DONI DONN

Bio

Introducing Doni Donn 

The soundscape of Doni’s music spans a range of contemporary styles that are colorful and unique. All thou influenced by Marvin Gaye and also Michael Jackson “whom some say his voice resembles,” is still passionate about his commitment, to be original. So staying true to himself would be the driving force behind his pursuit in the music world. As a playmaker in a game so competitive beyond imagination, Doni is more focused now than ever before. The journey straight from the gate presented Doni with many challenges and extensive learning curves, but dedication and a love for what he does, keep his inspiration level high. Now the stage is set-for the man with many hats “A Jack Of All Trades” would finally take it’s place. Preparation and hard work would open  doors and provide Doni with a clear path to move forward in his career. To highlight and describe Doni’s vision would be a quote he built his legacy on “believe in yourself and never get discouraged doing something you love.” Looking back at these humble beginnings Doni can truthfully say he is thankful for all his achievements, as a singer-songwriter-producer. So let’s dive right in and see what’s behind this multi-talented man and his music.

A bit more detailed but not the full story 

Back in the day where it all started on the westside of Chicago, Doni’s family ties to Christianity would soon reveal to him, sincere love for music singing gospel every Sunday in the church he was raised up in. This would go on for a while during his childhood years before relocating south to live with his grandmother in Charleston, Mo. Bored and not much to do living in a small rural town force Doni to learn a few musical instruments, which he did (Trombone, Guitar, and Piano). Doni would eventually return to Chicago in his mid-teens to continue and develop his new skill set. He reconnected with friends from the same neighborhood he grew up in and together they formed “Deep Involvement” an R&B Soul band where he was lead guitarist and music coordinator for over 10 years. Doni later joined “LFTR” a Jazz fusion R&B Funk band for about 3 years as a vocalist, guitarist, and 2nd keyboardist, his first experience to sing and perform songs he and the band wrote together. Doni’s relationship with members from both bands to this day remain close, more like family than friends.

Fast forward a bit to the mid-80s, Doni begins to take full control, respond to voices in his head, and find his true purpose in life. Doni took to heart that everything happens for a reason and decided it was time to go solo. He managed to keep his mild-mannered demeanor and not burn any bridges, putting him in a position to take advantage of connections he had acquired so far. This would lend itself an opportunity to get coached personally by his acting teacher (Okoro Harold Johnson) Artistic Director at ETA Creative Arts Foundation, where Doni had brief training in dance and theater. Now with a bit more insight into the entertainment world, Doni could embrace the power of this knowledge and use it to move forward in his career, “baby steps,” as he would say. Adding to the list Doni would stay active on the scene working with other musicians around and about including a project connected with Al Green that was recorded in Memphis using one of his songs for (Haynes Miracle Temple Choir) out of St. Louis, Mo.

After deciding to take his career more seriously Doni quit his day job and moved to LA in 1988. A connection with Motown during this time was set up by his lawyer with a deal on the table that fell short because the company was sold to MCA. Now stuck in the middle and a bit confused, Doni needed to clear his mind again. He suddenly teamed up with Louis Johnson from (Brother Johnson) to start a label which also fell short of expectation. Doni then signed with Parliament Records managed by Benny and Lenny Weisman who at the time managed Atlantic Star. Feeling a bit disappointed in the direction his career was headed Doni decided to leave LA and move to Japan, This was 1990 the beginning of a New Chapter in his life, a new playing field that set the stage for Doni to finally make a living doing what he loves best. Culture shock was not an issue because Doni was use to change, saying to himself “Ready or not here I come,” and now he’s a starter in the game. Being a full-time musician in Japan definitely keeps you busy. Doni’s plate is constantly full performing in night clubs, bars, and hotels 5 to 6 nights a week. Adding to this workload Doni would make time to do special events like Weddings, Office parties, Holiday festivals, and sometimes TV appearances, not to forget writing the title song for a Japanese movie “Maybe Tomorrow” in 1996. Doni’s entertainment experience in Japan has been linked to combos from duets to full band projects, included in some of those combos was guitarist Johnny Graham from Earth Wind & Fire, all of this “none stop” in a span of 30 years.    

In Conclusion:

Doni’s highlights and achievements have always gained respect, from his peers. “Thinking out loud how many hats should I wear?” was the question to be answered. Doni felt that being a Jack Of All Trades would sometimes tax his ability to be proficient at his craft, leaving him stranded a few times, at a crossroad in his career. This bittersweet feeling comes and goes but Doni can truly say he did fulfill some major parts of his dream by making a living doing what he loves best and that’s music 360. Doni is basically saying you don’t always have to be a superstar to enjoy a career life in music, the love, and passion for it will always be there for you and shine through. Game’s not over so look to hear more from Doni Donn.  A special Thank You shout out to his team (FFF) fans-friends and family.