Don Varner
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6,265 views
I am a performing and recording artist of Soul Music, Rythm and Blues and Contemporary Gospel. I am also a writer. My career started in the late sixties, early seventies. I enjoy what I do tremendously and and I am always excited about reaching the audiences with my music all over the world.Band/artist history
-Don Varner - Biography-
Don Varner was born in Birmingham (Alabama) and started to write and perform
as a student in High School.
Don and his group were noticed by a Manager during their senior year. After
graduating, they started to go on the road. By the time the group broke up, Don had
acquired a solid stage experience and went on with a solo career.
Don was very active as a songwwriter and a performer, always where things were
happening. He left Alabama for Chicago where he spent six years. During this time, he was
very visible on the club scene and never stopped performing.
He came back to Alabama at a time when major entertainers, like the Temptations,
had been discovered there among many, and also when the Muscle Shoals sound was it.
After hearing one of his recordings, Quin Ivy put Don on his label. Don had contacts which
allowed him to meet many entertainers and executives from major record companies. One
of the songs co-written by Don, which Jerry Wexler, from Atlantic Records liked, was
recorded by Sam and Dave at Muscle shoals.
Of all the recordings that Don Varner did in Muscle Shoals, four titles were released
on Quinvys label and distributed by South Camp. They were Tear Stained Face and Mojo
Mama, the second one Masquerade and Down in Texas. At the time, Don was produced by
Eddie Hinton and recorded with the studio musicians, Jimmy Johnson, David Hood,
Spooner Oldham, Roger Hawkins, also of world fame.
Two of his titles were released on Diamond Records and, through it all, never
stopped performing on stage.
In 1980, Don moved to Los Angeles, California, where he started a record label,
Roaring Records, and released titles that he produced himself. In 1985, Don toured all the
major European summer festivals, nice, Vienne, Montreux, La Hague, Pori and Canada,
along with artists like B. B. King, Ray Charles, Fats Domino and Johnny Otis.
In 1987, Don started to write Gospel Music. He defined his own style in that genre
too, blending his powerful voice with years of Soul Music and the intensity of the message
of the lyrics, making the final result a very unique musical experience.
Today, Don is also a publisher with Ceevee Music and Gospel Truth Music
Publishing, has his own label, Retour Records, on which he has released three Single CDs.
As a performer and recording artist, Don has the status of a legend of Soul Music,
specially among European audiences where his records never stopped being played. His
explosive style allows him to fill a stage all by himself. His style has two components that
cross any line: talent and quality, for which the public at large is still looking and sensitive
to.Have you performed in front of an audience?I am preparing for live performances, probably in Europe. Being on stage is still, and will always be, an extraordinary experience. Performing at Carneghie Hall was a very special moment in my career.
Your musical influences
The greatest in Rythm and Blues and other styles. I was privileged to perform with the best through out my career.Anything else?
NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Don Varner passed away on October 7th, 2002. As his widow and publisher, I chose to keep his music - his legacy - available to all the fans who have been so faithful through the years.
I would like to thank the staff of SoundClick for allowing us to that through their site also.
We are very touched by the fact that Don's music still touches lives and to know that some still discover and love his music, his voice, all the many facets of his talent.
We maintain a site at http://www.donvarneronline.org
where more information about Don Varner is available.
Last year, in May, a new CD was released on the RPM Label "SHOUT", titled Finally Got Over. This CD is a compilation which includes all of Don Varner's recordings and is a great tribute to him as a Soul Music performer and recording artist.
This is still a labour of love, and none of it would have been possible without the fans out there so, again, thanks to all of you for keeping Don Varner's music going strong.A big thank you to all of you for taking the time to listen to Don's music and sharing your thoughts.
We have updated our site on SoundClick and hope that you will come back very soon.Great music from a great voice. Mixes Gospel, Blues & Soul vividly. Good luck on Soundclick!!!!!!Great music from a great voice. Mixes Gospel, Blues & Soul vividly. Good luck on Soundclick!!!!!!good gospel spirit of the blues
and a strong voice good luckAll comments (6)
831 plays
6,265 views
6,265 views
Admin
Francine
@dv2002
Hi, I`m a upcoming Rap artist with a major deal. I work currently on my album and need hot beatz. I feel yor music your Beatz are very TIGHT! Please contact me at (mcadriano@okay.ms) I pay also for Beatz, Peace!