John Donovan Music

Today, I celebrate the remastered version of this great record. “Into White” still moves me and it’s like hearing it for the first time, every time!

https://youtu.be/6J2mT5i4QPk?si=Gryi2OxQjlv6hXOA

“Music is art. Family. Empathy. Love. We’ve made it about money, and that’s a tragedy bigger tragedy than we know.”

Squeeze, then squeeze harder, then squeeze again. A good read about value and what’s important.

My GRAMMY story from 2010.

Back in 2010, the Carolina Chocolate Drops (at that time the original trio, myself, Dom Flemons, and Justin Robinson) were up for a Best Folk Music GRAMMY. It felt like a big deal to us even though I was (and still am) conflicted about the 'industry' part of the music industry - but after years of championing homegrown fiddle and banjo music from the Carolinas this felt like the big leagues! We were working class musicians at that time - I remember when Dom used to drive and I would be literally making CDs in the back seat as we went from gig to gig. We were making enough money to live, but barely - and we were young and healthy and lucky.

People might not know this, but it's expensive to go to the GRAMMYs - if you are nominated, you pay for your flight, hotel, hair makeup, dress, food, what have you, yourself. All nominees receive a plus one to the ceremony and after party, and for a lot of non-mainstream folks, win or lose, it's a moment of a lifetime.

I have lots of feels about awards for art, as I've mentioned before, but I get the need to celebrate an artform, and a lot of good people are trying to make things better.

So we decided to go - I had a nursing toddler by the time the Grammy nomination came, and I brought her and her dad Mike as my plus one.

It was a surreal experience - i bought my gown from somewhere, did my own hair and makeup, and we found a holiday inn in the less glitzy part of Los Angeles. We got a car to drop us off at the red carpet interview spot, and I remember clearly that absolutely zero press was interested in us 😂. I liked to say we were old time music spies that day. We filed into the afternoon ceremony, where 99 percent of the categories go and looked nervously in the program for where our category was. It was parked in the middle of the list, so we settled in for a wait. My daughter Aoife would occasionally want to nurse so i went to the restroom the first couple of times and then just gave up and nursed her in the auditorium - it was dark and i had a shawl on for just that purpose, and strapless gowns for the nursing win!

So we sat there and watched category after category and a pattern quickly became clear. The categories in the more mainstream genres were rarely accepted in person, as those famous people were getting ready for the actual ceremony in the evening; 'podium accepts' was depressingly often. The bright spots came in the less mainstream categories where you could see excited, dressed up people who were having the day of their lives when they won; folks who had come far from small towns, reservations, and close-knit communities, or who wrote liner notes, or were engineers - were having a small slice of the high life and a bit of spotlight, and loving it.

But it was clear to me that to the larger industry this ceremony felt almost like an after thought - it wasn't (and isn't) televised and was often bewildering. There was a constant stream of people going in hopeful and out depressed; there was some really offensive "humor" from presenter Kathy Griffin; and I was getting more and more weirded out by the whole thing. By the time Best Americana Music album came up, the category before ours, I was feeling pretty low. And then Mavis Staples won - somehow her first personal Grammy in her incredibly long and illustrious career - and she set it all right for me. She accepted with charm and humor (saying to the folks trying to play her off, "It took me a long time to get here, so I'm going to take my time" and we all went nuts) and I sat there with my baby in my arms and my partner at my side, and I thought, Ok that's why I'm here! How beautiful. Her graceful acceptance of an accolade that was way overdue, while standing for all that is good and just in the very purpose of music, erased my bitterness and brought me peace. And then we won, and all I could think was, Mavis and Joe Thompson were seen here today. My family got to witness it all. I can let the rest go.

And after the pictures me and Mike and Aoife went back to the hotel, eschewing the big parties, ordered pizza, and watched the Simpsons on TV while Aoife passsed out between us. One of my favorite moments in life.

Why am I telling this story? Because the onslaught on the working class musician was taken up a notch this year. I am not going to the GRAMMYs for various reasons in February but I have just heard that the companion ticket is no longer free but costs 1200 dollars.

For all the big names that's easy, and for middle class musicians like me, its doable, if super annoying. For the folks who are just making ends meet, harder than ever in a world that is systematically erasing every avenue the musician used to have to actually make money from their music, from Spotify to closed venues to digitized orchestras, it's a slap in the face.

There are folks within the GRAMMY ranks who really love music and are trying to change things for the better. I get that. The afternoon ceremony has slowly been upgraded and is now even livestreamed! But honestly, this is a really bad look - and it makes it ever more obvious who is valued, and more specifically what (that would be lots of money, for the folks in the back).

I'm so conflicted even posting about this what with all that is going on but it is a part of life, and so, here it is. This picture wouldn't exist if the policy then was what it is now, and that makes me sad.

Music is art. Family. Empathy. Love. We've made it about money, and that's a tragedy bigger than we know.

Big thanks to Cathy Fink for the heads up.
pic by Getty Images.

It’s Tony Tuesday with a Gordon Lightfoot song. As always, a solo that makes ya want to learn or cut your fingers off. Enjoy!

Tony Rice ~ Go My Way

Happy new year to my friends and family. All the best in 2024!

It's been a while since I shared! I recorded this song while living in Texas which was fitting at the time - Not technically a Christmas song but fits. More music links below in comments. Ty for listening.

River I hope you enjoy my version of this beautiful Joni Mitchell song. Thank you!

The original version to get your day started. Happy Friday!

New Grass Revival Callin' Baton Rouge

The Bruce Guthro celebration of life livestream was absolutely awesome. One of the best sounding livestream events I’ve heard yet! What a celebration it was. Just. Awesome.

