American Singer-Songwriter

Born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised on nearby Tybee Island, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member and songwriter Tony Arata is noted for his personal, poetic lyrics. When he moved to Nashville in 1986, his unique, soulful style began to get the attention of people like Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks. Garth, to date, has recorded eight of Tony’s songs, and “The Dance” won song of the year at The Academy of Country Music and received both a Country Music Association and a Grammy nomination, as well as a most performed song in Radio and Records Magazine. He has also had No. 1 records with “Here I Am” for Patty Loveless, “I’m Holding My Own” for Lee Roy Parnell, and “Dreaming With My Eyes Open” for Clay Walker. Other artists who have recorded his songs include Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Delbert McClinton, Don Williams, Suzy Bogguss, Hal Ketchum, and more. Tony has also recorded four solo albums featuring new songs, covers, and guest appearances by many of Nashville’s finest musicians as well as folks who have recorded his songs, including Garth, Patty, and Lee Roy. Learn more at tonyarata.com.