair with the drums started at age 10. On his 13th birthday he acquired a set of Ludwig’s just about the same time the Beatles first aired on The Ed Sullivan Show…say no more. From that point on Like Mom said,” I could not get him off that set of drums…no way”. With countless hours of wood shedding and paying dues Tony is an accomplished drummer, well rounded and versatile in his craft. Tony began playing with numerous bands in the Michigan area. He cut his teeth and planted a strong foundation in laying down the groove which he learned at a young age by playing the “chitlin circuit” from Detroit to Chicago which has contributed to 45 years of experience on the drums.

Tony’s humble beginnings included the bands “Flying Rock Circus and ‘Ricebird” which guided him in the world of Latin rhythms and Rock and Roll. “Cloudburst” which was known as Michigan’s premier funk band, and “Mission” a notable R&B blues band were two of the bands Tony toured with in the 70s. “JAKKI” was formed from members of Mission and Cloudburst JAKKI produced a top 10 recording in the Billboard charts called “Sun. Sun, Sun. The national exposure JAKKI received took the band to New York City where Tony had the opportunity to study with Joe Morello, Victor Lewis and Louie Bellson who opened up new doors to the world of Jazz and Be Bop for Tony.

Tony has played and toured with some of the worlds legendary old school performers, Billy Ektsein, Mel Torm’e, Joe Williams, John Hendricks, Bo Diddly, Danny and The Juniors, Dell Shannon, Drifters, Platters, and Rick Nelson just to name a few. Tony now resides in Denver Colorado where, he has performed and toured with Rob Mullins, Images, Lannie Garrett, Pan Jumbies, Nelson Rangell, Romance Languages, The Billy Boehmer Quarter, Joe Keel and the Action Orchestra, Steve Conn, Ron Henry, Vic Cionetti, countless Broadway shows and studio sessions. Currently Tony is 1st call drummer for “Moment’s Notice Entertainment “the prominent Colorado agency for music and entertainment worldwide www.momentsnotice.com. Tony has laid down his roots in Denver Colorado where he plays local gigs and creates and records in his home studio.

You can hear Tony on Vic Cionetti’s new release, “Spellbound” www.viccionetti.com.

Tony currently endorses: Yamaha Drums and Soultone Cymbals