A Wisconsin native and University of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumnus is hitting it big in the music industry as he performs music for live audiences and local television.
Discover Wisconsin TV hired Tony Memmel ’08, of Nashville, Tenn., to write, compose and perform a new theme song for the show, which aired on Feb. 21 and 22 for the first time.
The new theme song, called “The Good Land,” was part of the 400th episode celebration with Discover Wisconsin.
Memmel, a native of Milwaukee, is an award-winning singer-songwriter, speaker and composer. He started his music career as a child, not letting his disability take away his dream of learning to play guitar. Memmel was born without his left forearm, but has constructed a self-made cast that can hold a guitar pick.
The Good Land is an upbeat song that portrays what Discover Wisconsin TV is about; traveling to towns across Wisconsin to show what they have to offer. Memmel said he found inspiration from growing up in Wisconsin.
“When writing The Good Land, I focused on what I thought a modern anthem about the state might sound like and what it should say,” he said.
The 400th episode featured St. Germain, Sayner and Star Lake, all small, northern towns in Wisconsin.
Memmel uses folk, Americana, pop and other genres when he’s writing music. He also is known to sing with a “subtle, yet powerful voice,” according to his website.
At UW Oshkosh, Memmel was active in music. He was part of the chamber choir, sang in opera productions, became president of the chamber choir, majored in music business and even met his wife in the choir.
“Music was my life at UWO, and remains that way to this day,” he said.
Previously, Memmel has received recognition as the Wisconsin Area Music Industry singer-songwriter of the year and has been a finalist with his wife, Lesleigh, on VH1/Republic Records’ Make a Band Famous.
Along with singing and writing songs, Memmel works with schools and organizations to create clinical programs that are customized to focus on overcoming adversity, and creating vocational craftsmanship, artistic integrity and an ambitious spirit.
His hit, Lucky Fin Song, focuses on overcoming the adversity children with disabilities face. Memmel works as the Lucky Fin Project ambassador.
“The lyrics are about my mission to emphasize ability over disability, and to show children, as well as adults, that all things are possible, if you set your mind to them and don’t give up,” Memmel said.
He also teaches music master-classes to grade schools, high schools and colleges.
As a musician, Memmel has organized 11 national tours and performed in 44 states. He has performed at the Weill Center for the Performing Arts in Sheboygan, and has performed in the Superdome in New Orleans, both in front of large audiences.
Memmel is considered a “bright and upcoming artist,” sponsored by Gorilla Glue Co., Heid Music, Kyser Musical Products and Kopf Percussion. He partners with the Lucky Fin Project, MS run in the U.S. and a fundraiser called “Owen’s Song.”
Learn more: