Born Anthony Jordan Mladenoff of immigrant Macedonian parents in 1955 blue collar Youngstown, OH, Tony found himself playing self-taught bass parts on a parlor guitar his musically multi-talented father had gifted to him.  With this guitar, and the music of  Youngstown’s own Glass Harp, Human Beinz (Nobody But Me) and the Edsels (Ram-a-lam-a-ding dong), among many others, his interest in all styles of music was fueled, being especially drawn to British Invasion music.

 

During the Jesus movement of the late 60’s to mid 70’s,  The Glass Harp was, fronting such Brit greats as The Kinks and the Prog- Rock masters, Yes, and Tony greatly admired the guitar genius of Glass Harp’s Phil Keaggy. In 1971 Keaggy was to jam with a local rock band at a New Birth rally in Austintown, OH that was being  presented by Beatles’ Shae Stadium emcee, Scott Ross and other local Christian leaders. Keaggy was unable to make it, but God showed up and turned 16 year old Tony’s life around. Tony’s desire to serve Jesus through music was launched when he attended a Bible study for new Christians where praise and worship was being led by Phil Keaggy!

 

After some time learning about Jesus and music ministry, Tony co-founded and contributed to the writing of original material for the Christian band, Omega Sonship. Recordings were done at Jerree Records studio, where such hits as “Alliah” (Donnie Iris), “The Rapper” (Jaggers) and “Play That Funky Music” (Wild Cherry) were recorded. Omega Sonship’s first record, Earthrider, was recorded in 1980 and regional travel followed. Interviews, radio, tv, and printed media featured the band. Music artists Phil Keaggy, Twila Paris, Tim Miner, former Wings drummer Joe English, DC Talk, and Christian comic Mike Warnke were all fronted by Omega Sonship. In 1984, the band’s second album,  The Sword and the Oil,  was released.  

 

In 1993, he married his wife Eileen. They have 7 children and live in Surprise, AZ. He serves with joy at Calvary Chapel 14:6 of Surprise while recognizing the Jesus movement started at Costa Mesa Calvary Chapel. He has also done studio work and ministry elsewhere, most notably with Thurane Aung Khin with whom he fronted the Blackwood Quartet and will participate in Joyce Meyer Ministry locally. “It’s such fun”, he announces, sending his love to all.

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Unfortunately (for us), Tony Jordan Mladenoff went home with Jesus on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.