Tom Tantillo


Meet Tom Tantillo from Rockville, Connecticut.

Hello! Here's my story!... I first got into AMERICA when I heard "I Need You". And then it was "Ventura Highway", so I went out and bought "Homecoming" and the first album the same day! Had I known the first LP would've had such impact on me I would've purchased it right away. I was 13 years old and for some reason "Horse" bugged me- in fact it kinda gave me the creeps! They also played the song until they kicked the dead horse, if you know what I mean! Don't worry Horseheads, now I really enjoy that song.

At this point of my life I got myself a guitar and started learning AMERICA tunes. I also began writing my first songs, thanks to AMERICA's inspiration. Since those innocent days of teenhood I have seen AMERICA 21 times!!! I've met them four times -- they are the most respectable performers I've ever met. Anyway, that's the AMERICA portion of my info.

I attended Hartt School of Music but did not graduate (I still regret that) and I work in Health Care as a Sterilizing Technician (Certified/supervisor) in a small local hospital. I've been employed there for 23+ years. The job is important and it's helped to keep gas in the car and strings on the guitar! I've been in 4 local bar bands performing over the last 25 years. In fact the band I'm most proud of was called HAT TRICK. It started off as a trio of acoustic guitar players who sang (Sounds like someone else, hmmm) and then as the 80's entered we added an outstanding keyboardist and started doing the new wave pop/TOP 40 stuff. We actually did extremely well in the Hartford, Conn. area but just as things started getting rolling the band splintered -- too bad. Since then I've enjoyed the success of scoring shows (A musical Version of "MEDEA" in which I was presented the ACTCOMM award for Excellence in Musical Composition, Arranging and Lyrical Adaptation. -- I'm still very proud of that) I've studied Theatre and I've been in Comedy/Improvisational Groups. At this present time I'm in the studio finishing up my first solo CD entitled "Between The Pages". It's an audio excursion through my personal Diary of songs I've composed since I've started writing songs. So far I'm truly excited by the initial tracks I've put down. I play the guitar -- electric & acoustic, keyboards, Bass, Harmonica, Flute and I do all the vocals. It's a lot of work, but I love doing it!

Now for the personal portion of my info... I live in Rockville, Connecticut -- the Home of Gene Pitney, "The Rockville Rocket". If you were here you'd know why he sang about a "Town Without Pity" -- only kidding, I actually like it here. I'm a New England Boy at heart. I live here with my three dogs (One pomeranian/Two Yorkshire Terriers) and a cat. I love reading (Peter Straub / Stephen King / Show-Biz Bio's / Self-help / Pop music History Etc...). I enjoy Camping -- I have a trailer in Cape Cod (My favorite spot in the whole wide world -- Brewster, Mass.) I love Bowling and going to live rock shows. I enjoy cooking, especially baking. I just turned 40 this past August so I'm at that crossroad of looking ahead to a happy, healthy future.

I can't believe I just typed all these ho-hum facts for all to see. If you're not asleep yet, don't worry friends I will keep you posted on my CD's release date on the chat folder!

I have had the privilege of meeting with Dewey and Gerry on numerous occasions but the greatest time I had was when they invited me back to their tour bus in Hadley, Massachusetts. I've met quite a few celebrities in good old showbiz, but I must say that these guys are truly respectful and appreciative of their die-hard fans.

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Tom.



Written: 8 August 1998
Last Revised: 10 November 1999