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Anthony Dowd was born on August 14, 1957 in Richmond, Virginia and started playing piano by ear at age six. Listening to what he heard on television he figured out on the piano before beginning formal lessons at age 12, studying for about five years. During high school he came across his parent’s big band records and got hooked on swing and looked for more jazz piano.

A few weeks after graduating Benedictine High School, Anthony got a job playing piano with a local big band, The Kings Of Swing, at Kings Dominion Amusement Park. That led to jobs with Busch Gardens and Carnival Cruise Lines. In the early 80s’ he moved to Hartford, Connecticut and honed his solo piano skills at local restaurants, modeling his playing after pianist Dave McKenna.

Returning to Richmond in 1985 he landed a residency leading the house trio at Benjamin’s Restaurant until 1992. In 1994, while playing at the Jefferson Hotel, he hit a high point. Frank Sinatra was in town for some concerts, and after finishing his dinner, joined Dowd at the piano and sang a few tunes. After playing in the mid-Atlantic region, he took a break from playing piano, moved to Tennessee and spent time raising his daughter.

He returned to Virginia in 2003 and found his reputation as an all-around pianist as strong as ever. His style mixes the playing of Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans. His debut release as a leader was Can’t Sleep in 2009. He is featured on bassist Jason Jenkin’s albums and with Roger Carroll on their duet release. He recorded with the Children’s Miracle Network

As an educator he has lectured on jazz piano history for the Retired City of Richmond Employees, Rappahanock Community College and the Northumberland Library System. He formed the Richmond Association of Jazz Artists to promote concerts.

Pianist, singer and songwriter Anthony Dowd, who has composed close to 60 songs,  continues to perform, record, compose and sell his tunes to publishers.

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