Biography

Rob Chiossi, born in a small town called Pequannock New Jersey. "Always seemed like Mayberry to me growing up. We could swim in the creek behind the house leave the doors unlocked and stop in at a neighbors house anytime. You were always welcome. Even some of the roads were still all dirt. It was magical"
Chiossi has always been either the bass or guitar player in a band. Co-writing for someone else to sing. He decided in 1999 to write songs just for himself. "I wanted to go for a new take on the Buffett thing. My biggest influence is Jimmy Buffett. The places he sings about. The feeling of endless vacation. Summer days and steamy nights. Close second is Kenny Chesney for all the same reasons. Chris Isaak and his surfy attitude. My main reason for even picking up a guitar hands down goes to the Beatles.
What surprised me the most was people liked it better than the bands I played with prior to that. It gave me a little confidence to pursue the dream. Every song has to come from the heart for me. If it isn't honest, I can't seem to write it. Now I cannot imagine writing any other style of music."
Since moving to Florida Rob says "The performances have gotten better. Every show is at a Tiki Bar or on a beach or a pier. Always overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. I have a great booking agent, Jay Goodley, and my band, The Rum Runners, have been real steady and getting a lot of notice. Back in New Jersey I'd play in smoky bars with snow outside and no one cared."
Almost three years later and being too close to ground zero on 9/11, Rob decided to move out and around, that's how he landed a home in Florida. Before he made the move, Rob appeared on Wheel Of Fortune. Now he says "No shoes, no shirt, no problem" is the best way to live.
"Sarasota, Florida has been the best move I ever made. I live on a small lake that I stocked full of large-mouth bass. I fish whenever I get a chance. I'm 10 minutes from the Gulf. People say hello and thank you. The sun shines almost all year long. Although I would love to live in Cozumel or St. John's, this is better because I'm still in the USA. I love my country and the men and women who serve our nation. Like I said every show I play is on the water and all the girls wear a lot less here. Yeah, I love it here."
The very upbeat tune "Last Call For Alcohol" is a song that can be found on Rob's debut album. "I was a bartender back in New Jersey where I grew up. I had to help run my uncle's bar. "Ed's Tavern". That place would close at 3am, last call at 2:30. I could not wait till 2:30. Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of fun and great money, but there's nothing like going home after work. Every one wants one more round they're having a ball, but I would be looking at the clock on that wall. I wanted to write a song that captured that feeling and a song that could be used as the last call song. That is how I ended up with 'Last Call For Alcohol'".