Rated R: For Romantics Only

Tony Messina, a native Philadelphian, is a pop/jazz singer-songwriter and actor, who’s appeared in concerts from coast to coast and internationally at jazz festivals, theatres and nightclubs. Tony’s newest show ‘DINO’ is a tribute to Dean Martin which has had ‘sold-out’ status everywhere he’s performed it; most recently at the Cuillo Center for the Arts in Palm Beach, FL and the Invisible Theatre in Tucson, AZ and the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. The Palm Beach Post’s Thom Smith reported that ‘Dino was Superb’. Maya Johnson from Palm Beach Today shared that ‘Dino is Sensational’ and Dick Robinson of WXEL Radio and Television stated ‘Dino is Irresistible.’ Tony’s musical project, an original tribute to George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer, along with some of his own compositions, honors some of the greatest composers of all time. He’s entertained at the New Orleans, Nantucket and Kansas City Jazz Festivals, and also performed for the American Ambassador to Norway at the Oslo Jazz Festival. By invitation, Tony sang for Tony Bennett who was being honored by the Sons of Italy Organization. There, Messina caught the attention of Larry King and President Clinton. Tony’s worked with such entertainment luminaries as Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Louie Bellson, David Letterman, Johnny Carson, Joan Rivers, Rodney Dangerfield, Merv Griffin, George Carlin, Alan Broadbent, Don Friedman and for the ‘Chairman of the Board’ himself, who was a major fan! After many recordings and performances while living in New York, Tony took a break from singing and moved to Hollywood, where he wrote and sold several screenplays that have yet to be produced. He also sharpened his acting skills for the big screen and television. Tony acted on ‘The Young and the Restless,’ ‘General Hospital’ and appeared in the Mel Brooks films, ‘History of the World’ and ‘Life Stinks.’ Messina’s rich, warm voice allows him to mix meaningful renditions of selections from The Great American Songbook with his original compositions. On his latest release, Rated R: For Romantics Only, (R & M Jazz), Tony’s four newly penned songs are, ‘Jazz’d,’ ‘Mile High Club,’ ‘You’re Hip’ and the ballad, ‘Lifetimes.’ Tony has wowed listeners and reviewers alike. Labeled by Variety as ‘Dangerous, may be habit forming,’ the New York Post reported ‘Excellent, not to miss!’ The San Francisco Chronicle claimed ‘Tony owns the audience with each casade of musical magic.’ Harrison Ford considered Tony to be ‘a great talent’ and Joan Rivers ranked him as ‘the most romantic singer.’ Steve Martin said ‘A marvelous singer with an ebullient sense of swing!’ And…Frank Sinatra proclaimed that ‘Tony is dazzling.’Rated R: For Romantics Only