Tony Romano (musician)
Tony Romano (26 September 1915 – 4 March 2005) was an American jazz guitarist, singer, composer and performer. Romano performed on radio programs and appeared in Hollywood musical productions in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. He became most noted as the "side-man" and musical accompanist to Bob Hope and Frances Langford during their USO tours in World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Early life
Romano was born 26 September 1915 in Madera, California, one of nine children of an Italian immigrant shoemaker. According to Romano, his father played both violin and guitar and the entire family was musical. He said, "In our family, if you didn't sing, you didn't eat." In his youth, he played violin but took up the guitar after being inspired by Eddie Lang. At 17, Romano moved to Hollywood where he studied guitar with Paramount Studio's guitarist George Smith.
Career
Romano built his career as a guitarist and singer for radio programs and Hollywood movie productions in the 1930s. He first worked on the Al Pearce radio program, then at Warner Brothers, where he composed arrangements for Dick Powell. Romano's 16-piece orchestra was the feature band for Morey Amsterdam and Mabel Todd's radio show. He also worked on the Lucky Strike Hit Parade, at 20th Century Fox and later on the Pepsodent radio show for NBC.
