TONY Pantano has been compared to stars from Tom Jones and Elvis Presley to Englebert Humperdink and great classical tenor Luciano Pavarotti.
But to Tony Pantano’s fans, he’s all of them rolled into one; an evergreen entertainer of rich voice and great humour who effortlessly blends the genres of rock, pop, Latin, R&B, contemporary and opera in his shows.
It underscores why Pantano has been an international headline act in casinos, hotels and on luxury cruisers for years. Numerous industry awards reflect his success, including a record-breaking achievement 12 best male vocal nominations in the Mo Awards and entertainer of the year twice.
He’s also had eight best male vocal nominations at the Ace Awards. Pantano’s been a headline entertainer in live shows, corporate functions and events across Australasia, Europe and the United States.
He has also produced 17 albums and two hit singles that made number one on the Australian charts. Right now Pantano’s on the high seas somewhere out in the Pacific, entertaining cruise ship passengers, but he’s heading Geelong’s way and scheduled to perform at The Sphinx later this month with Memory Lane.
Jamie Redfern describes Pantano as “without a doubt one of Australia’s greatest ever vocalists” and “someone other show business identities look up to and admire enormously, as an entertainer, and a human being”.
Born in Messina, Italy, Pantano is now in his mid-60s but still looks youthful and remains a powerful and significant force in Australian and world show business. Not a bad effort for a father of six and grandfather to five more.
The veteran vocalist has been a regular sight on Australian TV screens down the years, appearing on such institutions as Bandstand and the Don Lane and Bert Newtown shows. He’s had Jerry Lewis lead the applause for him after singing to 1200 guests, sung alongside the Everly Brothers and belted out his hits at Las Vegas.
Ever-smiling and known as “The Man with the Golden Voice”, Pantano has drawn rave reviews for decades. Critics have gushed “incredible vocal talent”, “captivating charm and charisma, the best ever to come out of Australian talent”.
Pantano performs at The Sphinx on 28 June.
