He got his first guitar when he was sixteen, taking lessons from a teacher in Pittsburgh who admired Andres Segovia, Oscar Moore, and Django Reinhardt.
In 1956, Anthony entered the Special Services and played in a jazz band, first on double bass and later on guitar.
Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, and Lennie Tristano frequently visited his house for jam sessions.
"[2] He spent nearly every day with Bean playing jazz, and he studied classical guitar, though he used a plectrum.
[2] In 1965, Anthony moved to Los Angeles, working first in the big band of Tex Beneke.