Tony Rio
How many modern country singers can say they got their start as a saxophone player for old folks homes?
That is exactly how Tony Rio’s road to country music and putting on amazing live performances began.
Tony learned to play sax from the Great Phil Polumbo. Instead of paying for lessons, he would set up gear in trade for lessons at the community Italian Center Hall while in college. Even at an early age, he was bitten by the music bug. Despite coming from a family where no one played music, he knew right away that it was his calling.
Playing saxophone in retirement homes was not, however, the path that Tony wanted to take. So he learned to play drums and eventually put together a country band called Relentless. As the band grew in popularity, Tony needed to be out front. He is an entertainer in every sense of the word and live for rush that comes from being in front of a crowd.
Fast forward and Tony Rio has become one of the most sought after entertainers! Tony began writing songs and recording music for his fans that were his own style and sold thousands of copies at all his live shows! With his style and Songs Tony then caught the attention of Dan Mitchell, producer,song writer in Nashville, Tennesee(if your gonna play in texas you gotta have a fiddle in the band, Alabama.) His unique vocals, song wiritng and selection brought Dan to help produce Tony’s 1st Nashville recording artist credit in the largest studio in Nashville titled Dance.
Tony didn’t write every song on the Dance Cd, no, he had the biggest song writers in Nashville giving him a few big hit numbers. Jeffrey Steele who has had countless number 1 hits with the likes of Tim Mcraw, Faith Hill, Mongomery Gentry, lended his skills to the project. Dan Mitchell, not only lended a producers credit, he wrote the song, Hilljack and let Tony Put that on his CD.
Now, Back in Nashville, Tony is recording his NEW EP again with Dan Mitchell. The new single Maybe It’s you was penned by Tony Rio and Tommy Cole. Finally, a song that doesn’t talk about trucks or chics in skirts or blue jean nights, no, this hit number was written with the relationship in mind that, hey, maybe you’re the problem not me. This is sure to be a huge success. The new Music video is now being released and has already got everybody talking.
The New EP will have 5 new songs for his fans to enjoy. The other songs on the Cd were also written by Tony Rio and Matt Chambers who Plays lead guitar and is on tour with Tony right now.
While on the road the past few years, Tony has built his brand through his compelling lyrics and dynamic live show – a combination that attracted a strong underground band of believers who shared Tony’s passion for life and music; pretty soon his following had taken on a life of its own.
Life is Short, says Tony Rio, Do what you love, and share it with others!! Do something and make it great!!
So do yourself a favor…listen to Tony’s music! Better yet, catch one of his live shows and you will see why Tony Rio is one of today fastest rising stars of country music.