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MIKE ZITO


BIO:
What the Critics say……. …his fiery Strat playing elevates each and every song, as do the swallow-your-emotions vocals. –Vintage Guitar …one of the finest, most creative musicians on the competitive blues-roots scene. –Blues Revue Magazine. Greyhound. His music flows into the veins and moves the body in ways that can only be described as free and wild… –Jazz Times Mike Zito couldn’t help but be great. It was either that, probably, or end up on a wanted poster in the post office. There is something deep down in Zito’s soul that will not stop screaming, pushing him to take life to the limit and worry about the tab later. Before he found music and really let it become the guiding force in his world, the young man ran in all the wrong directions. Sometimes people were chasing him, but just as often Mike Zito was running from himself. Finally there was nowhere to run. It was time to literally face the music. And what Zito found was that he had a sound buried inside, something that was trying to get out and share itself with the world. That’s where the Greyhound bus enters the picture — in a big way, because the singing guitarist grabbed one out of town with a ticket to anywhere else. When he got there, Zito started playing like his life depended on it, because it actually did. He put his shoulders and heart into it with everything he had, and worked his way up the mountain to where he stands today. Greyhound, produced by Grammy-award winning guitarist/singer/songwriter Anders Osborne, is the continuation of the songwriting process established by Zito on his two previous critically acclaimed recordings on Eclecto Groove Records. His music retains its bluesy Americana charm and big wide-open Texas sound as he explores more personal and introspective themes inspired by that fateful bus trip that helped determine his path in life. There have been hundreds of shows, a few albums, and the same desire to make a claim on eternity. That’s where the music lives, and that’s where Mike Zito is destined to go. Thank God for that Greyhound. Mike Zito got there. 2009 Blues Music award winner Mike Zito is one of those rare artist that can sing like nobody’s business, can write songs that instantly grip you, play one hell of a mean Gulf Coast style guitar and has the stage presence to draw in any audience. Born and raised in St. Louis, MO he grew up listening to Van Halen and Led Zepplin and it wasn’t until later he became interested in the great blues men who were from in and around St. Louis. On his 2011 Blue Music Award nominated CD (Best Blue Rock) Delta Groove release “Greyhound” he tells the rest of the story of how things could have been much different. He lived a rugged life much like many great musician endings while his beginning had not yet begun. Homeless, addiction, living the life of a criminal Zito had reached his rock bottom before cleaning up and ending up in Texas to live a sober life still today. It would be fair to say that is the time he draws from that creates all the emotion in his guitar style and singing. In 2009 Zito and Neville won the Blues Music award for “Song of the Year” for “Pearl River” the title track to Zito’s 2009 release. Zito comes armed with raw tone and pure grit that he can turn on a dime into silky smooth guitar melodies but it is the aged depth to his vocal that make Mike Zito stand out amongst the other cats claiming to have “the stuff”. Some lucky bastards are just born with it!!

Latest Articles


Mike Zito to Release New Album 'Life Is Hard' in February Photo Mike Zito to Release New Album 'Life Is Hard' in February
by Michael Major - December 12, 2023

Zito recorded the new album in September at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, California, with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith producing. Both Bonamassa and Smith were involved in the production of Blood Brothers, the critically-acclaimed album Zito recorded with fellow label guitarist Albert Castigli...

The Allman Betts Family Revival Wraps First Week Of Tour With Sold Out Performance At Photo The Allman Betts Family Revival Wraps First Week Of Tour With Sold Out Performance At The Beacon In NYC
by Michael Major - December 06, 2023

The Allman Betts Family Revival kicked off its 7th year on November 25 in Saint Louis, MO.  The first week of the star-studded tour wrapped up on the East Coast including a sellout at the Beacon in NYC where the Grammy-nominated Sierra Hull joined Devon Allman and Duane Betts for a trimmed-down spoo...

Allman Betts Family Revival Kicks Off November 25; Adds Special Guests To Select Date Photo Allman Betts Family Revival Kicks Off November 25; Adds Special Guests To Select Dates
by A.A. Cristi - November 24, 2023

The Allman Betts Family Revival kicks off on November 25 and adds special guests to select dates. Find out more about this exciting event....

The Allman Betts Family Revival Kicks off This Weekend; Sierra Ferrell, Mike Zito and Photo The Allman Betts Family Revival Kicks off This Weekend; Sierra Ferrell, Mike Zito and More to Join on Select Dates
by Michael Major - November 22, 2023

The Allman Betts Family Revival is thrilled to reveal the latest round of special guest additions for the 2023 tour. Newly announced guests include Ghalia Volt and Mattie Schell, plus Mike Zito has been added to the tour kickoff on Nov 25 in St. Louis, MO, and Sierra Ferrell will join the Revival on...

Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia Join Together for BLOOD BROTHERS Blues Tour Photo Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia Join Together for BLOOD BROTHERS Blues Tour
by Marissa Tomeo - April 01, 2022

Gulf Coast Records announces what promises to be THE blues music tour of the year: “Blood Brothers,” featuring Blues Music Award-winners Mike Zito and Albert Castiglia, which kicks off in late March and goes through April.  ...

The Bennett Matteo Band Announce Debut Album Photo The Bennett Matteo Band Announce Debut Album
by Michael Major - March 22, 2022

Shake the Roots was produced by multi-Blues Music Award nominee Kid Andersen and Gino Matteo, with all songs written by Gino Matteo & Jade Bennett. The disc was recorded, mixed and mastered at Greaseland Studio in San Jose, California....

Guitarist Mike Zito Blasts Off With New Double Live CD Set 'Blues For The Southside' Photo Guitarist Mike Zito Blasts Off With New Double Live CD Set 'Blues For The Southside'
by A.A. Cristi - January 05, 2022

With numerous Blues Music Award honors under his belt, Mike Zito, co-owner of Texas-based Gulf Coast Records (which has birthed a number of critically-acclaimed blues/rock albums since its 2018 inception), announces a February 18th release date for his new double live album set, Blues for the Souths...

2021 Blues Music Award Winners Announced By The Blues Foundation Photo 2021 Blues Music Award Winners Announced By The Blues Foundation
by Stephi Wild - June 06, 2021

The irrepressible spirit of the blues was on full display during The Blues Foundation's 42nd Blues Music Awards (BMAs) presented by Global Electronic Technology when winners across twenty-five (25) categories were announced. ...

Texan Guitarslinger Ally Venable to Release 'Heart of Fire' Photo Texan Guitarslinger Ally Venable to Release 'Heart of Fire'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - January 13, 2021

Ally Venable, the 21 year-old guitarist from Kilgore, Texas, is pleased to announce the release of her 4th long player, Heart of Fire via Ruf Records on February 26, 2021. ...

Gulf Coast Records Artists The Proven Ones, Billy Price, Albert Castiglia Nominated F Photo Gulf Coast Records Artists The Proven Ones, Billy Price, Albert Castiglia Nominated For 2020 Blues Blast Music Awards
by A.A. Cristi - July 30, 2020

Gulf Coast Records continues to build one of the strongest rosters of Blues, Roots, and Americana artists. The music industry has noticed, with three GCR recording artists - The Proven Ones, Billy Price, and Albert Castiglia - nominated for 2020 Blues Blast Music Awards. ...

Albert Castiglia's 'Masterpiece' Wins 'Blues Rock Album' At 2020 Virtual Blues Music Photo Albert Castiglia's 'Masterpiece' Wins 'Blues Rock Album' At 2020 Virtual Blues Music Awards
by A.A. Cristi - May 04, 2020

Gulf Coast Records recording artist Albert Castiglia took home 'Blues Rock Album' for his acclaimed 2019 release 'Masterpiece' at the 2020 Virtual Blues Music Awards held online yesterday, Sunday, May 3....

Albert Castiglia to Release Live Album WILD AND FREE Photo Albert Castiglia to Release Live Album WILD AND FREE
by Kaitlin Milligan - March 24, 2020

The new album by the Albert Castiglia Band, Wild and Free, was recorded live at The Funky Biscuit live in Boca Raton, Florida. This in-your-face live performance captures the energy and guitar mastery that Castiglia shares with his audiences each time he takes the stage. With special guests Mike Zit...

The Proven Ones to Release New Album Photo The Proven Ones to Release New Album
by Kaitlin Milligan - March 02, 2020

It's one thing to claim you are “proven,” it's quite another to have the credentials to back it up. Comprised of five of the most formidable musicians on the blues scene today — guitarist Kid Ramos, vocalist Brian Templeton, keyboardist Anthony Geraci, bassist Willie J. Campbell and drummer Jimi Bot...

Mike Zito Embarks on His ROCK N' ROLL WORLD TOUR 2020 Photo Mike Zito Embarks on His ROCK N' ROLL WORLD TOUR 2020
by Sarah Jae Leiber - January 29, 2020

Acclaimed blues-rock guitarist Mike Zito embarks on his 'Rock N' Roll World Tour 2020' (named for his recently-released Ruf Records album) with a local performance as the Mike Zito & Friends: A Tribute To Chuck Berry at Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., Saturday, February 8. Showtime: 8:00pm. Tickets:...

