presents

Tommy Anthony's Q&A

Tommy has graciously agreed to answer some of your questions. Click Here To Ask one, then watch the space below for your answer!

From Braulio Baez: Tommy, Being on the road as often as you are, you must have some stories >to tell. Have you ever dated twins?
Tommy Replies: Gee, Braulio it's funny you should ask . . . I actually had the good graces to find the company of some lovely ladies in my time, and , [believe it or not ] , legend has it that twins fell into the fray a few years back. But heck, you should have been there for the "GIANCONNA TRIPLETS " in Rome !!!!!!!! Now that was a blaaaaaaaaast !!!!!!

From Francesca: Having lived almost all of your life in Miami, are you part of the latin community?
Tommy Replies: I'm a part of the Latin community in Miami on several fronts: For starters, I'm half Latin because my mother is Cuban, having left the island upon Castro taking over in '59. she came to the states with her folks as a teen, and built a new life. She met my father while in college, married after graduation, and I came out about a year and a half later. I'm also tied to the Latin community down in Miami by default; there's no escaping the fact that Miami has become an extension of the Americas...The population is now well over 60% Latin or Latin descent. It's gotten to the point where if you don't speak Spanish fluently, you will be considerably limited at many fronts...employment, basic communication at street level, and just simple conveniences. Take Chinatown in New York for instance. There are pockets in there where speaking Chinese is essential - They've maintained the traditions, language, and customs from their heritage, and although outsiders aren't at all a problem, if you happen to be that person, you may feel "out of it". Well, Miami is a giant Chinatown for Latins, and if you don't speak Spanish and accept and/or embrace the Latin culture, you will, sooner or later, feel like you don't belong. Again this has never been an issue for me, but since you asked, I'm not sure if I were a transplant from Minnesota, I wouldn't absolutely freak out !!!!! So there...There's my take on "being a part of the Latin culture" in Miami. You had better !!!!!

From Francesca: Have you ever auditioned for stage work in any Broadway shows?
Tommy Replies: Your question about Broadway.....simply put, I'd never be into it. It's not my bag.

From Kathy: You sing beautifully in Spanish. Do you also speak Spanish?
Tommy Replies: Hey Kathy, In a word, YES!!! I’m fully bilingual, so speaking Spanish is no tougher than doing it in English. Now, if it were German, Russian, or Chinese, I’d be in deep “#@#@%^**(^&$’’!!!

From Miamah: I am very impressed by your background. Tell me, do you have a preference in the type of music you play/sing? I’m looking forward to seeing you when Chayanne tours next year. You have a beautiful voice and are certainly multi-talented.
Tommy Replies: If I had my way, believe it or not, I would be fronting an alternative rock band! ! ! Rock N Roll is my greatest love, and I was actually signed as an artist myself back in (gulp!!) 1989 to Epic/Sony records. Unfortunately, as so often happens, the deal fell victim to a number of “cancers”, and we never got a fair shot. A lot of people used to compare us to bands like Cheap Trick, The Outfield, and John Waite. It’s probably one of my greatest disappointments, because we really were on to something. Once it fell apart, I started getting calls to “back up” other artists, and for better or worse, that’s where I’ve stayed.
I have to confess the reason I’ve been involved with so many pop acts, (Jon Secada, Ricky Martin, Chayanne…) is that these guys have based themselves in Miami, so, since I live here, I’ve been able to audition for the gigs. If I were in L.A., I’d surely be trying to get in with something a little closer to my roots. Anyway, that’s your answer!!!

From Crystal: Thank you for taking time with us. You’ve given us some great insights. My question: I am interested in collecting Latin Jazz CDs. Can you recommend a few to get me started?
Tommy Replies: Hey Crystal, Here are some recommendations…Anything by Arturo Sandoval, Dave Valentin, or Nestor Torres. You might want to check the dates on the CDs to get some of their recent stuff. Also Tito Puentes, Paquito D’Rivera, Paquito Eschevarria, Gato Barbieri.... There’s a world of stuff out there. Go to your favorite music outlet…I’m sure there’s a decent Latin Jazz section waiting for you; Unless you’re in Montana !!!!!