His voice still resonates powerfully: expressive, strong, emotionally captivating. It seems he never left his musical community ― one so extensive, so diverse.
A wave of moving messages accompanied the days following his unexpected passing: indelible memories, untold stories and paths that somehow crossed.
Losing Tony Pantano, a singer of immense talent and an unforgettable symbol of an era, encourages us to step back in time, to retrace a career studded with success and enriched with life lessons, and to take stock of a boundless legacy that has left a deep void in the music industry, and in the Australian and Italo-Australian community.
"We feel very grateful indeed," said his eldest son Philip Pantano, who was extremely moved by the response to his father’s passing.
“Before he left us, he received a message from comedian Joe Avati; he was very emotional. He told us that he never really understood the impact he’d had over the years. He was always very humble, he respected everyone, and he was extremely considerate: if someone wanted to greet him after a show, he would wait until the end; he wouldn’t leave.”
Ever since I was a child, I have always heard Tony Pantano referred to as a legendary artist. And I've always wished that, one day, people would talk about me in the same way. So, if you didn't know, you really inspired me. I could never sing like you, but I would like to be loved just like you are loved. Thank you, comrade.
— Joe Avati
Tony Pantano's journey began in his never-to-be-forgotten Sicily, when he was born in 1948 in the quaint village of Montalbano Elicona. His father, a professional dancer and drummer, had already travelled to Australia in search of opportunity and serenity for his family, who then joined him in 1956.
From a very young age, Pantano showed immeasurable talent for music, beginning to play the guitar at the age of ten.
"My grandmother always told me how much my father loved to sing; he loved to entertain people so much," Philip continued.
Driven almost by an urge, Pantano began accompanying his father on guitar, in his band, Filippo's Latin Trio, at a variety of private functions. He then joined the band Isy & The Dynamics at the age of fifteen; the first band in Australia to have a female drummer. Two years later, he joined a Latin American band, through which he was able to showcase his versatility as an entertainer.
Tony Pantano at the San Remo Ballrom in 1971. (Photo provided)
Three years later, with Joe Paparone, he formed the Park Royal Trio and became a regular guest on Australia's first English and Italian language television show, Carosello. After a television performance on Kevin Dennis New Faces in 1966 ― singing I'm Not The Marrying Kind, as his first wife Julia gave birth to their first son Philip ― Pantano left for Vietnam in 1968 to entertain Australian and American troops.
“It was a traumatic experience for him,” Philip Pantano recounted.
“Sirens began to sound. My father escaped to one side but a close friend of his on the opposite side was unfortunately killed by the bombs. My father never forgot those days.”
Upon his return to Australia, after his first passionate performances in Melbourne clubs, Pantano rose to success with his participation in Showcase in 1970 and with the memorable 1971 single Every Time You Touch Me, which was a Top 40 hit in Australia, followed by Tonight, which reached number 80 in the charts.
Tony Pantano showing some awards and albums in the early 1970s. (Photo provided)
“He has always been very interesting to me, because my father and I are only eighteen years apart; there has always been a friendly relationship between us. As a very young child, I remember that he was always stopped, recognised wherever we went, because he was always on television,” Philip added.
“I have always been 'Tony Pantano's son'.”
Throughout his career, Pantano has collected accolades and awards, and made important television appearances ― The Don Lane Show, In Melbourne Tonight with Graham Kennedy, The Paul Hogan Show, The Midday Show with Ray Martin, The Mike Walsh Show, Young Talent Time with Johnny Young, Good Morning Australia with Bert Newton, among many others.
Tony Pantano next to Andrea Bocelli and his sister Enza Pantano in 2004. (Photo provided)
"In the early 2000s, my father owned a club in Carlton - Pantano's -, a venue for live music. One evening, the great Andrea Bocelli, who was in Melbourne for a series of concerts, came to his club. He paid tribute to him by singing the famous Con te partirò. The tenor stood up to applaud him; it was an unforgettable standing ovation for him,” Philip continued.
Pantano also received compliments from the legendary Tony Bennett, who called him “one of the best voices he had ever heard”.
“My father was in England for a few shows. Bennett was already a big celebrity, yet he approached him to introduce himself and congratulate him because he had seen him on television during a stay in Melbourne,” he added.
Many local artists then crossed his path in some way. Claudio Parente, who became famous for the album Profumo Italiano and for his direct involvement in the Italian Original Song Festival, remembers him as a “very talented gentleman, an inspiration for many singers.”
Tony Pantano together with Tom Jones in the 1980s. (Photo provided)
"We crossed paths in music many times and had recently become closer again, because unfortunately I suffer from the same illness that he did. We exchanged so many ideas and points of view, between one tear and another,” he said, moved.
“The best memory I treasure is the image of a 'gentleman' in the music landscape, a pioneer who gave so much to the Italian community.”
Even the popular Dean Canan remembers him with an emotional anecdote:
“I was recently at a dinner with some musician friends at Il Carretto, when we realised that on the wall behind us was a picture of Tony Pantano with his thumbs up. We got shivers, as if he had officially said goodbye to us,” he recounted.
My father was a big fan of Tony; he loved having him on his show. He was always so generous and helpful with me. I was a fan of his, too. Such a professional, a good man and a great entertainer.
— P. J. Lane, son of Don Lane
Although his passing has left great sadness and a sense of dismay in the community, his legacy will live on through his six children, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and in the talent of his grandson JJ Pantano, a young stand-up comedian, known for his appearances in Australia's Got Talent and America's Got Talent.
Tony Pantano and his grandson JJ Pantano during a 'Festa della Mamma' performance last year. (Photo provided)
"He was always very proud of him; they had a special relationship," said Mary-Anne Pantano.
“Tony always said how, after his grandson's appearance on television, he was asked in a pharmacy, 'Are you by any chance related to JJ Pantano?' instead of being recognised himself! He was very proud. He used to say, 'He is ten years old and has already made three films’".
Not even illness was able to curb Tony Pantano's great enthusiasm, so much so that he sang until the end.
"My best memories lie in his performances. He always felt blessed to be able to do what he loved. His voice was a gift he never wanted to give up, right to the end,” Philip added.