Donald R. Julian 61, died Nov. 6, 1998 at his home in Los Angeles, CA. Born April 7, 1937, in Houston Texas. He remained an active and vital influencing force on the Southern California music scene for 47 years, appearing at major venues with many friends of his Fremont High School years such as Richard Berry, The Penguins, and variety of legendary performers such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, James Brown, Brenton Wood, Al Wilson or newcomers such as Silk, Jade or Big Mountain. His 1993 solid Gold Album contribution "Shorty the Pimp" with the group Too Short, was not only the intro. song of the album but, its title as well. His contribution, "I Want You Back", for the film "House in the Hills" and his contribution of "Janitizo" for Warren G's "And Ya Don't Stop" Regulate album introduced a whole new generation to his music.
With over 200 songs to his credit as a writer, performer and producer with numerous concerts, international tours and television shows, here was an artist who was keenly aware of his responsibility to audience and fans. No watered down Rhythm and Blues no razzle-dazzle, the band, The Larks was not only musically strong, but totally disciplined, with individual credits by various members - more a Who's Who for a great R & B - Soul jam session than a band. Not surprising that the Larks or individual members are often seen backing other artists.
At 14 years of age, Don may well have been one of the youngest members of the Los Angeles music scene with a hit record "Heaven & Paradise". In addition, music historians now credit his group The Meadowlarks as being the first integrated Do Wop group. Don knew at this early stage of his life that music was a mean to eliminate both the physical and emotional distances between people. Music became his narrative style and ambition, telling the story of a boy and a girl, reviewing their relationship and emotions in the lyrics of his songs, his role as storyteller, prolific writer-composer and a fabulous balladeer was established before he reached 25. One theme in his music, nature's oldest mating ritual, the dance, never seems to fail. From his earliest "Doing the Cha Cha Cha", "The Jerk"," The Duck," "The Philly Dog," "The Skate" to the "Electric Slide" he appears to have been intuitive and on the forefront of the dance rhythm of the day.
It was impossible to see Don Julian and not become an instant fan. He sang, danced and never for a moment gave you or himself a chance to catch a breath. It was nonstop high-energy excitement. The man was class with a polished show and this commitment to his audience and fans become a warranty of quality not only for his performance but for other performers appearing with his show.
Survivors include his wife, Veronica Julian of Los Angeles; children, Donald R Julian II of Los Angeles, Cherryl Julian of Vellijo: Dana Pere´ of Los Angeles, Nicole Julian of Los Angeles; sisters Evelyn R. Reece of Inglewood, Mary L. Phillips of Inglewood, Delores Small of Los Angeles, Gloria Anderson of Los Angeles, and Five Grandchildren; Rayneesha Julian, Tanique Stewart, Shanice Stewart, Taylor Gray, Julian G. Pere´ III. His music companies "Jerk Records" and Cherryl Music Publishing will continue to be operated by Joe Vincent, Exec VP of SSV Music Publishing Co per Donald's request in his will and as approved by the probate court.
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