Born in Moline, Illinois, on May 7, 1926,
Died February 20, 2012.
Tony was a younger brother of renowned jazz drummer Louis Bellson.
The family music store Bellson's parents managed was a fixture in Moline, Illinois for many years. Tony helped out around the store with his brothers and sisters, initially taking up the guitar before finding his passion on the drums. Tony was a highly regarded musician, playing across the nation at major venues before settling down in Chicago, where he played at the top clubs, including many years at the O'Hare Gaslight Club.