Donna Singer

Donna Singer, Jazz Artiste Extraordinaire

For over twenty years, Donna has captivated jazz enthusiasts in America and around the world through her albums and performances. Whether accompanied by her 18-piece big band, The Diamond Jazz Orchestra, the 80-piece Gold Coast Concert Band, or an intimate trio, Donna Singer delivers a powerhouse show that excites the audience with her soulful rendition of jazz favorites.

How did you first come to music?

Donna was born in the Bronx, NY, and raised by jazz-loving parents. The Cooper siblings, Donna, her twin sister, Dawn, older brother Donald, and sister Teresa, grew up jamming to the beats and timbre of Nancy Wilson, Billy Strayhorn, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Count Basie. These great jazz artists were Donna’s compass as she navigated her musicality at a young age. Her piano teacher recognized that she had an ear for hearing the melody and rhythm. After high school graduation, Donna’s musical dedication led her to the New York Academy of Theatrical Arts and Juilliard’s School of Music for her mastery of the music closest to her heart.

Jazz lived in the hidden towns of the Catskills Mountain, where Donna and her equally gifted husband, composer and pianist Roy Singer, gathered a band of jazz-loving musicians. Donna enlivened the community with spectacular performances. At the same time, she inspired younger generations through Dr. Donna’s School of Song, helping musicians and vocal artists hone their skills

By Junn Pato-Ryan

and find their voice through music. Since 2006, she was a member of The National Guild of Piano Teachers, a division of the American College of Musicians. From 1998 to 2004 she hosted the weekly gospel show, “Down by the River” on WJFF FM, in Sullivan County, NY.

If you could inspire a movement to bring the highest good to the most people, what would that be? I would like to inspire and spread peace and love and motivate people to have tolerance of and respect for one another.

What is your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”?

“Choose joy!” is my absolute favorite life lesson quote.

Donna has performed in the U.S.A. in renowned concert halls in New York City and Florida, and across the Atlantic in Ireland, Italy, France, Switzerland. This summer, she will perform in London, UK. While she showcases her love for jazz and gospel, children’s songs, and holiday tunes, capturing audiences worldwide, Donna firmly believes that “featuring diverse music and artists allows the audience to experience new discoveries in music and shift cultural attitudes and beliefs towards greater acceptance and inclusivity.”

Do you have a music publishing company or record label?

In 2011, Donna became a recording executive with her record label, Emerald Baby Recording Company, LLC, and music publishing company, D4E Music Love Company. Early in

her music career, she discovered the importance of managing and marketing her art. To date, Donna’s company has produced charted albums, successfully, with eight albums and four singles. Her original songs topped the Roots Music Report charts and the NCAA: College and NPR radio stations.

Do you compose your own music?

Donna’s life partner, Roy Singer, is a pianist and the composer. A recent tune, Santa Plays the Bass, placed #2 on the charts this past Christmas. This song was a collaboration with lyricist Mitchell Uscher. The team’s most recent song, Go and Seek the Light, hit the airwaves and streaming stations on March 1, 2023.

What advice do you have for a younger person entering the world of music performance?

Donna wishes to impart four self-discoveries that she learned through her walk on the yellow brick road of jazz:

• Always believe in yourself, follow your dreams, take a step forward, and face challenges. Success is never achieved overnight. Love your talent but have the confidence, work hard, and persevere.

• Learn the business aspects of your craft. Talent is honed, but you must manage and market your craft. You have to understand the nitty-gritty and what is in-between the lines.

• Always and forever stay true to yourself, do not chase trends that do not match up

Donna Singer, Jazz Artiste Extraordinaire

with what is in your heart. I wish someone had told me to stay true to myself and my unique sound. It’s important to create music you can feel as an artist and to avoid chasing after trends that are not your style.

• Never give up. Keep learning and sharing with others. Pay it forward. Never forget why you are a musician and always remember you do this for love.

As a successful singer, recording artist, and a mentor for aspiring artists in this ever-so-challenging but beautiful world of music, Donna Singer’s ultimate message is to “love your voice and be true to your sound.”

By Junn Pato-Ryan (con’t)

ChooseJoy!

Donna Singer

Jazz Artiste Extraordinaire

A graduate of the New York Academy of Theatrical Arts, with formal studies at Juilliard.

In 6 months she’s released Dance Band Boogie, her swing, jazz CD. Santa Plays The Bass which soared to #1 on the Roots Music Report Holiday Jazz Chart and now Go and Seek the Light an inspiring song composed by her husband Roy Singer and lyricist Mitchell Usher.

Her concert appearances include Paris, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. This summer she will be in the UK, singing in Oxford, London and Stratford-on-Avon.

Donna’s at home performing with just piano or guitar, or jazz quartet, to the 80-piece Gold Coast Concert Band. or her 18-piece big band The Diamond Jazz Orchestra.

Producer/Performer of the Joyful Journey Music Festival, in West Palm Beach.

#1 for 9 WEEKS

#1 for 1 WEEK

Junn Pato-Ryan

A creative weaver of narratives. A 9 to 5-er for far too long but hopes to change her story to one she loves to do the most.