Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Frost.
Hi Donna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I knew from the time I was a little girl that music would be my life’s work. I grew up in a musical family. My parents had a gospel group when I was born. I was 2 and a half weeks old when I took my first roadtrip with them. I was singing as soon as I could talk. My first instrument was the piano but once the guitar came into my life the piano went to the sidelines.
I played my first professional gig at age 13 and started traveling with my dad’s group when I was in high school.in 1981 my youngest brother and I started a band during the New Wave era called The BUNNIEs. We played all over Nashville and surrounding areas. We still get that band together sometimes for local shows and we made some runs to Chicago too.
I was in a number of bands in the years that followed: rock, metal, country. In 1993 I decided to pursue a career as a solo artist. I started writing songs and playing everywhere I could in Nashville and I hit the road too. I have performed in 38 of the 50 states plus the Caribbean and the UK. I have recorded and released 11 CDs of my original music since 1998. I have had some of my songs chart on indie stations. I play 250 plus dates a year to this very day. I have received some awards for my work including the Mississippi Music Foundation Award for Best Americana Artist in 2023, Music for Seniors Musician Partner of the Year in 2019, 11 consecutive ASCAP Plus Awards and was a Kerrville New Folk finalist in 2004.
I have been blessed to work with 2 of my heroes. From 1996 until 2004, I sang harmonies on the road and the Grand Ole Opry with my dear friend and mentor Skeeter Davis. In 1993vI sang backing vocals on an album by our friend BJ Thomas.
I work as a background actor and have for years. I have worked on shows including “Nashville ” and “Rescue 911 Nashville” and music videos including “Go” by the Black Keys.
I am currently involved in co-starring and co-producing a documentary about my uncle, Felton Jarvis, who was Elvis Presley’s record producer from 1966 until Elvis’ death in 1977.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s not an easy road. The hours spent traveling are the hardest because I do this all by myself. I am the artist, the booking agent, the driver, the roadie! It’s a lot of work but well worth it.
Of course the biggest challenge for all of us was the pandemic. All the months we were shut down was a big challenge. It was heartbreaking to lose all the work. I went on
Facebook Live for 62 Monday nightoʻs in a row to stay connected with my audience. It was really a special time. Those Monday night shows have a special place in my heart. I lost my mother to Covid in 2021, the most heartbreaking time in my life. We were so close and she was so supportive of me. I miss her so much. She is in my heart always
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist. I have been doing this professionally for over 55 years
I have never stopped performing.
I am known for my 12 string guitar and my ukulele! And for songs with heart.
What I am proudest of is the work I do with my music. I am involved with several organizations:
Music for Seniors brings live music to senior communities throughout middle TN. We also offer free learning labs on various instruments including ukulele (I am one of the ukulele instructors) We do a lot of work with memory care as well. For more: www.musicforseniors.org
Room in the Inn is an organization that helps the homeless community in Nashville. They do so much great work and offer programs to help our homeless friends. I am one of the volunteers at Clancey’s Cafe at Room in the Inn. The Cafe has volunteers serve breakfast to the men and women there. We provide live music while they are dining. The late Don Schlitz played in the cafe every Monday for years
The Humane Society of Sumner County has been in Hendersonville TN since 1974. Thousands of dogs and cats have been adopted through HSSC. When the pandemic hit in 2020 I started a live Facebook show from the shelter that I continue to do to this day. I play music and we feature dogs up for adoption. Our beloved mascot, Samson, died 3 years ago and our dog park in Hendersonville was renamed for him last year. Samson’s Dog Park.
I am also proud of a special group, The Spirit Filled Strummers. We are a performing ukulele band consisting of members 55 and over. What started out 3 years ago as a 6 week ukulele course at our church, First Baptist Church Hendersonville, turned into a real band. We perform throughout the year around Sumner County at senior communities, churches and coffeehouses.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I learned to NEVER give up. There’s no expiration date on this. I have been doing my best work musically in my 60s.
You are never too old to do anything
Ever!
I keep a positive attitude always.
I am thankful for all the blessings God has given me.coffeehouse.
I have overcome many obstacles but as my mother always said, I press on another day. I didn’t get the big commercial success in this business but I am happy with this path God put me on, to make a difference through my music however I can. It is so rewarding and I thank God for the opportunities He gives me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donnafrost.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnafrost12strings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donna.frost
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/donnafrost12g
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@donnafrost12strings
- Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/donnafrostmusic
