Tony Oliphant's mother played a big part in the beginning of his career getting him started by buying him a set of drums at the age of nine. She later told him, “You need to learn how to play guitar and be in the front of the band where everyone can see you. No one really ever notices the drummer and with your looks, you need to be the 'front man'".

Mary knew from an early age that Tony was born to perform. Music ran through his veins like the wind swept shores of his heritage, which is steeped with artistic talent. You see, his parents were immigrants from Newfoundland Canada, where traditional Irish and Folk music were an integral part of daily living.

Coming from a large family, Tony's parents really couldn't afford to buy him an instrument to further his budding talent. So, like most boys, he started delivering newspapers. After hearing him sing, the man he worked for convinced him to use his earnings to by a guitar... specifically a bass Mark Hicks told Tony, "You can always make money as a bass player to support yourself while you pursue a career in music."

It wasn't long after he started playing Mark told Tony, "You need to get in a band. I have a friend whose little brother is trying to start one." So Tony's first stop was a band called "Raven".  At age thirteen, he was playing bass, singing and collaborating on songs written by him and his new band mates. "Raven's" first paying gig was in a bar called, “Old Sides” on the Isle of Palms in Charleston, South Carolina. Coincidentally, Julia Roberts had filmed her fist movie at the same bar as a bass player in a band. Although the boys were too young to drink they still dazzled the crowd with their playing and singing.

Within a short time they found themselves to be among the elite crowd of local musicians, standing elbow to elbow at the Coastal Carolina County Fair with some of the best talent around. Continually honing their talent, they went to Atlanta to record their first demo. After seeing the big city they knew they were ready for bigger venues and made the move to "Hotlanta."

After playing at the Agora Ballroom several record labels came knocking. And, for good reason "Raven" was Van Halen before Van Halen.... the next best thing to Aerosmith. Unfortunately the "big time" was taking its toll on the young men and on the edge of rock and roll success, the decadent lifestyle made Tony take another look at where he really wanted to be. His roots were pulling at him and he cashed it all in and left the band.

Tony was a "front man" in more ways than one. He was a natural at marketing. It was in large part his promotional efforts that brought the band the recognition they received so quickly. He decided to pursue his gift and studied Marketing and Music Law at the Music Business Institute of Atlanta.

Tony then took that education on the road as he moved from band to band throughout the southeast during the 80's. Finally landing in Myrtle Beach S. C., he wound up doing a solo act, where he penned some of his more notable songs that are on his first CD, "Bad News Blues" and "Second Chance at Love". He later met some guys and joined a band called, "The Sharks". The band was one of the hottest acts in Myrtle Beach and Tony had the chance to sing lead and better hone his skills as a "Front Man".

Unfortunately, Tony's musical trail took an unexpected detour. His father, George had become very ill and he left the band to care for him. It was during his father's final days that Tony began to think about what he would do if he only had a short time to live. This turning point in his life brought the realization... Tony had known from an early age. He knew his first love and passion was music and he wanted to make a difference somehow. And the only way to do this was to be heard.

Not long after his father's death Tony jumped back into the business with a vengeance. He joined a band called, "The Chase". The group was booked by SRO Productions out of Roanoke, VA. Kent Martin also booked "The Sly Dogs", which was Billy Ray Cyrus's band. The two bands shared the same venues for over two years and played up and down the East Coast.

For years Tony was forced to sing cover tunes all the while penning country songs of his own, but he wasn't sure exactly where his music would fit in. You see, his Irish, Folk and Country heritage, along with  the soul music he grew up listening to, mixed with his early rock and roll was colliding into his original music. Tony attempted to integrate his music into an already electrified performance with the band. But the more his music became more defined; "The Chase" became more disjointed. They didn't want to play country, so the band parted ways.

Tony moved to Atlanta and on the advice of a fellow musician joined a country band. For the next year he fine-tuned his lead vocals and songwriting. He later met a friend who lived in Nashville and after hearing him sing, invited him to come down and check out the music scene. Tony knew right away that's where he needed to be so he packed his guitar and headed to Nashville.

It was in Nashville that Tony felt more at home than in all his travels. Surrounded by some of the best talent he had ever experienced and having the opportunity to hang out back stage at the Grand Ol' Opry, Prime Time Country Show, The Crooks and Chase Show, Blue Bird Cafe' and numerous songwriting venues, he met some of the greats that he had admired for some time.

After several meetings with some record executives, Tony got the same ol song and dance. "We're looking for someone a little bit younger." He was only in his 30's and couldn't figure out what that meant. But one night back stage at the Opry, Jack Greene told Tony, "That's a bunch of hogwash. I was in my forties when I had my first hit, 'There Goes My Everything' and the rest is history. Don't ever let anybody discourage you with that kind of talk. “If you got something and it needs to be heard, it will find its way."

Again, another twist in his trail took him back to Atlanta. Tony's mother, Mary had developed Alzheimer's and he left to go help take care of her. It was while he was in Atlanta he ran into Harry O'Brien of Atlanta Recording Studio. Harry needed some work done on his house and asked Tony if he wanted to barter a deal. He said, "You do the work on my house and I'll record your album." With that, the first CD of original music was done.

It wasn't long after that Tony was having a conversation with Harry again and he said, I think the first CD was great. I think you had a lot to get off your chest... but I think the best is still in you. I'll tell you what... I need a lot of work done on the outside of my house. How would you like to do another album?" This began a new CD project which was recently completed, and it seems Harry has good insight. This project might just well be the best work Tony has done to date. It will be released by spring of 2009 and we can't wait to see what the new songs have to offer.

Turns out, Tony's mom was right. Her son's talents ran deep. Tony parlayed her early advice about "Playing up front" into a career that has brought him over many miles. The "Front Man" turned solo and followed his dreams while penning songs about his trail of wonderings. A promise to God and some help from all his good friends, he continues to cut his path.