Dino Villanueva Thumps the Bass for Tanya Tucker
Dino Villanueva grew up in Texas, playing music with his guitarist father and other musical influences. At the age of 13, Dino was the second lead guitarist in his dad's band.
In 2001, while attending Texas Christian University, a group of friends needed a bass player and asked Dino to fill in. He immediately fell in love with the bass, and as they say, the rest is history.
Today Dino is a session bass player in Nashville and also plays in the touring band for Country Music superstar and legend, Tanya Tucker.
I sat down with Dino on the patio of Moo Country boutique in Leiper's Fork, TN, in early May of 2020 after musical tours were canceled or rescheduled because of the coronavirus pandemic. While the time off has allowed Dino to spend valuable time with his family, this versatile musician has used the opportunity to practice and even record his original material. He also recently released a version of "Danny's Song," in memory of his dad.
Listen to this episode, as Dino discusses growing up in a musical upbringing, his Filipino heritage, and life as a touring musician. Dino plays and is sponsored by Godin guitars.