Glenn Colton joined Rockabilly Greg “In the Flamingo Lounge” on Saturday, July 9, 2022 for a great conversation about his career in music.
Glenn has performed over 5,000 high-energy concerts for the young, and the young at heart. He draws upon a variety of styles including folk, rock, bluegrass, disco, blues, and country to create original music that teachers, kids, and families can enjoy together.
At the heart of Glenn’s performances are powerful messages of self-reliance, respect, responsibility, friendship—and an unmistakable sense of JOY.
His shows don’t just entertain—they inspire.
Glenn’s performing career began in the resorts and beach bars of Eastern Long
Island’s North Fork and Shelter Island. From 1984 to 1988, he played seven nights a week throughout the summer seasons, entertaining vacationers and locals alike.
This rigorous schedule became his proving ground, where he refined his stage presence, and developed his crowd-pleasing “Jimmy Buffett Island Style” repertoire that would later define his musical identity.
Each Fall, he returned home to continue his studies at Buffalo State College, where he pursued a degree in elementary education. Balancing his academic work with a growing passion for music, Glenn navigated two worlds… shaping young minds in the classroom while refining his live performances in local clubs. This unique combination would ultimately “set the stage” for a life rich with purpose and filled with meaningful experiences.
In 1988, with degrees in Business and Elementary Education, Glenn began his career as a third-grade teacher at Key Largo Elementary in the Florida Keys. Over time, he began blending his passions for teaching and music, turning his talents as both an educator and songwriter toward the young minds of tomorrow.
Eventually, he took his “musical classroom” on the road—bringing learning, laughter, and live music to children everywhere!
The years of 1994-2001 were a time of growth and learning for Glenn as he created and marketed his live shows to elementary schools throughout Western New York State.
In 1999, Glenn’s earned a sponsorship arrangement with Elixir Guitar Strings. In 2009 Glenn was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. In 2012, Glenn was awarded the “Friend of Education” award by The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS). In 2022, Glenn was inducted a second time into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, this time, as a member of The Dooleys, an acoustic folk-rock trio known for their original music and unique three-part harmony vocals.
Glenn has released 7 full-length recordings of original material, 2 children’s books, and a Live Greatest Hits DVD.
His music can be streamed and downloaded from iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.
For more on Glenn: Buffalo Music Hall of Fame, Youtube and his official website: glennlcolton.wixsite.com
A retrospective of Glenn’s marketing materials