Tony Romeo (December 25, 1938 – June 23, 1995) was an American songwriter.[1] He is best known for writing the number 1 hit "I Think I Love You" by The Partridge Family as well as many other hit records, mostly during the 1960s and 1970s.[2]
Off and on, during the 1960s and 1970s, he attempted to make a name for himself as a singer and recorded solo singles "My Ol' Gin Buddy and Me"/"Mr. Hunkachunk" for Columbia Records in 1966 and "Go Johnny Go"/ "Doctor Recommended Me a Potion" in 1977 for Lifesong Records. Overall, over 150 of his songs were recorded,[13] in addition to working as a record producer. In 1970, he wrote music and lyrics for a musical-theater version of A Dog of Flanders.[citation needed] He also produced the duo, Good & Plenty[2] (cf. Good & Plenty candy). He also wrote and produced the MGM album The Trout on which he performed along with his brother Frank Romeo and Cass Morgan, and the unreleased solo album Moonwagon.
Romeo wrote nine platinum records.[14] His most successful song, "I Think I Love You", was released in November 1970 by Bell Records, the first single released by The Partridge Family. The song hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Pop Singles chart for three weeks: November 15 – December 5, 1970 [15]
During the last 15 years of his life, Romeo was a resident of Pleasant Valley.[16] He died at home at the age 56 on June 23, 1995. His death was attributed to a heart attack.[1][2] Romeo was survived by his mother Irene Romeo Perrelle of Watervliet, and his brother Frank Romeo of Watervliet.[17]
^ ab(No author.) "Fayette County Youth Theatre sets two shows," The Valley Independent, July 28, 1970, page 27: This popular story ... has music and lyrics written by Suzanne Buhrer and Tony Romeo. ... Romeo has composed many songs, including Al Martino's hit 'Walking in the Sand,' music for Lou Christie, Johnny Maestro & the Brooklyn Bridge, and The Cowsills' 'Indian Lake.'
^(No author.) "Partridges hit with new ingredient, old family recipe," Charleston Gazette, March 27, 1971, page 8: The Partridges even trade shamelessly in Cowsills-style material. 'I Think I Love You' was written by Tony Romeo, composer of the Cowsills 'Indian Lake.' And Romeo has three songs on the new Partridge album.
^(No author.) "Tune In [column]: 'I'm Gonna Make You Mine'," Charleston Gazette (Charleston, West Virginia), November 11, 1969, page 12 (includes full lyrics and chords).
^UPI. "Composer, guitarist causes big splash" (headline refers to a David Bowie album), Las Cruces Sun-News, December 20, 1972, page 21: Richard Harris, one of the better singers, continues to come on strong with "Slides" (ABC Dunhill DSX 50133). All but one of the 12 songs, a finale by Harris himself, were written by Tony Romeo, who conceived the album. Among the songs are 'I Don't Have to Tell You,' and 'How I Spent My Summer.'
^Joe Davenport. "Records" (review of Cassidy's 1972 album Cherish), San Antonio Express and News, February 20, 1972, Sunday One section, page 21: "At first blush you get the impression Cassidy is more at home with Tony Romeo tunes than with others as he sings 'Being Together' and a great 'I Am A Clown,' on which the true qualities of Cassidy's ability comes forward."
