ArtistInfo

Tony Travalini

g, GB
Musician of R&B/Soul and Rock

Tony was raised in Valley Cottage, NY - a small town about 25 miles north of New York City. His musical career started after the British invasion of the Beatles, which inspired him to start playing the guitar at the age of twelve. His love for music continued throughout the years in which he played many different genres in numerous bands. he became a guitar virtuoso locally - playing everything from Rock and Roll to R&B. He continued music studies at SUNY under Professor Hiam Elisha and at the Westchester Conservatory of Music where he studied classical guitar and jazz guitar with Chuck Wayne. Tony continued playing in local bands as well as a number of clubs. Occasionally he would be approached by individuals with promises of fame and fortune - but they always turned out to be just hopes and dreams. His luck changed however! Teddy Randazzo (he was not familiar with him at all) - was in the audience of one club and requested to meet him. Teddy complimented him on his expertise and suggested that he should be recording. . In the late 70’s Tony got his first break! One of the songs Teddy and Tony wrote - “Shadow of your love” - was recorded by the legendary Motown Temptations. he actually participated in that recording session as a player as well as many of their other recordings! Teddy Randazzo and Tony continued to do studio work. They were doing sessions with other producers and song writers like the late great Don Costa - one of Frank Sinatra’s and Paul Anka’s producers and arrangers - as well as Bobby Hart, who wrote many of the hits of the “Monkees”. One of his most unforgettable experiences was the honor to work with “Mr. Showmanship” himself - Liberace. His second break came shortly after. he recorded his first single on the Gordy record label of Motown called “This Is It” - co-written and produced by Teddy Randazzo. This song was also featured on the soundtrack of the movie “It’s My Turn” - starring Michael Douglas and the late Jill Clayberg. Diana Ross sang the title track of the movie “It’s my Turn”. During the early 80’s Tony started to work with his new manager Bob Marcucci - aka “The Idol Maker” who gave him his first Movie role in “Stitches” with Parker Stevenson and the late Eddie Albert. Unfortunately in 1985 he suffered a serious accident, which nearly cost him his left hand.

Genres

• R&B/Soul
• Rock