Tony Memmel

Tony Memmel is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, guitarist, and motivational speaker known for his work in adaptive music and disability advocacy. Born with one hand, Memmel taught himself to play the guitar professionally by building a homemade adaptive cast out of duct tape. Guitar did not come easily; it took him nearly eight years to develop the cast he uses, a process defined by trial and error. Memmel has stated, "I didn't want to be a good guitarist with one hand, I wanted to be a great guitarist, period."

Memmel's musical career includes recognition as a performer and composer. He won the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Award for Singer-Songwriter of the Year, joining the ranks of Bon Iver, Les Paul, and the BoDeans. His accolades also include being a VH1 and Republic Records "You Oughtta Know" finalist and a CNN iReport Editor's Pick. He has released albums including "The Tale of an Underdog" and "Potter Road," and was commissioned to write, compose, and perform the theme song "The Good Land" for the 400th episode celebration of the television program Discover Wisconsin. His work has been featured in the Associated Press, CNN, Boston Globe, and Chicago Tribune.

Beyond recording, Memmel has built a career as a live performer and speaker. He has been invited to speak and perform in 47 U.S. states and 25 countries, sharing his message about hard work, determination, and resilience. His speaking engagements include the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Air Force, Fortune 500 companies, universities, churches, the SuperDome, and children's hospitals. He performs and speaks at more than 150 events annually, reaching audiences ranging from large stadiums to individual classrooms.

Memmel's work includes visiting schools, hospitals, and churches; writing and arranging music for children; composing symphonies; performing in historic concert venues; and helping people with hand and limb differences develop adaptive methods to make music part of their lives. He serves as an ambassador for the Lucky Fin Project, a nonprofit supporting children born with limb differences, and wrote the organization's anthem, "The Lucky Fin Song." As a two-time American Music Abroad alumnus, Memmel has toured Brazil, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay as part of his global cultural outreach.

Memmel's keynote, "Determination & Duct Tape," shares his philosophy that perceived limitations can become catalysts for innovation. He demonstrates how resilience involves finding unconventional solutions to complex problems and embracing a "duct tape mindset" to drive creativity and turn obstacles into strengths. Holding a bachelor's degree in music and trained as a classical vocalist, Memmel brings both artistic depth and practical experience to his work in adaptive music, disability advocacy, and motivational speaking.