Backyards of Key West Podcast with Mark Baratto 134: Artist, Music Producer & Entertainment Maven, Don Oriolo

In this episode, Mark Baratto sits down with the incredible Don Oriolo. We talk about Don’s career with the Felix the Cat franchise, his first encounter meeting John Lennon, his fond memories of recently deceased Meat Loaf, and a surprise visit from Felix the Cat himself 😉

This interview bounces all around the spectrum of Don’s incredible life… only scratching the surface!

More on Don Oriolo & Zazoo Fine Art Gallery

Don Oriolo is an American artist, musician, and writer best known for his work in the music publishing industry and for overseeing the Felix the Cat cartoon franchise after his father, Felix co-creator Joe Oriolo, died in 1985. Don Oriolo also owns and operates the Oriolo Guitar Company, a guitar, bass, and ukulele manufacture company whose products often feature Felix and other Oriolo-designed artwork. Oriolo has also authored a number of books featuring his paintings of Felix the Cat, whom he describes as his creative muse. Some of his music publishing credentials include writing Jon Bon Jovi‘s first charted track, as well as signing Meat Loaf and Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam.

Oriolo is a prolific painter, cartoonist, and writer. His artwork in every medium can be found in Zazoo Fine Art Gallery and he was named Artist of the Year in 2015 by Fine Art Magazine. His third painting book, Another Book of Felix the Cat Paintings, was released via a book signing on November 22, 2015 at Macy’s in New York City and reached #5 on Amazon’s bestseller list. Don is also an approved artist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, Fleischer Studios and King Features.

When you visit Zazoo Fine Art Gallery you may see Don Oriolo painting at his easel in the gallery!

Website: https://zazooart.com

Instagram: http://instagram.com/zazooartkw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZazooArtGallery/

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Oriolo