rob anthony

Singer/songwriter Rob Anthony believes the true measure of a successful artist is reflected in what he gives back to his community. Through his words & music, Rob is able to arouse interest and raise awareness for a number of different causes. 'Down the Road' – a tribute to the men and women in the trucking industry, is a prime example. Anthony's lyrics paint a vivid picture of Americana and the struggle truckers face to keep this world moving day-to-day. Anthony's desire is to increase appreciation for an industry that is often times overlooked.
Although 'Down the Road' has received national attention and become an anthem of sorts in the industry, Anthony feels the greatest sense of accomplishment after receiving a heartfelt response like this: "I would just like to commend you on your song. I am a truck driver's wife and when I first heard your song I cried. He (my husband) is one of the many you sing about. You inspired me to look to him as more than just a husband, but as a provider for the world. We are a "family" out on that road and we should all be able to share that heart you have."
Anthony's soulful style of songwriting comes right from the heart where it exuberates emotion. His lyrics are full of passion and life in a way that can really speak to the whole audience. His honest and truthful personal experiences welcome the listener in (regardless of their musical tastes) and make them feel comfortable and secure.
In addition to the intimate connection that is made with his fans at live performances, Rob has also made a connection with a younger audience. He shares the story of his entrepreneurial journey by speaking & performing at middle schools, high schools and colleges. By sharing his experiences he hopes to inspire & encourage students to follow their passion and dreams.
Rob Anthony was born and raised in Stevens Point, Wisconsin and fell in love with music at an early age. At the age of 12 he was introduced to an old Rickenbacker guitar he stumbled across in an attic. That guitar would soon introduce him to his future calling and a roller coaster of a ride in the world of rock music. Through his later teens Anthony played with friends in several bands from rock to heavy metal before stepping into his first major label deal after graduating high school. After several years of endless touring Rob decided to trade his long hair and shredding guitar licks of former heavy metal days for an acoustic guitar returning to his Mid-western roots focusing on songwriting.
His debut album 'Hard to Believe' was released in 2000 and received critical acclaim. Anthony's second release 'Where I Belong' in 2004 earned him awards with the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) including 'People's Choice Artist' and 'Acoustic Artist of the Year'. Anthony's third release 'Inside You And Inside Me' (2006) broke new ground for Rob's entrepreneurial venture. His involvement was based around a song he'd written called 'Inside You And Inside Me' which led to a nationwide campaign about the power of Entrepreneurism. As a result he was given the opportunity of working with high schools and colleges using music to encourage and inspire students about their entrepreneurial possibilities. With his fourth release 'While The World Sleeps' (2009), armed with an acoustic and his soul, Rob Anthony came to appreciate the directness of the acoustic approach and its ability to help reach an audience further. Rob stripped songs of faith, freedom, hope and inspiration down to an intimate thought-provoking moment between musician and listener. It featured his hit single 'Down The Road' – an acoustic tribute to the American Trucker.
The music community has a powerful voice that such organizations like the American Red Cross and Special Olympics of Wisconsin, amongst many others, benefit from. Rob participated in raising $100,000 with SOWI's 'World's Largest Truck Convoy For Special Olympics' by contributing his trucker anthem 'Down The Road' and was invited, along side the Green Bay Packers, to share his song 'We All Need' at the Special Olympics 30th Anniversary State Games opening ceremonies in Rob's hometown of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Prior to his performance Rob addressed an audience of 10,000 these heartfelt words, "We All Need is dedicated to all of you Special Olympians & families who encourage and inspire us to be the best we can be during life's toughest challenges." Anthony also contributed his song 'You Gotta Love' to The American Red Cross's 'Heroes Campaign' as an incentive to raise awareness and contributions for several causes including the Haiti relief efforts. He continues to work closely with the American Red Cross in his community.
While Anthony has certainly enjoyed his success as a singer/songwriter, one thing is certain he hasn't forgotten where he's come from. His constant touring, contributions to his community and pure love of music has won fans over and in 2005 and 2006 and 2010 they voted him People's Choice Artist in Northeast Wisconsin presented by WAMI (The Wisconsin Area Music Industry organizations purpose is to educate and recognize the achievements and accomplishments of individuals in the Wisconsin music industry.)
Some may say its hard to believe that a lead guitarist for a heavy metal band can return to his roots and belt out passionate, soulful acoustic rock in the tradition of the masters but he can and he does. His charity, hope and faith along side the American ballad continues to guide his brand of heartland rock which makes his musical journey remarkable indeed.