Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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KING, Don

(b 1 May '54, Omaha NE) Singer, songwriter, guitarist and music publisher, Don King Music Group based in Nashville. Had chart successes from '76-85 but much more as a songwriter. A child musical prodigy; played trumpet in school band; studied classical and flamenco guitar in his teens; played local club scene and moved to Nashville '74 with his whole family, landed a regular gig at Quality Inn Hotel which led to record deal with Con Brio Records '76. Had minor hits with self-penned songs, then top 20 with "I've Got You (To Come Home To) '77; signed to Epic '79; toured regularly with Alabama, Reba McEntire, Oak Ridge Boys etc; Don's touring band later renamed itself Sawyer Brown and scored with his "Stayin' Afloat' '85. He moved through smaller labels '86-8, opened Cypress Room studio complex '85, added video facilities '92. Albums incl. Dreams & Things '77, Feeling's So Right '78 on Con Brio; Lonely Hotel '80, Whirlwind '81 on Epic, Tennessee Souvenirs '88 on Kings X Music.