LATONE HEART
–AKA–
Big Stretch Mark, Captain Zummo & The Insomniac
LaTone Heart was conceived with assistance from a Marvin Gaye record in the late 70’s then born at the University of Wisconsin. Depending on the judge’s decision he attended school partially in San Diego and primarily in Madison. He was a popular critic and jester of Madison Metropolitan School District, acquainting himself with most of his principals early in each semester.
Armed with his father’s record collection LaTone learned how to entertain at social gatherings with music and commentary, this lead to his first job as a self employed mobile DJ. He became a break-dancer, MC, DJ and delinquent (according to police) fully emerged in the genesis of Hip-Hop culture.
A football injury at Virginia Union University in 95 lead him to pursue radio as a career professionally, LaTone packed up two cans of soup and his turntables and lived as a nomadic DJ entertaining for food and shelter in Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, etc. Eventually he hitchhiked home to attend Madison Media Institute to study radio broadcasting in 97.
His big break came during his time at MMI, LaTone volunteered (donut delivery, cleaning toilets) at community radio station; he was in the right place when one of the DJ’s was unable to make his shift. He did the night show and was hired as the original DJ’s replacement the following week.
LaTone joined Power 105.9 Madison, v100 Milwaukee, Magic 102.5 Beaumont, WOLX 94.9 Madison, Power 97.5 Houston, B96 Minneapolis, Hot 107.5 Detroit and currently Hot 97.9 Lake Charles. He was the regional Midwest voice of Miller’s St. Ides malt liquor radio campaign 1999-2001 and road DJ for R&B group Jagged Edge. Today he is a sought after voice artist, panelist, comedy writer, author, and DJ / Media Personality who continues to move the needle
Known for his acerbic wit, outspoken, non conformist opinions and affinity for hip-hop and pop culture LaTone has 17 years on air, more than 30 years avoiding police and 2 years stalking his ex on Facebook.
If your brand needs a buzz LaTone will generate it, follow him @LaToneHeart
