Don began playing guitar in the early 60's, learning by playing with friends and with his dad, who was a country singer. He was influenced by the "British Invasion" and later, the folk movement of that era. These very different genre resulted in a diverse musical palette with an inclination toward the acoustic end of the musical spectrum. Over the years he has added several intruments to his arsenal, including mandolin, harmonica, and banjo. To a lesser extent he plays around with dulcimers (hammered and mountain) and Irish whistles.
In the late 1990's he started writing songs, encouraged by a couple of friends who are singer/songwriters, and to actually sing his songs to an audience. From that, he has become an integral part of the local singer/songwriter community and plays various open mics and venues around the area.
Some of his favorite songwriters and influences include John Prine, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Fred Eaglesmith and Gillian Welch. "I really like the songwriting of Gillian Welch" Don says. "She writes songs that sound as if they are over 100 year old Appalachian ballads. Songs that tell a story. That is what I try to do as well".
If asked, Don would probably classify himself as a folksinger, although in reality his songs are very eclectic. Many, however, are based on what he likes to call "song stories".
Although primarily a solo artist and writer, Don has collaborated on a few songs with local singer/songwriters, as well as Judy Hoover, of the San Antonio based band Restless Wind. In addition to being a solo singer/songwriter, Don also plays mandolin and harmonica and sings as a founding member of LightHouse, a Praise and Worship band.
His first CD is entitled "Dry Rain and other Southern Folk Tales", released in May of 2009. Don's second CD, "...back to Nothingville", should be released in May, 2011.
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