Don Heath

ARTIST BIO:

As a child Don's start into songwriting was just a few words and humming a tune. It was not until he turned 14 that he discovered that his brother's Gibson was much cooler than his clarinet that he played in school. In those days the young girls seemed to go for the guitar players more than the clarinet guys. Don recalls his first song being inspired by a tragedy (a stray dog injured on a busy street in Baltimore). So from the jump, Don already was into the darker and more edgy side of writing. In away was a hippy from his infancy with him and his mother marching in the groups while he was in his "blue baby stroller with whitewalls" as his mother marched against racial segregation in the local school districts. Since these beginnings, Don has always been a fighter for the less fortunate. He has always tried to share some social content in most of his writings. As a young aspiring artist in Baltimore, Don always believed that he was blessed to not only live in a city that was so rich in talent, but to also have the opportunity to steal licks and pay his dues while observing some of Baltimore finest guitarists. He remembers Wayne Carlisle of the Detrichs, along with guitarist Larry Vogel whom Don, to this day, feels ever so thankful for Larry taking time out of his busy days to sit down and encourage and teach him techniques and some theory. After Don completed his obligation with USAF, he then stayed in Charleston, SC where he was lead guitarist for a short-lived, but successful run with the Rooty Toot Bogie Band. Don still admires the styles and music of what he refers to as the Texas Troubadours, the likes of the great, late Townes Van Zandt, Blaze Foley, Guy Clark, David Olney and, of course, Steve Earle. Don spent two hours with Steve Earle on a trip from Charlotte to the Merle Fest, but can string the tale to four hours. Don has had one tune picked up by a well known star a three time Dove Award winner, who then turned the tune over to Tom l for a two-year single song contract. . Don's last CD project "Above The Fire," is a collaborative effort produced and engineered by ex-NYC Punker Leroy Lewis of the band TrainWrecker. Several members of the local music community shared their talents on this project. The CD was recorded at TrainWrecker Studios, Lake Norman, NC and is available through TuneCore Digital.

When asked to comment on his music, he says - "I do hope that my tunes stimulate thought even if you totally disagree with what I have to say. If I can stimulate thought - then these projects have found success and I certainly appreciate the privilege of sharing my tunes with you."

Been married for 35years have 1 daughter and 2 grand children. Live in an area around Charlotte NC which is very rich with musical talent.Born in Baltimore,served in the USAF. Playing in bands off and on over 30yrs.

Retired RN after 35yrs working ICU,ER and Jails, Will always be thankful for my wife who seen me struggling with a profession that had once been a service,then change to a business. I loved taking care of the patients,but could not provide substandard care and sleep at night. So my wife encouraged me to get more involved in songwriting.

Played in a lot of Rock,Country and garage bands in my younger years, Okay in Baltimore it was, CB Band,Ingedient 4, then in WV Rice machine,Jimi Coin,, Jimmy Fernadez Band,Judi and the Pony Express,then in Charleston SC a Rooty toot Boggie Band and about 20 other I can't recall. I I was a member of a duo HC Troubadour. But since my partner Mark (STRAW) Jeffers has passed on to the Lords kingdom. I will always miss him . My first CD "Straight from the Glass" was a dedication and celebration of his life and music.

Not as much as I would like to, I prefer coffee shops that allow the more liberal views which is the side I always seem to take. Special moments? To numerous to count,but more recent one would have to be the Big Lick Bluegrass Show in NC. I got to meet Little Roy Lewis and Lizzy Long and the band, who have recorded one of my Gospel tunes and actually used it as their Title track of their CD. Also I am now working with David Childers a real Singer/Songwriter Icon who is working the vocals on the next pending CD along with Leroy T Lewis/TrainWrecker Studio who I worked with on last CD "Above The Fire". It was such a fun project with so many local musicians ,Chas andTex Santos from The Orsons, Mike Alieck of the Eskimos,L.T Lewis/Guitar along with the Hack Brothers,and the late Scrod Porter.

Wow- Ventures,Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Beatles, Doors, Cream,Webb Wilder,STEVE EARLE, Guy Clark,Jim lauderdale, Gram Parsons, and so many folks most have never heard of.

Gibson ES335,Gibson J100,CA legacy,Martin CE04,Carvin,Rainsong,C.Powers Custom, few Fender amps Fishman Solo and my old faithful 35 year old Yamaha Acoustic. Acoustic Pickups-LL Baggs with the Mi-SI pickup capacitor(NO Battery) system PENDING-Welch twang-Slinger

I am now retired from my career as a RN,and thank my wife for allowing me to press on towards my dreams even at my age. I am also active with Song U and enjoy the education and support they provide. New servant to a Toy fox Terrier puppy.