Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Sue Roberts
Hi Donna Sue, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains, immersed in the rich storytelling tradition of my family. My father played the harmonica, weaving music into our lives, while my Cherokee, Scottish, and Slavic roots shaped my resilience and work ethic. After losing my mother at a young age, I found solace in music and books, often retreating to my room to explore the albums my siblings left behind. Years later, I created a Nashville-style listening room in Southern Maryland, transforming an old tobacco barn at a winery into a haven for music and stories. The acoustics were perfect, and the intimate space held about 100 listeners, bringing the soul of Nashville to Maryland. I also launched the Route 4 Music Fest, further connecting people through music. My career as a manager began when an artist from a legendary American family approached me, and from there, I immersed myself in artist development, branding, and collaborating with Nashville studios and industry icons. Today, I manage multiple artists, including Billy Droze and Chris Myers, balancing my deep Appalachian roots with the creative pulse of Nashville, where my heart and work thrive. I have a new project called RoadLore which is building a culture of people who love on the road which includes storytellers, musicians and songwriters and more. We are launching a line of traveler wear and working on a music festival and a music venue. We have already started interviewing musicians and getting their road stories along with a biker from Canada and a truck driver from Moldova.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, but that’s what makes it rewarding. Being an artist manager is a 24/7 endeavor that requires relentless networking and constant creative strategizing to help someone else’s dreams come to life. The music industry is a moving target, unpredictable and ever-changing, and staying in sync with its pulse is a continuous challenge. As a manager, you take on many roles—guide, friend, counselor, and sometimes even family. You’re always on, balancing the highs and lows, navigating setbacks, and celebrating wins. The road is far from easy, but the satisfaction of seeing your artists succeed and knowing you played a part in their journey makes every challenge worthwhile.
Another significant challenge is finding artists who truly trust you as their manager. For a partnership to thrive, the artist must be willing to give you the space to make creative and strategic business decisions while they focus on their craft. It’s a delicate balance—earning their trust and respect while ensuring they feel supported and heard. Without this foundation of trust, it’s difficult to move forward effectively. A successful artist-manager relationship requires clear communication, shared goals, and mutual belief in each other’s strengths. This trust allows both sides to excel in their respective roles and build something extraordinary together.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist manager and developer with a passion for guiding artists on their journey to success. I specialize in branding, styling, networking, and organization, always focused on forward-thinking strategies to shape an artist’s path. I’m known for my resilience and ability to navigate adversity, which has allowed me to remain steadfast in a challenging and ever-changing industry. What sets me apart is my vision—seeing the potential in an artist and crafting a plan to bring it to life—and my ability to adapt to any situation while maintaining focus on the end goal. I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with the artists I work with and the unique, creative strategies that have helped their careers thrive. For me, it’s not just about building a career; it’s about building a legacy for their music. Very excited about introducing Roadlore and pulling the road culture and their stories together with songwriters, travelers of all kinds pulled together to celebrate their lore.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m incredibly proud to work with talented artists like Billy Droze and Chris Myers, whose dedication to their craft inspires me daily. Billy’s ability to connect with audiences through his storytelling and Chris’s artistry and passion remind me why I love what I do. Supporting their journeys and watching their success unfold is not just a job—it’s a privilege and a testament to the power of collaboration and trust.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://roadlore.net/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/road_lore/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.s.roberts.56
Image Credits
Barbara Potter