I was exposed to many of Bruce Guthro’s songs many years ago on the St. Peter’s highway by my pal Cory Keeping during pre/post shows. I sure do miss those drives. This turned out to be one of my fav songs from that time. What’s your favourite?

Good times had over the summer of 2023! Thankful for friends, family and the musicians who support. Most recently - the fine folks at Acoustic Roots Festival for having me and the band out this past weekend. A well organized event by great people! Thanks Sandy & Team.

Today/Tonight!

Very Happy to be taking part tonight for Acoustic Roots music festival. Lots of bands this weekend spreading joy! Haha. Come on out!!

Very Happy to be taking part tonight for Acoustic Roots music festival. Lots of bands this weekend spreading joy! Haha. Come on out!!

Happy to be taking part in this festival! Will be a time if you are able to get out to this!

My goodness, my youngest turns 18 today!! A very happy birthday today to Ella Donovan. We love ya kiddo!

Lambert Todd Festival! If you are around Reserve Mines today, come have a sing along with us. Songs and drinks flowing responsibly…;)

Heya- It’s been a busy few weeks with few posts, to update; Happy to see Southern Sun record progress with radio as per the Roots Music Report, Special thanks to the ECMA Partner Stage, the Brown Hound Public House along with Steve MacIntyre @ stevemacintyremusic for hosting an excellent event! Also thanks to Darcy Walsh for the cool interview/intro and capturing the day! See it here: https://www.youtube.com/ , some show updates and and thanks to friends and family for the support!

Hi All, if you are in Halifax tonight, come on out to The Brown Hound Public House for some singer songwriter entertainment in support of ECMA35 and ECMA Partner Stage from 4-7pm! Here is a tribute to the great Gordon Lightfoot to kick off the weekend!

Gordon Lightfoot tribute SD 480p Gordon Lightfoot tribute - The Watchman's gone

Cobwebs and dust, Cobwebs and dust, I hate to leave you - but leave you I must. RIP to the greatest.

I am excited to be taking part in the ECMA partner stage at The Brown Hound Public House, May 5th! Steve MacIntyre Music will be hosting 3 evenings of singer/songwriter sessions with some great talent! May 4th, 5th &6th. Come on out!

Night two at the is gonna be off the hook Get there early!

Radio Release in the US this week!

What a week it's been! I want to thank my family and friends for making my record release a success. Special thanks to the band-Gary, Gordie and Rob, Dave & Kevin, Mike Jamieson - The Main Event & Jiggers Lounge, Rod McInnis, and again - friends and family. It was so great to see you all.

The record is out and you can find it here:

johndonovan - Listen on YouTube, Apple Music - Linktree View johndonovan’s Linktree. Listen to their music on YouTube, Apple Music here.

Today is the day. Come on out!

Hi Friends, Finally releasing new music and hope you can come celebrate and kick off with me! April 1st, 5:30-8:30. Tickets available at the door or digital purchase here:
https://jdonovansouthernsun.eventbrite.ca/

Thank you!

Hi Friends, a reminder for April 1st. Come on out!

Hi Friends, Finally releasing new music and hope you can come celebrate and kick off with me! April 1st, 5:30-8:30. Tickets available at the door or digital purchase here:
https://jdonovansouthernsun.eventbrite.ca/

Thank you!

Hi Friends, meet the band! Rob has been playing the five string banjo for 40 years and has been a member of several award winning bands in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
He is best known for hard driving and smooth right hand that fits well with Americana, Country & Bluegrass. He also sings bass and helps out on guitar.

April 1st, 5:30-8:30. Tickets ($10.00) available at the door or digital purchase here: https://jdonovansouthernsun.eventbrite.ca
Thank you.

Hi Friends, meet the band! Gordon Tucker has spent many years on the Nova Scotia music scene and is a pleasure to play music with. From Gordon: "I'm looking forward to playing the Main Event in Glace Bay April 1st to help John Donovan launch his brand-new CD, Southern Sun. Some great tunes here!"

April 1st, 5:30-8:30. Tickets ($10.00) available at the door or digital purchase here: https://jdonovansouthernsun.eventbrite.ca

Hi Friends! I have released my first single titled "Truth" from my latest album, Southern Sun, which is being released April 1st. Click the link below to have a listen- available at all your favourite places to get music!

Truth

Hi Friends, meet the band! Gary Chew has over 50yrs of playing music and is still going strong. He has performed with Brandy, The Accents, Kintyre, Aspen Grove (too many to list!) & now double bass with John Donovan. Reminder for April 1st, 5:30-8:30. Tickets available at the door or digital purchase here:
https://jdonovansouthernsun.eventbrite.ca/ Thank you!

Hi Friends, Finally releasing new music and hope you can come celebrate and kick off with me! April 1st, 5:30-8:30. Tickets available at the door or digital purchase here:
https://jdonovansouthernsun.eventbrite.ca/

Thank you!

Its been over 10 years since this little project happened! Time sure does fly. No grey hair and I was obviously eating well (still am). Have a listen, might as well grab a bite while your at it.😁

https://youtu.be/13eHfbhtVDo

Three Fishers - by John James Donovan I have been playing this song for many years, as it is one of my favourites to cover.

Hi all, messing around with some new gear! If you like Ralph Stanley / Stanley Brothers, have a listen. Feel free to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thank you!😁

https://youtu.be/1OJeFvmC9tQ

John James Donovan - Angel Band Great song from Ralph Stanley / Stanley Brothers.

Tis the Season!! Christmas music - Stream, download and also available on YouTube. (John James Donovan).

Quick link to where you can find on your favourite music site:
https://johnjamesdonovan.hearnow.com/

Thank you for your support and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Songs