Singing "Gone" at a taping of NPR Nashville's syndicated show Bluegrass Breakdown. Keith Sewell on guitar, Andy Hall on dobro, Andy Leftwich on mandolin, Dave Pomeroy on upright bass and Rick Stanley singing some great harmonies. My honey wrote this one with me!
Influences
My all time favorite has to be Loretta Lynn. I remember the first concert that I ever went to was with my mother and father in Hampton, Virginia. Dad purchased Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn tickets for my 10th birthday. I was so excited that I started crying when they were introducing her. Right before she walked on stage I caught a glimpse of her white high heels and thought I was going to faint. She is still my hero today. Other influences for me are Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette, Connie Smith, Don Williams, Bonnie Raitt, Emmy Lou Harris and of course, Dolly Parton. My grandparents, Lloyd and Martha Butler always used music in their home. I can still hear their voices twining around each other. They taught me to sing harmony even before I knew how to sing lead. My mother's voice, she's a great singer. My father's love for country music was my greatest influence. Hearing his radio blaring on a Sunday morning is my earliest introduction into this genre and stuck with me to this day. And last but never least, my husband introduced me into a whole new music world with his love for bluegrass.
It still amazes me that I am living and making music in Nashville. I find myself pinching my arm and counting my blessings that I am doing something I love so deeply. As far back as I can remember this was my dream. So......dreams do come true even if they are a distorted version of what you thought they would be.
I have enjoyed a crazy roller coaster ride in this town. The intoxicating anticipation, the clickidy, clacking slow ride to the "almost" top and then the screaming while the bottom was dropping out was something but I am still here.
My new passion is writing the songs I sing now. I found this part of me on my long journey back from a major record deal. "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger"....who said that? I want to meet them and shake their hand. After my singing deal ended I felt lost until I found pen and paper. Almost as faint as a whisper, I found my true voice waiting inside of a song that was dreamed up in my heart. Whew, the thought of that recognition still blows me away. I am a writer on Music Row and the pride I feel going to my office everyday is so big that it fills me to bursting. Who knew?!
Was out taking pics as usual, and to my surprise captured a partially albino deer in my shot! Had no idea it was there! I though it was a beautiful fallen white tree log! If I had known that I was near a living creature I would have screamed and ran! SUCH A CITY GIRL I AM!
Morning Miss Donna! Just wanted to wish you and your family a Fun & Safe 4th. Your one of THE GREATEST! Take care. Best of wishes to you always from Alabama.
We are proud to announce that Music’s Rising Stars magazine is GOING TO PRINT!!! We want to thank all of you who have stuck by us and believed in us. The newly restructured magazine can soon be on its way to your mailbox! Now is the time to make sure you get an inaugural copy. Order your subscription now!! 12 issues for $24.95 Send Check or Money Order to: Music’s Rising Stars magazine P.O. Box 835 Whitehouse, TN 37188 (Please note new address) Profile articles will be based on information directly from the artist. We will never include any rumors or innuendo. Our first issue will feature exclusive interviews with: Alexia Van Horn Annie Fitzgerald Blackbird Brent Mason Boo Boo Stewart Christopher Mark Gray Georgia Greg McDougal Greg Walters Heather Wiggins Jake Owen Randy Owen Wildcard Family Revival And more! In each issue of our print magazine you will find in-depth interviews with musicians, singers and songwriters in various genres of music. The bulk of these articles will be with up-and-coming musicians but you can expect a few names that you’ve heard of in each issue as well. Look for our profiles on venues and eateries, charities, a kids corner featuring Boo Boo Stewart, humorous columns from Survivor alumni and published author, Austin Carty and more!
Donna - WOW - You have a new fan ! Your songs and style are FINE - you would be a natural at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield KS. 3rd weeknd in September - you gotta come. Ask around - we get pickers from across the nation. 37th annual this year. I can hear you wailing from stage three RIGHT NOW ! Seriously folks - catch a ride with someone. People from TX, CA, NC, SC, CO, AK, and all over come again and again. I am listening to your music as I type and am inspired. Your band has talent ! But your voice is the icing on the cake. You remind me a bit of Kansas Heart (see my friends). I am gonna forward you to the official Winfield site. God Bless You and Yours. See you in September. JP Werner
Donna, wow, I really enjoyed listening to your cd (numerous times). I look forward to playing Donna Ulisse on our new radio station. We should go live next month. Enjoy your awesome talent!! peace, Paddy
Mercy Donna! Thanx so much for the add, and thanx for hanging on to your dreams! I can relate totally, but like you said, we do become what is set in our hearts. After 40 years of looking over the top, I am now finally getting recognition as a writer! Blessings, and welcome to my neck of the woods! Peace, Howard Lips
