Bobby Messano

Early life and education

Messano was born in Teaneck, New Jersey and his family lived in nearby Ridgefield Park, New Jersey until he went to college in Maryland.

Career

In 1976, Messano joined the band Stanky Brown who were signed to Sire Records and managed by John Scher. Stanky Brown toured with Boston, The Allman Brothers, Outlaws, and NRPS. Messano recorded with the band on their third and final record on Sire, called "Stanky Brown".

Messano then joined STARZ who were signed to Capital Records and Aucoin management. STARZ toured for 1978-79 and released Coliseum Rock. Bobby then moved into session work, working with Gloria Gaynor, Peter Criss, Michael Pare', Robey, and Benny Mardones. He joined Franke & The Knockouts in 1981. In 1983 Bobby approached Steve Winwood to become his UK and European tour guitarist for a few shows.

In 1985, Messano started working with Joe Lynn Turner and Fiona and played on both their CD's "Rescue You" and "Fiona". He toured with Joe Lynn Turner and played on three tracks of Fiona's sophomore record Beyond The Pale. He then played on Glen Burtnick's "Talking In Code" record and toured with him. He also was among the nine guitarists who played on Clarence Clemons Hero CD. In 1987 Messano was asked to tour on the Lou Gramm (Foreigner) "Ready or Not" tour in the U.S. and Germany. He also was putting the finishing touches on his 1989 "MESSANO: CD which was released by Strategic/Relativity in 1989. In 1990 Bobby toured Germany with Robin Beck.

Messano was inducted into the Delaware Blues Hall Of Fame in 2012 and "That's Why I Don't Sing the Blues" was the #1 U.S. release on the Blues Underground 2012 US Blues Rock Chart. Bobby continues to play about 35 shows a year and at one time had placed songs in TV and cable shows.

In July/August 2015 "Love and Money" was in Billboard Top 10 Blues Albums, for 6 weeks, reaching #1 on August 8.

Discography