Photographer Anthony Scarlati Passes

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Anthony Scarlati

Photographer Anthony Scarlati passed away on Friday, March 8, after a brief illness. He was 63.

Born in Paw Paw, Michigan, Scarlati spent most of his early life in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. He attended Western Michigan University before meeting wife, Therese, and starting a family. His career ranged from his early days as a sports photographer to his equine photography, capturing cowboys on a cattle ranch in North Dakota.

Moving to Tennessee 20 years ago, Scarlati landed in Leiper’s Fork and quickly became part of the Nashville music scene through his friendships and photography. As the house photographer for Music City Roots, Franklin Theatre and Fox & Locke, he provided the defining images for the Americana Music Triangle and Nashville’s Big Back Yard.

He has photographed many well known artists including Dolly Parton, The Doobie Brothers, BB King, Billy Gibbons, Tom Petty, Marty Stuart, Keb Mo and Billy Bob Thornton. Scarlati was Hall of Fame Songwriter Jeffrey Steele and family’s personal photographer and dear friend for the last 16 years. His love of culture and community was apparent in his photo work as well as his recent project “The Soul of America,” which chronicled his travels to small towns around America.

His publication credits include BMI Music World, Jazz Times, Bass Player Magazine, Country Music Weekly, Nashville Arts Magazine, Living Blues Magazine, Guitar Player Magazine, MusicRow and People. A lifelong lover of cuisine and culture, good books and music, he was also a woodworker in his early career.

Scarlati is survived by his wife Therese; children Sarah Hull (Jon), Katie Duda (Kevin) and Joe Scarlati (Amanda); grandchildren Tara, Ethan, Evan, Vinnie, Samantha, Maddux, Max and Layla; brothers Stephen (Debbie) and Michael (Kelly); his parents Steven and Marjorie Scarlati and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Scarlati will be held on May 26 at 3-5 p.m. CT at Green’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be donated to the Alex LeVasseur Advised Fund.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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