[2] At the age of 12, Tony worked with his father at local Italian dances and weddings, playing slap bass and singing.

[2] Pantano changed his style from pop to Latin American when he joined the group Sammy and The Dolphins as their lead vocalist and bass player.

On his return to Australia he entered the talent show Showcase and won his way to the Grand Final.

[2] Pantano's first single "Every Time You Touch Me" was released in 1971 on the Air label and reached the Australian top 40.

[2] A second single "Tonight" was released on the His Master's Voice label and peaked at number 80 on the Australian charts.