The undeniable Southern sound of Donnie Lee Strickland was born in eastern North Carolina. At age 5, Donnie began singing at his hometown church with his Granny Strickland. Through the years of growing up, he competed in various singing events and local festivals gaining exposure and the eye of the Rudy Theatre in Selma, North Carolina. Donnie was cast in the American Music Jubilee Show at the Rudy. After 14 years, Donnie decided to pursue his own solo music career. In 2014, Donnie moved to Arkansas where he currently resides (balancing time in Nashville as well). During 2015, he performed two shows in Branson, Missouri at Branson Center Stage. During that year, Donnie worked tirelessly recording new music and advancing his career, eventually in 2016 began touring across the country as an independent artist.
Growing up, Donnie also competed in barrel racing with success. That experience led him to perform at various rodeo events. Donnie, to this day, supports rodeos and has performed for several across the country. One of his songs, “Cowboy Rock and Roll” is a testimony for the rodeo enthusiasts as well as cowboys and cowgirls living it.
Donnie’s love for country music, especially from the 80s/90s, was influenced by the music of George Strait, Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, Randy Travis, The Judds, and Reba McEntire; which inspired him to harness his own musical style. Donnie often says “Singing is the only thing I know how to do well”. He has the unique ability to marry the traditional and modern styles together. His new EP/album to be released soon will testify to that.
Donnie has entertained crowds across these great States with his rich baritone vocals, always humbled and appreciative of each opportunity: performing as a special guest on the Ernest Tubb Midnite Jamboree in Nashville, TN, along with Grand Ole Opry stars Jan Howard and Jean Shepard. He has also performed at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in historic Hurricane Mills, TN, and was a featured performer at country artist Tanya Tucker’s VIP Birthday Bash.
He has opened for artists Chris Jericho & Fozzy, Frank Ray, Craig Campbell, David Nail, Ty Herndon, Anita Cochran, Jeff Bates, Frankie Ballard, Brothers Osborne, Sunny Sweeney, Bri Bagwell, Lu Lu Roman, and several others. Donnie has been showcased as a special guest: The Music City Hayride Show at the Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville, TN, and the weekly TV/radio show “Branson Country USA” at the Grand Country Music Hall in Branson, MO.
Donnie was awarded the 2017 WOBA Song of the Year for “She’s My Kind of Woman”, the 2017 Josie Music Award for Modern Country Male Artist of the Year, the 2018 Josie Music Award for Modern Country Male Entertainer of the Year, and the 2019 Josie Music Award for Modern Country Male Vocalist of the Year. “I am always excited and humbled when someone believes in me. I never take one moment for granted,” Donnie says too many. Donnie always enjoys meeting his friends and fans (who become family to him).
Donnie enjoys giving back by participating in the annual Christmas 4 Kids Bus Tour in Hendersonville, TN outside Nashville, and has performed in benefit shows for various causes.
“Touching lives is very important to me, I do that through my music”, Donnie often says. “Stay humble and never forget your roots”
The road life has its ups and downs, hardships and rewards, but “I’m as country as chocolate gravy and will hang in there like a hair in a biscuit”. Donnie is currently working on many tour dates and will be releasing new music very soon. You can check out his current releases on Spotify and all streaming platforms.
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