About Me
BIOGRAPHY
Donald Bell AKA
"DONNIE B"
VocalistsongwriterProducerIn the world of music and artistry, style and flavor are sure signs of a winning combination. Just like other winning combinations of the past there can only be one word to describe today's newest music innovator -- outstanding. Born in Los Angeles but raised in Watts, California. The youngest of six children, Donnie began singing at the tender age of eight, even then showing a vocal presence beyond his years. Raised in the church and part of a musical family, he developed a strong spiritual base singing gospel music. Donnie grew up watching his older brother Gerald Bell, whom at that time was a part of a popular vocal group called the Soul Sonics. They sung a lot of the old Motown hits that we all loved so much. They would later change their name to "Black Ice", sign a record deal with Capitol/Amhurst and have a song in the top 100 billboard charts. After begging his brother to let him sing, his wish was granted. When Donnie sung for his brothers group they couldn't believe the talent coming from this little eight year old kid. They immediately formed a group with Donnie as the lead singer and called them the Junior Soul Sonics. They put on shows all over the L.A area and thus was the beginning of Donnie B's musical journey. At the age of thirteen, without any formal musical training, Donnie sat down at a family members house and to everyones amazement, started playing the piano. A few weeks later he started writing songs.While paying his dues singing and performing in with many bands at popular clubs around
The country and touring all over Japan, Donnie found his niche as "showman" because of his sexy onstage image and sweet melodic melodies that are unmistakably heard in his music. Also a talented actor, Donnie appeared in several movies and TV shows. A Music Major in college, he developed a multifaceted style of writing and producing music including Reggae, R&B, Rap, Salsa, Pop, Hip-Hop and Gospel. This makes him without a doubt one of the most talented songwriter-producers around. He has been influenced by an array of well-known artists such as Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Earth Wind and Fire, The Gap Band, The Jackson's, Marvin Gaye, New Edition and Aretha Franklin just to name a few. He began exercising his gift as a song-writer by writing jingles for several major companies, in addition to writing and producing for Local artists on such labels as BMG, Epic, Jumpin' Jack and BBI Records.It's been said many times before that Donnie B epitomizes the word fabulous. He has that soft sweet voice that is instantly recognizable since his first release in the early 90's entitled "The World Needs Love", on BBI Records. In 1998 he released his self written, arranged and produced 12 song CD "Life Stories, which is a masterpiece. Undeniably etched in our hearts is Donnie's ability to make us feel what he feels, whether it's the powerful thumping beats of his up-tempo tunes or the irresistible heartfelt emotions of one of his magnificent love songs. Donnie recently signed on to become the new lead singer of the legendary funk band "Slave". Donnie says that his main base is GOD and that spirituality has kept him humble over the years. His favorite saying is: Life is Music, Music is Love and Love is GOD.
