Mesquite Creek owner Tony Vitale has proven success in the restaurant business, as a children books author, and a professional tap dancer, but what about as a singer, songwriter, and music video star?
After debuting his first ever music video ‘That’s Detroit,? two weeks ago on YouTube.com, Vitale has had nearly 9,000 views. The most hits he’s had before is 2,000.
‘It was on my dream list to write and produce a song and star in my own music video,? he said. ‘I’ve written a lot of songs in my life, but never taken enough steps and actually produced anything.?
‘That’s Detroit,? has a ‘Big band Frank Sinatra? feel to it. Vitale said about six months ago he was listening to Sammy Davis Junior’s ‘Hello Detroit? and felt inspired.
‘Sammy Davis Jr. is one of the best that have lived,? he said.
Having lived all over the country and being a Detroit native, Vitale said there is something about Detroit’s ‘never say die? attitude, which is what he wanted to emphasize in his video.
‘There were feelings inside of me for a ‘call to action,? Vitale said. ‘I wanted to give people something to relate to.
Vitale produced the video along with Breck Watt, who was the sound engineer.
‘He did all the music,? Vitale said.
He also had the help of his cousin Christian Czech who recently graduated from Specs Howard do camera and editing. Also local photographer David Savage helped with the set design.
‘To keep going with this, I’d love the opportunity to sing the song at half-time show of a Detroit Lions Game,? Vitale said. ‘I’m a big fan of the Detroit teams. Just being a little associated with them is kind of exciting.?
Though he never considered himself much of a singer, Vitale does have a musical background. At 19 years old, he moved to Los Angeles and studied dance at the Edge Performing Arts Center.
‘I got to train with some of the best choreographers in LA,? he said. ‘Then I spent about five years working in the industry.?
He worked He performed on movies and television shows such as Sister Act 2, Clueless and Young and the Restless, and toured with Reba McIntyre and Harry Blackstone.
As far as the music video goes, Vitale said he’s received both good and bad feedback.
‘I don’t expect everybody to like it,? he said. ‘I didn’t write it for everybody to like it, but I really appreciate everybody who does. Thanks everybody.?
Vitale’s video can be seen at www.youtube.com/tonyvdetroit, the song is also available on iTunes.