Dominic Paolo Testa, a multifaceted Italian-American artist, has made a profound impact in the entertainment industry, showcasing his exceptional talents as an actor, singer, screenwriter, director, and producer.
Born in the vibrant city of Youngstown, Ohio, Testa's early life was shaped by his parents, Dominic and Angeline Testa, who, despite being deaf-mute, instilled in him the importance of creativity and perseverance.
From the tender age of eleven, this individual embarked on a multifaceted musical journey, donning the hats of drummer, singer, and percussionist with remarkable ease, as he took to the stages and recording studios with an impressive array of renowned artists.
Denise LaSalle, a legendary blues and R&B singer, was among the first to benefit from his talents, followed by the inimitable Natalie Cole, whose smooth, soulful voice blended seamlessly with his own.
As he continued to hone his craft, Kenny Rogers, the country music icon, and George Duke, the jazz and R&B virtuoso, both sought his skills, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.
Billy Cobham, the renowned jazz drummer, and Grover Washington Jr., the smooth jazz saxophonist, were just a few of the many artists who shared the stage and studio with this young talent.
Freddie King, the legendary blues guitarist, and Dr. Hook, the rock and pop band, also benefited from his drumming and singing abilities, as did Dr. John, the New Orleans jazz and blues legend.
Manfred Mann's Earth Band, the British rock group, and Rush, the iconic Canadian rock trio, were among the many notable acts that welcomed him to their ranks.
Eric Carmen, the pop and rock singer-songwriter, and Joe Vitale, the drummer and singer, also worked alongside him, as did The Flying Burrito Brothers, the country-rock pioneers, and Streetwalkers, the British rock band.
Dave Loggins, the country and pop singer-songwriter, Lee Greenwood, the country music star, and.38 Special, the rock and pop band, all benefited from his talents, as did Blue Oyster Cult, the hard rock pioneers, and Bobby Goldsboro, the pop and country singer-songwriter.
Bob Welch, the Fleetwood Mac alumnus, and Bob Babbitt, the legendary Motown bassist, rounded out the impressive list of artists with whom this individual shared the stage and studio, cementing his status as a respected and accomplished musician.
Dominic has had the privilege of gracing the hallowed stage of the world-renowned Grand Ole Opry on numerous occasions, with a notable highlight being his appearance in the inaugural nationally televised broadcast of this esteemed institution. Furthermore, he has had the opportunity to tour as a backup vocalist for the illustrious Dottie West, a renowned artist who has been awarded a Grammy, and has honed his craft as a freelance Recording Session Singer in both Nashville and Chicago.
As a seasoned professional, Dominic has lent his vocal talents to a wide range of projects, including singing songwriter demos and commercial jingles, and boasts an impressive list of credits that attest to his versatility and dedication to his craft.
Dominic, a multifaceted individual with a strong presence in the entertainment industry, holds esteemed positions within the Nashville and Chicago AFTRA Board Of Directors, demonstrating his commitment to the craft and his passion for the arts.
As a member of the prestigious ASCAP and SAG-AFTRA organizations, Dominic has not only honed his skills as a performer, but has also earned a reputation for excellence, receiving numerous accolades and awards for his outstanding work.
Dominic is actively engaged in the development of his comedy feature film, "The Don Of West Hollywood", a project that has been taking shape over time. The film's origins can be traced back to a short film/demo, which served as a proof of concept for the original short screenplay. This initial iteration was brought to life in a 10'X20' storage unit, where Dominic single-handedly took on the challenge of playing all 7-characters. To capture the essence of the story, Dominic used a Canon 35mm camera, which added a unique aesthetic to the production.