“Uncle Donny Is Back!” – With an iTunes Bonanza!
“Uncle Donny Is Back!” – The new project from Donny Richmond, actually has the feel of a Greatest Hits album. Released recently, 3 singles from it are already charting. “The Dream Theme” is a current #1, “A Satisfied Mind” reached #1 just weeks ago, and “The Happiest Guy In The Whole U.S.A.” has been hovering around the Top 20, on the international Airplay Express Countdown. “Ridin’ Out The Storm” and “The Smaller The Town” from the CD, are featured in the current Rossetti Productions movie, “Saving Faith”, for which Donny was also nominated Best Lead Actor in a Feature Film. And both of these songs are former #1s on national U.S. country and gospel charts, now digitally re-mastered. All of the songs on this collection are quite radio friendly, and plenty more singles’ chart action can be expected in the future, as each of these songs becomes individually released.
Donny Richmond is a multi-award winning entertainer, accomplished in many phases of the entertainment industry. With such accolades as Artist of the Decade and The Living Legend Award, this International Country Gospel Music Hall of Fame member always seems to uncover some new area of creativity to explore. For his fans, the simple explanation is this – Donny Richmond is a genius. Also known affectionately as “Uncle Donny”, the bright star that is Donny Richmond truly is back, and shining – after having spent much of the last several years off of the road, devoting time to focusing on his family, and the raising of his 2 sons.
Donny tells us this was time well spent, and he’s obviously a very proud dad to Donny, Jr. (18) and Carl (14). While Donny reduced his touring schedule, he has remained very well represented in various international radio charts, with more than 25 chart hits since 2006, including #1s in more than a dozen countries. And his TV Specials have aired nationally in European countries, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Caribbean countries, South Pacific countries, and others.
Donny is regarded by many to be among the most versatile of singers ever to hit popular music, and the songs delivered on his new album will certainly continue to substantiate this status. “Uncle Donny Is Back!” begins with an astounding cover version of the late Roy Orbison’s smash hit of yesteryear, “Crying”. This beautiful ballad, with its big finish, has not seen a rendition this true to the caliber of Roy Orbison’s since Roy, himself. And our reviewers feel certain that Roy Orbison, who was also a writer of this tune, would be proud to place Donny’s version in the company of his own.
Next on the set is Donny’s cover of “Puppet on a String”. Once recorded as a movie song by Elvis Presley, we’re betting Elvis would also be proud of Donny’s version. An interesting footnote here is that Elvis Presley’s step-brother, Rick Stanley, was heard proclaiming to a crowd of people where he and Donny were appearing on the same program, “If Elvis was alive today, he would be a Donny fan!”
“Just Like In The Movies”, written by Donny Richmond, with frequent co-writer David Walker, finds Donny singing big band music with all the talent, gusto, fervor, and “class” of a Frank Sinatra hit. “If I Only Had Time”, originally a #1 song for New Zealand star, John Rowles, is put across with sensitivity by Donny, in a style reminiscent of Tom Jones, brought forward to 2017. Donny’s mother loved this song, and Donny recorded it for this project to honor her memory.
“Squeegee”, written by Donny Richmond, takes us back to the good-time feel of 1950’s style rock n’ roll, with it’s upbeat, fun rhythms, delivered by a side of Donny that can also perform as a true “rockabilly” showman. “A Satisfied Mind”, a favorite of Donny’s dad back when Porter Wagoner took it to #1, is another vehicle for Donny’s honest and compelling vocals, and is included here to honor the memory of his dad.
All of the songs of “Uncle Donny Is Back!” are exquisitely recorded. 5 of the 12 songs have Donny’s outstanding songwriting flair attached. Mixed throughout the album are touches of country music, inspirational feelings, soulful singing, good-time music, rock n roll, and even a sweet taste of the “big band” era. For the music fan wanting to hear an absolutely excellent, diverse new album from this all-around extraordinarily talented, world class vocalist – one couldn’t ask for more!
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