He picked up his daddy's guitar when he was 3, and never looked back! By the age of 5, Donnie was playing and singing before audiences in his hometown of Muncie, Indiana. He began performing professionally at age 12, playing guitar and singing for local groups,.eventually heading up popular bands in Indianapolis.
In 1990, Donnie became a part of the Warner Bros. blues recording act Duke Tumatoe and the Power Trio, recording 3 CDs and a Greatest Hits album. During his 7-year tenure with Duke, he was part of the nationally-syndicated Bob and Tom Show. Donnie participated in the radio show weekly and played on many of their comedy/music CDs as well as on their opening theme song.
Donnie broke from the Power Trio to form country band Del Rio in 1997. Del Rio toured extensively throughout the U.S. and shared the stage with many major country artists. Having written a catalog of country songs, in 2000 Donnie produced a CD of some of them under the Del Rio name.
In 2001, Donnie moved to Nashville to pursue his music and songwriting career. While playing in town, he formed the band Satisfied Minds with some very talented local musicians. In 2004, Minds produced a live CD at the Fiddle & Steel in Printers Alley.
Donnie was asked in 2003 to be the band leader, backup vocalist and guitarist for country music legend Vern Gosdin. Donnie toured with Vern for one year.
From 2004 to 2007, Donnie played guitar, banjo and sang backup vocals for Earl Thomas Conley. Donnie still plays and sings with ETC on the road whenever his schedule permits.
In 2006, Donnie was asked to sing lead vocals and lead guitar for Pure Prairie League as a fill-in for several concert dates.
On 3/7/07 Donnie Lee Clark was asked to join Pure Prairie League as a lead vocalist and guitarist, full-time -- shortly thereafter, becoming a member of the legendary group
In June, 2008, Donnie was asked to play guitar and sing backup for the amazingly-talented Tanya Tucker for several concerts,.and still fills in from time to time, when he is available.
In a recent Pure Prairie League review:
"Donnie Clark was impressive. Great job on vocals and what a lead guitarist."
See Donnie sing "Let me Love you Tonight" on YouTube!
See Donnie sing "Misery Train" (live with Pure Prairie League)!
Legends of Country Rock show with Poco, Firefall and Pure Prairie League in Shippenburg, PA, on October 23rd, 2009.
Donnie proudly uses Elixir Strings exclusively:
