toby-may
Singing, performing and recording country music for almost twenty years has shaped Toby May into a performer all his own. Originally from north-central Florida, this southern native heard his beckoning at the tender age of 10, from country radio. The early ‘90s brought a whole new feeling to country music that was all new to the young man. The song was “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old), and from that moment Toby began singing anything country. Mimicking and idolizing his musical hero, Garth Brooks that would eventually lead him to the stage show he performs today. In the late ‘80s, Toby’s parents divorced and in 1991, he moved with his mother to Ohio. Toby began performing in school talent contests and local festivals. His first taste of the spotlight was his 8th grade talent show. From that moment, all he wanted was to be heard and seen. He began honing his skills and networking with everyone he could. He sang solo gigs and backyard barbeques with a small karaoke machine, anywhere someone would listen. On the Christmas of 1994, he received his first instrument, a secondhand classical guitar, and a certificate for four guitar lessons. Toby learned quickly and in no time at all was out there playing gigs everywhere. Suddenly, larger venues were within reach, and local festivals were calling. He explored his musical adventures, but knew his real journey would begin after high school. In September 2001, just days before the tragic events of 911, Toby flew to Florida to perform in the Colgate Country Showdown at the world famous Twin Oaks Mansion Pavilion at Silver Springs National Park in Ocala. Though the contest proved to be unfruitful, the experience was monumental, as the days main event featured the likes of: Sons of the Desert and Leroy Parnell. In the latter part of September 2001, Toby made the move to Nashville, TN. He made the acquaintance of a well known song writer/producer, who would guide him through the ins and outs of the Nashville music scene. Playing the local clubs and famous venues of Broadway and Printer’s alley, Toby eventually recorded two songs before leaving Nashville, with his hopes of a record deal crushed, in the spring of 2002. Disappointed over the outcome of his Nashville experience, he went back to Florida to lick his wounds and rethink his future. In the fall of 2002, Toby returned to Ohio and formed the band Rough Country. Just a few guys getting together , it wasn’t much and didn’t last long. The group never made it out of the garage. But, he pursued his ambitions and joined a new band in central Ohio and was the front man for the next three years playing all over at Ohio fairs and festivals, private parties, and events. In 2007, Rough Country would resurface for Toby. He fronted the band through a few shows and even a fair, before the band dismembered in July of 2008. Through the years life had made it difficult for the now 28 year old performer. Struggles to maintain a band and book gigs proved to be a daunting task in rural Ohio. In many cases his vision often clashed with the vision of others, leaving Toby with thoughts of doubt and despair. 2008 would prove to be the most difficult year of all. On February 28th Toby would fall victim to a horrible farming accident, nearly losing his right arm after getting entangled in the auger of a salt spreader. It would take three surgeries and months of therapy before regaining use of his arm, still with considerable impairment. But, even with impairment, Toby was able to return to work and performing music as well, including his final performance with Rough Country at the local county fair. Life is funny and full of joy, despite the bad, in early august 2008, Toby became a father of a new baby boy, Austin Lane, and he would take the next six months off from music to adjust to his new family and prepare for 2009. In the spring of 2009, Toby again hit the studio and emerge with his first full original 10 song album. He is currently building a new entertainment company and booking dates for 2009 and 2010. Toby resides in the hills of central Ohio with his fiancée Tina, and his children Jasmine, Tyler, and Austin. The future looks bright for Toby May