Tony Pantano
Background information
Born(1948-01-20)January 20, 1948
Messina, Italy
DiedJanuary 7, 2023(2023-01-07) (aged 74)
Australia
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
Years active1965–2023
Labels

Tony Pantano (January 20, 1948[1] – January 7, 2023) was an Italian-born Australian musician, singer, songwriter, and actor.[2]

Early years and bands

Tony Pantano was born in Messina, Italy and arrived in Australia with his parents in 1956.[2]

At the age of 12, Tony worked with his father at local Italian dances and weddings, playing slap bass and singing. At the age of 15 he formed his own pop group Isy and the Dynamics. Isy and the Dynamics recorded the single "One Night/Let Bygones Begone" on the In label in 1965.[2]

Pantano changed his style from pop to Latin American when he joined the group Sammy and The Dolphins as their lead vocalist and bass player. Sammy and The Dolphins released the one extended play titled, The Dolphins At Sergio's Rendezvous, recorded at the Allan Eaton Recording Studios in Melbourne. Following this release, Tony did a tour of Vietnam entertaining the troops. On his return to Australia he entered the talent show Showcase and won his way to the Grand Final.[2]

Solo career

Pantano's first single "Every Time You Touch Me" was released in 1971 on the Air label and reached the Australian top 40.[2]

A second single "Tonight" was released on the His Master's Voice label and peaked at number 80 on the Australian charts.[2]

Personal life and death

Pantano was the grandfather of Australian comedian and Australia's Got Talent semi-finalist JJ Pantano.[3]

On 7 January 2023, it was announced that Pantano had died from cancer, at the age of 74.[4][5]

Discography

Albums

List of albums with selected details
Title Details
Tony Pantano
  • Released: 1975
  • Label: Image (ILP749)
  • Format: Vinyl, Cassette
Tonight!
  • Released: 1976
  • Label: Image (ILP790)
  • Format: Vinyl, Cassette

Charting singles

Year Title Peak chart
positions
AUS
[6]
1971 "Every Time You Touch Me" 24
"Tonight" 80

Awards

Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards (commonly known informally as the Mo Awards), were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016. Pantano won 11 awards in that time.[7]

Year Nominee / work Award Result (wins only)
1975 Tony Pantano Male Vocal of the Year Won
1983 Tony Pantano Male Vocal of the Year Won
1984 Tony Pantano Male Vocal Entertainer of the Year Won
1986 Tony Pantano Male Vocal Entertainer of the Year Won
1989 Tony Pantano Cabaret Performer of the Year Won
Tony Pantano Male Vocal Cabaret Entertainer of the Year Won
1990 Tony Pantano Cabaret Performer of the Year Won
2006 Tony Pantano Ricky May Male Vocal Performer of the Year Won
2008 Tony Pantano Ricky May Male Vocal Performer of the Year Won
2009 Tony Pantano Ricky May Male Vocal Performer of the Year Won
2012 Tony Pantano Ricky May Male Vocal Performer of the Year Won

References

  1. ↑ Pantano, Tony. My Tributes. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "TONY PANTANO". History of Aussie Music. September 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  3. ↑ "JJ Pantano - At the 7th hour of the 7th day of January the..." www.facebook.com. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
  4. ↑ "Muore Tony Pantano. Se ne va un'icona italo-australiana della musica". Allora! Online. 7 January 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2023.
  5. ↑ Cashmere, Paul (9 January 2023). "Australian Entertainer Tony Pantano Has Passed Away". Noise 11. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  6. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 228. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  7. ↑ "MO Award Winners". Mo Awards. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
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