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You see, Mary knew from an early age that Tony was born to perform. His blood is think with artistic talent that trickles through his heritage. George and Mary Oliphant were immigrants from Newfoundland, raised in European tradition... where music was as much a part of their lives as fishing. Young Tony was influenced by the British as well. At just five years old, he asked for his very own pair of "Beatle Boots". Those boots were a child's fantasy never realized but replaced with the cowboy boots that he wears today. Those cowboy boots brought him to Nashville after many years of wandering a musical trail. In the beginning, that trail was a route.. a newspaper route. Tony, like most boys, delivered newspapers. After hearing Tony sing, the man he worked for convinced him to use his earnings to buy a guitar... specifically a bass. Mark Hicks told Tony he could always make money as a bass player to support himself while he pursued a career in music. The fist stop was a band called "Raven". Tony was only thirteen years old, playing bass and writing songs. "Raven's" first paying job was in a bar, Old Sides, on the Isle of Palms in Charleston, SC. The boys were too young to drink but not too young to sing. Within the first year, the group's music was being played on local radio stations and they won several regional "Battle of the Bands" competitions. In just a couple more years, "Raven" was ready for bigger venues... so they moved to "Hotlanta". After winning the "Battle of the Bands" at Alex Cooley's Agora Ballroom, several record labels came knocking. And, for good reason... "Raven" was Van Halen before Van Halen... the next Aerosmith. Unfortunately, the "big time" took it's toll. On the edge of rock and roll success, the decadent lifestyle kept Tony from making the leap. Being a "good Catholic boy", he made the decision to cash in his career to insure his future. He left the band. In a brief time, Tony had proven he was a "front man" in more ways than one. He was a natural at marketing. It was his promotional efforts that brought the band the recognition they received so quickly. He pursued his gift at the Music Business Institute of Atlanta. Tony then took that education on the road as he moved from band to band throughout the mid 80's. In 1986, he landed in a band called, "The Sharks". While the band became the hottest act in Myrtle Beach, Tony had the chance to sing lead and realized that with practice, he would be good. But Tony's trail took another detour. His father became very ill and Tony left to care for George. It was in his father's final days that Tony began to think about what he would do if he had only a short time to live. This turning point in his life brought a realization... Tony had known from an early age that he needed to make music. In a conversation with God, Tony exclaimed, "I want my music to be heard. I know I can make a difference, I truly can." He jumped, head first, back into the business after his father died. He joined another band, "The Chase". The group was booked by Kent Martin of SRO. SRO handled the band Billy Ray Cyrus and his band, "The Sly Dogs". While "the Chase" and "The Sly Dogs" shared bookings, Kent Martin told Tony that "The Chase" was the top band on the club circuit. That country connection was more serious than the band realized. Tony was closer to his roots than ever before. For years, he had been forced to sing cover tunes while penning country. He attempted to integrate his music into an already electrified performance. As the music became more defined, "The Chase" became more disjointed. They didn't want to be a country band so they broke up. Tony followed the advice of friend and fellow musician, Johnny Carlton and found a country band. He moved to Cumming, Georgia and joined "Night Life". For the next year, he fine-tuned his lead vocals and songwriting. Through and odd sequence of events, while visiting Nashville, Tony met a number of recording industry professionals. When they heard him sing, they encouraged Tony to move to Nashville. It didn't take much of a push... Tony finally took the leap. He knew the time was right. Turns out, Tony's mom was right. Her son's talent runs deep. Tony parlayed her early advise about "playing up front" into a career that carried him up and down the East Coast. The "front man" turned solo and followed his dream further down his musical trail. A promise to God and his songwriting and singing brought him to the Music City where he continues to cut his path. |
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