Born Port-au-Prince Haiti in 1962, Tony is the only son, of Jean-Claude Garoute (Tiga) and Josette Laroche Francois. He has three sisters; Pascal (Kafe), Michele (Klode), and Genny. His family moved to New York when he was 12. Tony completed his High School education at Louis D. Brandeis and soon after, Joined the United States Army in 1981. After 23 years and 8 months, he retired and lives in Lawtown Oklahoma with his wife Michele and their two sons, Pascal and Claude.
Tony vividly remembers his father teaching him 3 notes on the guitar at "Soisson La Montagne" Haiti, in 1973. "That's it. Go on"' his father told him. It was then his love for playing the guitar started. Although not school trained as he put it, Tony plays the guitar like it's an extension of his mind and soul,it's as if all he had to do was to simply think and the chords would respond in beautiful harmony. He also plays the keyboards.
As a "keyboard arranger", he believes that people need to know that music can be, and is fun to play. "I found that the best way to do that is to make the music easy.. Keep the style of playing down to the basics and to let the music speak for itself". To him "Music" is just a hobby. His interests in music span from country, pop, classic rock, old Rock and Roll, Worl music and not to mention Haitian Compa and "Blues", his favorites.
Perhaps growing up with Tiga was a major contribution of why he would excel in the "Arts". He can also use a brush to create or use wires to make a sculpture. He loves singing more than he thinks. A john Lennon, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore and Stevie Ray Vaughn and Robert Cray fanatic, he could probably name any of their music within two notes. Tony has composed a few songs that are performed by his wife Michele and his sister Michele (Klode).
When asked when wil his CD be produced? "I'm not ready, but in time", he would say.
Both of Tony's sons are currently taking piano lessons and are indeed "pretty good". Music is a "Legacy" in their home. For all of Tony G's contribution to society, I feel priviledged to speak about him.
We will mention of his progree here on this site, so please do come again.
