Brief Biography

Donnie began playing guitar at age four. By age twelve he was playing professionally throughout the area of his home in central Illinois. After graduating High School, he left Illinois to pursue his career and moved to Branson, Missouri. Branson was just beginning to grow in popularity in the early 80's and a great place for a musician to work and raise a family.

The first year in Branson, Donnie worked as a sound and light technician for Banjo's Dinner Theater. A position for lead guitar opened at the Lowe Family Show, so Donnie moved to there in his second season. After that season ended, the lead guitar position for Banjo's became available and Donnie was very happy for the opportunity to work again with his friends there. Unfortunately, as is the nature of Branson, the theater was sold at the end of that season. However, a new opportunity arose and Donnie then made the move to Bob-O-Link's Country Hoedown with Bob Mabe. He spent three great seasons with that show until Bob's retirement in 1986.

Donnie utilized his "people skills" and put them to work in various sales positions including working as a salesman and technician at Mountain Music Shop. Donnie then joined forces with the Cody Twins and exhibited his guitar playing skills at Cody Country for two seasons. "The music there was both challenging and rewarding.", Donnie proclaims.

In the late 80's, Branson was going through a tough "pre-growth" period. With the opening of the Hee Haw Show and Roy Clark's Theater, many local shows suffered from this new "nationally known" competition. Nashville had discovered what Branson had to offer. During this period, Donnie worked again in sales at Treasure Lake. However, with new changes come new possibilities. Ray Stevens was opening a new theater and holding auditions for musicians. "Even though I was scared out of my boots at the audition, when it was over, I shook Ray's hand and told him, 'I may not be the best, but I am the best man for the job!' I think my confidence must have impressed him.", Donnie says as he smiles.

During Ray's 3-year stay in Branson, Donnie got the privilege of performing shows with many artist such as Don Williams, Jerry Clower, Lee Greenwood, Jim Stafford, Willie Nelson, Mel and Pam Tillis, Andy Williams, Jim Owen and Johnny Cash and June Carter.

Ray left Branson in 1994. Donnie went to work performing with Anita Bryant was with her for two seasons. During this time Donnie had the privilege of performing a show with the late Bob Hope.

In 1997, the music industry in Branson had taken a downhill swing. Many shows were converting to "canned music", using tracks instead of live musicians. With the surplus of shows in the area, lack of jobs for musicians and the intense competition, Donnie made the choice to open his computer business, Computer Outlet. In Osage Beach, Donnie's good friend, Dan Schisslor, had a show called the Main Street Music Hall.  The theater only performed one show a day in the evenings and was a two-hour drive from Branson. So, Donnie chose to take the lead guitar position there, working his computer business by day and driving to Osage Beach and performing at night.

Donnie currently plays guitar on the praise team at The Sanctuary of Hope on Sunday Mornings.