I was born and raised in a very musical family. Dad played fiddle and harmonica, My older brother played guitar and mandolin and taught me to chord on both.

We didn't have TV until I was 14 so our favorite form of entertainment was making music as a family. I'm the youngest of seven kids and the memories are very dear to me.

We all learned by ear and played music that was basically handed down from other relatives.

I've been 'performing' since age 3. They tell me that my first song was "Pistol-Packin' Momma" which dates back to the 40s.

I formed a band in HS called The Rip Chords where we covered The Kingston Trio, Everlys, Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, and most Folk and R&R groups of that era.

I played countless house parties and keggers with Bob (Zimmerman) Dylan in the late 50s. I'm 2 months older than Bob.

About that same time, I joined a locally popular Standards Band, The Arrowhead Trio (actually 5-piece) which was well-booked in Northern Minnesota to the Canadian border. We were 2 accordions, 2 guitars, and the best drummer I've ever heard. I was the 'younger set draw' with my more up-to-date repertoire. I was the lead vocalist and played rhythm guitar.

One of the accordionists, a lovely lady, would harmonize with me and made me sound great. Other than the drummer, I've outlived all band members (as well as many musician friends).

In 1960, I joined the Army and ended up in Germany where I began playing in NCO Clubs where I had the privilege of meeting some top-name recording artists, many whom I still communicate with.

Today, I work backstage and out of sight and at my own leisurely pace but still music-related.

Band In A Box has put me back in the music game in a huge way! I still entertain my aspirations of writing something to leave behind for posterity but it needn't be earthshaking.

Donny

SoundClick: http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=1209254&content=music
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/donald-gaynor
BIAB 2021 w/current updates.