Donny Richmond – A Creative Genius
Donny Richmond makes a career of expanding the borders of what it means to be a performer. All the while, he seeks to remain true to his core beliefs, and the faith that sustains him. Donny’s latest international single release, “A Satisfied Mind”, is a step back in time – an intriguing remake of the #1 Porter Wagoner hit of the 1950’s, written by Jack Rhodes and Joe Hayes. The late, great Porter Wagoner was the host for Donny’s initial appearance on The Grand Ole Opry in 1997. And Donny is a longtime admirer of Porter’s laid back style. As a child, Donny enjoyed watching Wagoner’s syndicated TV program.
During his school years, Donny was told that his high IQ was such that he could grow up to become “…anything you want to be”. Donny chose artistic endeavors, and since those days, Donny has gone on to forge his own unusual path, with many ventures, and adventures. He has hosted his own syndicated TV programs internationally, and plans to reignite his own brand new TV series in late 2017/early 2018.
Donny, like Porter, loves to dress with flair, and adds, “I dug Porter’s suits, with all the rhinestones and fancy trim”. It’s interesting to note that Donny sang at his own high school Senior Prom, while wearing an outrageous, glittery, self-designed and custom made gold outfit, with gold sparkle shoes.
“A Satisfied Mind” is part of a new album project, just completed by Donny, of which this reviewer is privileged to have had an advance copy. The collection, as yet untitled, features a diverse selection of remarkable recordings with Donny, in his own unique way, touching on musical genres including country, pop, “goodtime” rock ‘n’ roll, and even big band music.
Donny handles all genres with equal ease. His voice, like very few artists in music history, is suited for him to sing any kind of music with masterful expertise. As with previous releases, several of the new songs are written by Donny, and with Nashville collaborators David Walker and Marty Mouton.
Donny’s version of “A Satisfied Mind” is dedicated to the memory of his dad, who loved the song. Donny tells us he can remember during childhood, his whole family sharing in his dad’s enjoyment of the tune. Another song from Donny’s new set is dedicated to the memory of his mom, and will also be released as a single later this year.
Donny says that a catalyst for this project was his desire to honor his parents. He cites as his inspiration the Bible verse, Deuteronomy 5:16: “Honor your father and your mother”… that it may go well with you”.
As an actor, Richmond has recently appeared in a couple of feature length movies. “Saving Faith”, from Rossetti Productions, is currently circulating in theaters around the U.S., to rave reviews. Donny’s acting skills are being hailed as superb, and worthy of an acting award.
In fact, Donny Richmond is nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film for the 2017 International Christian Film Festival Awards. These prestigious awards have been described as “the Oscars of Christian and family-friendly films”.
Alongside Donny in “Saving Faith” is an all-star cast, including America’s renowned “Mr. Clean of Comedy”, Henry Cho – who is nominated for Best Supporting Actor, acclaimed Christian actress Jenn Gotzon – also nominated for Best Lead Actress, and as Jenn’s love interest – her real life love interest, the very fine and accomplished actor, Jim Chandler.
Donny’s own son Carl actually plays the role of his son Carl in the movie. Carl has appeared in 3 movie roles in less than a year, and is also being called a “natural actor”, a “gregarious character”. The comment often heard about Carl is; “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”.
The “Saving Faith” movie also includes cameo appearances by recording stars Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, The Gatlin Brothers, Buddy Jewell, Olympic skater Scott Hamilton, and Saturday Night Live’s Victoria Jackson.
A British and Irish tour is slated for Donny later this year. His European chart successes in country and gospel music are numerous, and his new album promises to bring additional pop chart successes.
Among the many national and international awards Donny has received, including Artist of The Decade, Entertainer of The Decade, Male Vocalist, Songwriter, Producer, etc., Donny was recently informed of being inducted into the International Country Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. Richmond says his secret is; “I thoroughly enjoy what I’m doing, and I’m very much aware that anything of value I may accomplish is simply by the grace of God.”
iTunes link https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-satisfied-mind-single/id1216169238
Contact Doris Jean
Company Doris Agency/Nashville
Email donnynow@bellsouth.net
Country U.S.
Phone (865) 774 3400
