When it comes to being a well-rounded, multi-talented entertainer and performer, Donny Richmond exemplifies the description. A singer, songwriter, in-concert showman, musician, music producer, TV host, TV producer, preacher, music director, actor, voice-over artist, on and on, Donny does it all meticulously, and with amazing skill. And he’s a “people person”, full of personality.
Awards and accolades have followed Donny throughout his ever expanding career. Recognitions such as Artist of The Decade, Entertainer of The Decade, and The Living Legend Award are common to him, yet he is known by many to be quite a humble man. Growing up in the suburbs of Maryland just outside of Washington, D.C., Donny first entertained as a child, with the neighborhood folks gathered around his family’s backyard swing set.
He would perform impromptu concerts for his elementary school classes when it rained and the students/teachers couldn’t go outdoors for recess. Fast forward to today, and Donny is widely regarded as a consummate entertainer and philanthropist.
Though Donny’s affinity for, and likeness to Elvis Presley is well documented, when Donny is asked about his influences, he also cites legendary rock artist, PJ Proby. The veteran Proby, Texas born, became famous throughout Europe and most of the world when he appeared in England on The Beatles first international TV Special, “Around The Beatles”, and was introduced by Paul McCartney.
Other than The Beatles themselves, Proby “stole the show” that night, and became an international sensation, with a series of pop hits, especially in England, where he became known as a kind of “new Elvis”. Many years later, Proby proved to be a mentor when Donny first arrived in Hollywood as a fledgling young artist. The two met when Donny entered a talent contest at the famous Palomino Club in L.A., while PJ was in the audience.
When Donny completed his performance, Proby proclaimed his now “prophetic” first words to Donny, shouting; “I hope you win!” Not only did Donny win the talent contest, but Proby began introducing him around to legendary pop music figures in Hollywood, such as famed DJ “Wolfman” Jack, and executive producer of the national TV show, “The Midnight Special”, Burt Sugarman.
Before long, Donny was invited to England, where he appeared in pop music “British Invasion Revival” tours with such artists as The Searchers, The Merseybeats, and PJ himself. Soon Donny was signed to a worldwide recording contract with EMI Records, based in London.
A turn around occurred for Donny when he experienced a spiritual renewal, returning to the U.S., where he then focused his attention on gospel and “family friendly” country music. When country music legend Stonewall Jackson invited Donny to appear on his “Stonewall Jackson & Super Friends” album project; a collection of over 50 all-time music greats, Donny was asked to appear alongside Garth Brooks, among others.
A Christian/Country duet from this project by Donny and Stonewall of “Jesus Is My Lifeline” became the longest running national #1 Chart Hit in the history of Music City News and Gospel Voice magazines in 1996/1997. In July 2016, this recording has reached national U.S. #1 on the GTE Music Magazine Charts, now achieving national/international #1 chart success during three different decades! During the past 20 years, Donny has enjoyed #1 national chart successes in more than a dozen countries.
Recently Donny has taken on acting roles in movies produced by the prestigious, faith based movie company, Rossetti Productions, directed by Chip Rossetti. “The Christmas Reunion”, a lighthearted family movie, has Donny cast as Mayor of a small town, trapped with friends in the local Diner during a snowstorm, and is set for release Nov.1, 2016.
“Saving Faith”, with Donny cast in a leading “good guy” role, is due for release Feb. 2017. “Saving Faith” includes cameos by Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and several other well-known personalities. Singles from Donny’s new recording project, “Gems”, are charting internationally.
iTunes link https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jesus-is-my-lifeline-single/id854892125
Contact Doris Jean
Company Doris Agency/Nashville
Email donnynow@bellsouth.net
Country U.S.
Website www.donnyrichmond.com
Phone (865) 774 3400
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