A Conversation with Donna Singer

What initially sparked your interest in pursuing a career in the arts for those who may not be familiar with your background?

My brother and sisters and I were born in the Bronx, New York City. Then my mom and dad moved the family to upstate New York’s Catskill Mountains where I grew up. My 3 siblings and I were introduced to the world of jazz, and my mom, Camilla Cooper signed us up for piano lessons. My piano teacher noticed very early that I would sing my counting and sing my note letters when I first started playing. It wasn’t long before I could sing the words to the songs easily. I started at age 8 and by high school I actually found that I was pretty good at playing and singing on the piano. I started Dr. Donna’s School of Song and taught over 100 students piano or voice and I also was the music minister at the First Baptist Church of Monticello for 17 years. I played the piano and my husband Roy played the organ.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single?

Along With A Bass features Ranses Colon on bass, Tony Carney as guest vocalist, Ysauro Hernandez on percussion. It a special song written especially for the CD which features vocal and bass.

What themes or emotions are explored in this song?

Along With A Bass is a fun, toe-tapping great song that puts you in a happy state of mind.

How does this single fit into the larger narrative of your music career or your upcoming projects?

Along With A Bass reminds us that a smile is just a song away

Could you describe the creative process behind this single, from concept to production?

I do not create/compose music, my husband, composer Roy Singer and lyricist, Mitch Uscher write my songs. Their creations/songs are a major inspiration for me. I love hearing a song for the first time and then playing it and then singing/rehearsing it, to finally performing it. Great rush!! No, I do not have the gift of composition, nor do I have the gift to pick up a paint brush. But I’m blessed with a husband of 26 years who does write music and has given me many tunes to sing. Santa Plays The Bass placed at #2 on the charts, this past Christmas. The latest Singer/Uscher hit was Go And Seek the Light, a gospel contemporary Christian song. I’m also excited about my new CD Beauty Along With A Bass, in which half of the songs are Uscher/Singer compositions. It releases October 19th, my birthday!!
What can listeners expect to experience or feel when they listen to this track?
Beauty Along With The Bass is the feel good album of the year.

Are there any interesting stories or anecdotes from a performance that you’d like to share?

I performed in Paris, France and it was thrilling. But after the show Roy and I celebrated our anniversary by renewing our vows at the Eiffel Tower.
Also in London, I sang on the steps outside of Buckingham Palace. I actually cried because it was so powerful and wonderful.

As an artist, can you identify two key traits that define you?

I love to whistle a tune, I choose joy whenever possible

What can we anticipate in terms of your upcoming projects?

Promoting this album and touring with my big band, The Diamond Jazz Orchestra, next stop Atlanta, GA and then a solo tour in Rome, Italy.

Where can our readers find additional information about you and your work?
WEBSITE: https://www.donna-singer.com
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/drdonnasinger1
WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_Singer
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/donna.singer.7370
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drdonnasinger
Listen on: Apple Music * Spotify * Amazon Music