Throw Back Tunes was a long time coming....
I owe a lot of people for helping me get Throw Back Tunes up and off the ground. There's so many people to thank for their assistance! Where to start....
Ted Lizotte - Owner/Producer of Throw Back Tunes - www.tedlizotte.com
Well, I'm not thanking me per say, but I received feedback that the site needed more Ted info. Almost all of the calling info on me is located at my website linked above. While doing this label on my own is a new venture, I've been making music since 2012. Well, technically, I was making music from the time I picked up the trumpet back in 4th grade. I played all through high school and college. I really only stopped playing when I started calling as I didn't have enough time to do both. Mom instilled a love of music from an early age, and I think this next evolution is just another way I can continue to enjoy and express myself as I move forward. It's a gift I'm thankful she took the time to give me. Thanks Mom - miss you everyday.
Shelly Lizotte - Owner/Partner of Throw Back Tunes - Beautiful Wife
I met Shelly in 2010 when I changed my full time job in the real world. Became fast friends and when my life started to crumble in late 2012 - Shelly was there to help put me back together again. It's no picnic hanging out with a guy who works a full time job 40 hours a week and finds a way to call five nights a week or more as well. And then he wants to start his own record label - you know, in his spare time. Shelly is the most supportive, understanding and loving person I've ever known. She grown into managing all of our weekends and classes, maintains the homestead when I'm out on the road and joins me whenever she can. There's a reason I put a ring on her finger in 2016 - you don't let this slip away. I do almost everything for this label - song selection, production, website maintenance, distribution, YouTube Videos, etc. - but its only because she let's me. :)
Sometimes it takes a while to find the love of your life. Glad I didn't give up. Love you baby.
Sometimes it takes a while to find the love of your life. Glad I didn't give up. Love you baby.
Buzzy Smith - Owner of BuzzSmith Music - https://www.facebook.com/BuzzSmithMusic/
Almost all of my singing calls go through this musical genius. Buzzy has helped produce Square Dance Music for many labels over the year, and is currently utilized by TBT, EGO, Crest and a few others along the way. He understands the product probably better than I do. His expertise and back and forth about the tunes I send him is an invaluable asset to me. Always happy to help and eager to try something different, I'm not sure I'd be in business if Buzzy wasn't here to help me get it right. An accomplished musician, not only does he arrange the tunes, he plays more than half the instruments on them, and some tunes he's created all by himself. Being in New England, I can't be in studio in Texas when the gang is laying down the track, but it don't matter, because Buzzy will get exactly what is needed out of them. A wonderful gentleman and talent and I'm jealous of his skills. Thanks Buzzy, for everything.
Paul Cote - Creator of EGO Recordings
Paul and I began calling together in 1988, and we went on to spend almost a full decade on stage with each other. We called and traveled throughout New England until Paul decided to move south where it was a tad warmer. Eventually, the circle turns and Paul began his own label - EGO Recordings. He invited me to join him and helped me learn the ins and outs of producing my own stuff. How to work with the artists, cut up the tunes, etc. Basically, Square Dance Music Production 101. When he wanted to stop producing, he gave me my tunes and wished my luck - but he was always helpful if I had a question.
Paul passed away in 2023. He had sold EGO at that point to help with some finance issues he had. The new owner, Fine Tunes Records, was kind enough to sell EGO to me. Paul and I have had destinies that intertwined for over 40 years. Whether I sell another EGO tune or not, this is where he needs to rest.
Paul passed away in 2023. He had sold EGO at that point to help with some finance issues he had. The new owner, Fine Tunes Records, was kind enough to sell EGO to me. Paul and I have had destinies that intertwined for over 40 years. Whether I sell another EGO tune or not, this is where he needs to rest.
Scott Bennett - Crest/Acme/Peak Recordings - www.crestrecordings.com
Scott Bennett began Crest Recordings shortly after Paul began EGO. In my opinion, Scott has the most prolific square dance recording label in the last decade. Sure we still have Rhythm and Royal - but Crest recordings took the way of making and offering square dance music and turned it on it's head. Not only is his music fantastic, but his business model is also a finely tuned machine. Scott was a huge help to getting my first TBT recording off the ground (Cover Me) and he's allowed me to pick his brain continually since contemplating this venture. His help and friendship has been invaluable and I appreciate all the extra assistance he's given me. I can't imagine there's anyone who hasn't checked out his label yet, but just in case - please go show him some love.
Tony Oxendine - Royal Records - www.royal-records.com
Tony was the final driving force in getting this label up and going. Not only has he been a mentor to me, but a good friend as well. I've called with Tony at least once a year since 1993, and it has helped to mold who I am as a caller today. It doesn't hurt that he is a gifted musician with probably the biggest square dance label of all time. I've bounced many ideas off of him and his musical feedback has been invaluable. I know quite well that he doesn't need this little website to push traffic to his label. This is just a personal thank you to someone who's taken the time to make me better than I thought I could be. Thanks man, I appreciate the support and the kick in the ass.