Donna's musical journey

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Tony Rice, listening back to some of the newly recorded tracks for "Gaining Wisdom."

Tony Rice, recording tracks on Donna's Album, that he produced.

Donna is truly grateful for the opportunity to have worked with, and have her music recognized, by such a legend.

Tony & Donna, reviewing her original songs, deciding which songs to record for "Gaining Wisdom."

Donna had the enormous opportunity to open many shows for Tony, and was even able to share the stage with him on occasion!

Tony asked Sam Bush to play on a few tracks of "Gaining Wisdom."

Donna was on cloud 9 to get to open so many shows for Tony all over the Nation.

It was remarkable to rub elbows with such legends, between recordings.

Ken Irwin, Tony Rice, Sam Bush, Tim Stafford.

Tony warming up. Wyatt Rice looking on, as they prepare to record more tracks for "Gaining Wisdom." 

Donna often got to hang backstage with Tony & Peter Rowan, during her years of opening their shows. 

Tony on stage performing.

Donna, opening for Tony Rice at The  Variety Playhouse, Atlanta GA.

Sonya Isaacs sang lots of Harmony on Donna's "Gaining Wisdom" Record & on her "Hellos Goodbyes & Butterflies" Record. Posing here with Sonya & Carl Jackson.

Donna on stage with Barry Bales at the Lil John's Music Festival in Snow Camp, NC.

J.D. produced Donna's 4th Album on Rounder Records, "Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies."

J.D. was very strict as a Producer, and sometimes Donna had to sing a single line so many times, she felt like she had swallowed a handful of razor blades chased down with kerosene. Donna is grateful for the opportunity to have been pushed to be her best, by this Legendary man!

The "Hellos Goodbyes & Butterflies" recording cast: Scott Vestal, Aubrey Haynie, J.D. Crowe, Barry Bales, Brian Stephens, Maggie Stephens, Steve Chandler, Adam Steffey, Joel Keys, Rob Ickes.

Donna learned that J.D.'s favorite Restaurant to hit after sessions was Cracker Barrel.

J.D. Crowe & Steve Chandler kept everyone laughing in the Studio.

Listening back over tracks they just recorded: Scott Vestal, Aubrey Haynie, Barry Bales, Scott Vestal, J.D. Crowe & Steve Chandler.

 "When we wrapped up the recording of Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies, JD & I sat down & watched the Superbowl together on the Recording Studio TV, which was smaller than a TV dinner. All we could see were tiny dots that looked like flies, lol. I will never forget that. To think that a man would give up an opportunity to watch a Super Bowl on a bigger TV for my little record, well...is just the coolest."

Barry listening back to his bass notes.

J.D. had never heard of Jenee prior to this session. Needless to say, after this session, she got a lot more work from J.D.!

She went on to become the CMA Musician of the Year, 1st Female to ever win, & won multiple times!

Donna was overwhelmed with joy to open a few shows for Sam.

Shortly after Donna received a handwritten note in the mail from Alison Krauss, thanking her for allowing her to record one her songs, she then met Alison for breakfast at The Galt House in Lousville, KY.

Over breakfast Alison gave Donna a burned CD she made of her brand new unheard tracks for an upcoming Album (that she would go on to win a Grammy for), that included a song Donna wrote.

Backstage at Lil John's Music Festival, Snow Camp, NC

Backstage at Merlefest with Jim Lauderdale

Donna had the opportunity to play several private parties for Race Car Giant Richard Childress.

Donna opened a show for Gene Watson in her Home State of NC.

Donna & Buddy at IBMA. Buddy & his daughter Melody sang harmony on a few tracks for the Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies Album. (Buddy produces Kenny Chesney & Willie Nelson.)

Donna opened for the Steep Canyon Rangers at the White Water Rafting Center in Charlotte.

Donna singing Harmony with Amanda at a show in PA.

Donna got to meet Emylou!

Carl Jackson helped co-produce Donna's Album "Gaining Wisdom."

Donna opened for Marty Stuart at a Premier Dinner Club & highly coveted venue near Washington, D.C. called "The Birchmere."

One year at IBMA, Donna got to open for Joe Diffie.

Donna & Sonny at IBMA.

Backstage at CMA Fanfest.  Donna was one of the 1st Artists to play the Bluegrass Stage, and backstage she bumped into Darryl.

Donna with Pam backstage at Merlefest.

Donna preparing to do a Radio Interview at IBMA.

Alison, always supportive of her writers, stopped by The Station Inn the night of Donna's Gaining Wisdom CD Release.

Donna, playing a Writer's Round at The Red Light Cafe' in Nashville with Carl Jackson.

Donna opening for Del McCoury at the Isothermal College.

Donna played at The Bluebird multiple times through the years.

Donna has done many Songwriting Workshops around the Country, including this one at IBMA one year with Tim Stafford of Blue Highway.

WGHP FOX 8 hosted several live concerts online during the shut down of 2020. Donna was excited to be a guest performer!

Greg Luck, Zak McLamb, Clay Jones, Donna, Adam Steffey & Scott Vestal

Playing a Festival near Portland, Maine

Robert Lee Castleman, Paul Craft, Carl Jackson doing a Writer's Round

One of the many times Donna performed at The Station Inn.

The Grascals are well known for having played frequently with Dolly Parton.

Randy Kohrs, among others, on state with Donna in Montana. Randy is a Grammy Winning Engineer/Producer/Performer who has played with greats like Dolly Parton, Jim Lauderdale & others.

Donna was awarded the key to her Hometown, (Trinity, NC) by the Mayor,  the Late Jessie Hill.