Allman Bros. Road Mgr. Willie Perkins Interview
With all the cool bands keeping the Allman Brothers legacy alive these days, there is great interest in learning about the band that brought the blues into the mainstream. Hearing first-hand is certainly the best way to gain knowledge, and Tony's interview with someone who was there is a real treat. Pictured to the far right in the picture, with the Allman Bros. road crew is Road Manager Willie Perkins. Tony Sarno interviewed Willie for a Sunday morning show on HIPPIE RADIO 94.5 called "Before The Soundcheck", and you can hear it by clicking above the photo on the left. Tony Sarno was managed by Willie Perkins for a time in the 90's.
(Jim Marshall Photo)
Select-O-Hits President Johnny Phillips
Select-O-Hits is one of the largest independent record distributors in the world. President Johnny Phillips (pictured here with Tony) presently runs the company which was co-founded by his father, Tom Phillips, and his uncle, Sam Phillips (founder of Sun Records). Johnny, along with then head of A&R, Mark Maynard, signed Tony Sarno to their Icehouse Records label in 1995 and continue to distribute Mark and Tony's Marconi Records label.
Memphis to Muscle Shoals Live-"Sounds Like a Party!"
Tony Sarno recorded his first album "It's a Blues Thing" in Memphis Tennessee, and his third album "It's a Blues Thing Too" in Muscle Shoals Alabama. Some of the greatest Rock, Soul, and Blues was recorded in these two iconic cities, and Tony and his 10-piece band are playing the best of them live. The Stones, Wilson Pickett, Rod Stewart, Al Green, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, The Bar-Kays, Dusty Springfield and others recorded classic hits there, and Tony and the gang are playing a set of them in addition to their original set on the road this summer.
All we can say is "It Sounds Like a Party!".
Happiest of Holidays and peace and joy in the New Year!
Wishing you a happy, healthy, holiday season and a peaceful and joy-filled 2025. Thanks so much for your support of our music, and I look forward to playing for you in the new year.- Tony
Memphis to Muscle Shoals- A Rockin' Dance Party
With Tony Sarno's crack rhythm section, full horn section and vocalists tailored for each song, this party will feature exact versions of songs from some of the greatest Soul and Rock music recorded in Memphis and Muscle Shoals. It will make for a great concert, or any other event that needs some rocking dance music.
Click on the "Hire Tony Tab" to book the band.
Mark Maynard 7/6/55 - 6-27-23
R.I.P. Mark Maynard 7/6/55 - 6-27-23
Mark was a great music man and a great friend to me and my family. As the youngest-ever V.P. of Marketing.Sales at MCA Records, he helped a lot of well-known recording artists achieve huge success. He signed me to Icehouse Records in 1995 after my long quest for the elusive “Record Deal”. He and I produced records together and we co-wrote “Screaming’ Blues Demon-It’s a Blues Thing”. He is sorely missed by many, many people. Tony
The Thunderhawks play Jeff Fest at Eastside Bowl
The Thunderhawks are playing a short set at 4:30.
Tony Sarno Band Plays the music of Muscle Shoals
Aretha Franklin recorded hits in Muscle Shoals, as did The Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Rod Stewart, Bob Scaggs, and so many more. There was even some great reggae recorded there by Jimmy Cliff.
We just released our Muscle Shoals album on cd, and we think we've captured some of the magic of that amazing territory. We're now presenting live "The Tony Sarno Band plays the music of Muscle Shoals". With the core rhythm section, full horn section and female vocals, the band will play songs from the album, as well as some of the great Soul and Rock music recorded in Muscle Shoals. It makes for a great concert, or any event that needs some rockin', dancin' party music. We'll see you out there!
IT'S A BLUES THING TOO cd available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble
It's a Blues Thing Too (Muscle Shoals Edition) cd was released on May 27th and is available on all record store sites and Amazon. It was previously released digitally, but now also on cd. It features David Hood on bass, Ed Greene on drums, Clayton Ivey on keys, vocalists Holly Steele and Vicki Hampton, The Harris Brothers Horns, and Deric Dyer on Tenor Sax.
Galen Cisco Field
Tony had the honor of singing “America, the Beautiful” in St. Marys Ohio, for the opening of their new baseball field. It’s named for (pictured here w/Tony) veteran Major League Baseball pitcher and coach Galen Cisco.