Kat Riggins Signs with Gulf Coast Records Photo Kat Riggins Signs with Gulf Coast Records
by Sarah Jae Leiber - January 20, 2020

Kat Riggins brings her Blues Revival tent to Gulf Coast Records. Happy to join the team with Guy Hale and Mike Zito in their hurricane of a journey with the new label. Mike Zito will be at the helm as producer in an undisclosed Memphis studio this week....

Odds Lane, 'Lost and Found' Debuts on Gulf Coast Records Photo Odds Lane, 'Lost and Found' Debuts on Gulf Coast Records
by Tory Gates - January 20, 2020

'The blues have always been an influence on every style of music, and the widening of the door is letting more things through. I think it's a good thing, the more variety and different options you have can only lead to better and better music.'...

BWW Interview: Jimmy Carpenter Brings the Sax with SOUL DOCTOR Photo BWW Interview: Jimmy Carpenter Brings the Sax with SOUL DOCTOR
by Tory Gates - January 13, 2020

'To me, blues is the basis of all of it, rock and roll, soul, R&B, hip-hop, anything that's got should to it comes out of the blues.'...

Mike Zito's Rock n' Roll World Tour Comes to Cafe Eleven Photo Mike Zito's Rock n' Roll World Tour Comes to Cafe Eleven
by Sarah Jae Leiber - October 31, 2019

Acclaimed guitarist Mike Zito kicks off his 'Rock N' Roll World Tour' (named for his brand new album on Ruf Records) with a local performance in St. Augustine at Cafe Eleven, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., Tuesday, November 12. Showtime: 8pm. Tickets: $20. (advance), $25. (door). Info: (904) 460-9311 or visit...

BWW Interview: Billy Price Makes Gulf Coast Records Debut With DOG EAT DOG Photo BWW Interview: Billy Price Makes Gulf Coast Records Debut With DOG EAT DOG
by Tory Gates - September 03, 2019

'To have that kind of power, and that kind of control, and that kind of incredible musicality, it was what I wanted to be.' -- Billy Price, on James Brown...

Billy Price Releases New Album 'Dog Eat Dog' Photo Billy Price Releases New Album 'Dog Eat Dog'
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 26, 2019

Renowned soul-blues singer Billy Price, whose new album, Dog Eat Dog, is released on Gulf Coast Records August 2, embarks on a year-long tour in support of the record, with a CD Release Party at Ottobar, 2549 N. Howard St., Thursday, August 1. Showtime: 8pm. Tickets: $15. Info: (410) 662-0069 or vis...

Shaw Davis & The Black Ties Summer 2019 'Tales From The West' Tour, Comes To JV's in Photo Shaw Davis & The Black Ties Summer 2019 'Tales From The West' Tour, Comes To JV's in Falls Church
by Tori Hartshorn - July 16, 2019

Powerhouse blues-rock trio, Shaw Davis and The Black Ties, launch their 'Tales From The West' Summer 2019 Tour, supporting their recent album of the same name, with a local performance....

Joe Bonamassa Makes History Selling Out Two Music Festivals At Sea In One Year Photo Joe Bonamassa Makes History Selling Out Two Music Festivals At Sea In One Year
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 09, 2019

Coming off a 5th sold-out Caribbean sailing ofKeeping the Blues Alive at Sea this past February, Joe Bonamassa makes history with Sixthman, the industry leader in festivals at sea, by selling out another cruise in the same year in The Mediterranean. A waiting list is active for fans that would like ...

Shaw Davis & The Black Ties to Perform at Six Springs Tavern Photo Shaw Davis & The Black Ties to Perform at Six Springs Tavern
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 14, 2019

Powerhouse blues-rock trio, Shaw Davis and the Black Ties, are currently on their 'Tales From The West' 2019 U.S. Tour, supporting their new album of the same name, with a performance locally at Six Springs Tavern, 147 N. Plano St., Friday, March 1. Showtime: 8:00pm. Tickets: $7.-$15. Info: (469) 91...

Ruf's Blues 2018 Caravan Tour Comes to The Stanhope House Photo Ruf's Blues 2018 Caravan Tour Comes to The Stanhope House
by Tori Hartshorn - September 17, 2018

The celebrated Blues Caravan 2018 Tour featuring stellar Ruf Records' guitarists Mike Zito, Ally Venable, and Bernard Allison gets underway in the U.S., with a local performance at The Stanhope House, 45 Main St., Thursday, October 4. Showtime: 9:00pm. Tickets: $20., $25., $30. Info: (973) 347-7777 ...

Mike Zito Releases New CD, 'First Class Life' Photo Mike Zito Releases New CD, 'First Class Life'
by Tory Gates - August 27, 2018

'Being the best is not a possible thing; it's working hard.'...












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