ABOUT TONY

Antonio "Tony" John Colter was born on January 23, 1953 in Baltimore City, MD. Tony was the first child to Jeanette Dea. Jeanette and married Col. David Colter. Shortly after Jeanette and David's marriage Tony started living the life of a “Military Brat” with Vickie and brothers, Michael and Dane. Growing up, Tony was a Boy Scout and played baseball. He became ambidextrous, due in part to his baseball coaches lack of experience with left handed players. The family moved to all over the US and Europe. When Tony arrived back on American soil from years spent in Germany he discovered his passion- music. He heard top 40 radio for the first time and was hooked, listening to all different types of music, especially Rock ‘N Roll. Tony attended Arundel High School, where he made many lifelong friends. After graduation in 1971 he started at Anne Arundel Community College where he worked at the radio station as an announcer and the station’s music director. Shortly after, Tony started at 98 Rock in Baltimore and given the nickname Tony "Mad Dog" Colter which was carried throughout much of his career. He also worked at WYSP in Philadelphia, WNCX in Cleveland, WMBW, WJFK, DC101 and 94.7, the Arrow, in the DC area. Tony finished his career on SiriusXM on two channels "Bluesville" and “Watercolors." He really enjoyed being a part of the Blues because there was such a special sense of community. Tony was a reliable, dedicated, and hardworking employee whose main motivation was to take care of his family while doing what he loved. Throughout his career, he had a strong following, yet he always remained humble and down to earth. Besides working in radio, Tony also managed bands, coordinated special events, worked with different charities, and took time to mentor and help others. Tony met his wife, Doreen, in high school and they were married in November 1983. Tony and Doreen welcomed their daughter, Karley, in October 1985. Tony had a special heart- kind, loving and truly caring of others. He was an emotional guy and was able to empathize with people. He had a special way of listening and kindly giving advice or offering to help. Tony also took the time to get to know people and remember them. If you knew Tony for 5 minutes or 50 years, everyone would consistently agree that he’s a “nice guy.” Unfortunately, on May 3, 2019, Tony passed away in Baltimore City due to complications from a stroke. Tony fought for his life for over three weeks in the hospital, always staying positive for a full recovery. Tony always wanted to pay it forward, to honor him we’re doing just that. We started this 501c3 nonprofit charity to raise money to buy a child from Baltimore City an instrument and music lessons.