Donny Parenteau
Donny Parenteau knows WHAT IT TAKES to be successful in the Canadian Country Music Industry. As a performer Donny has achieved amazing success and since being nominated for a JUNO in 2008 he is ready to step into the national spotlight as a solo artist.
Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Donny first raised a bow to the fiddle in 1981. Mastering the intricate technique of this instrument through self-taught methods would be enough for most performers, but not for Donny. His musical versatility expanded to playing the mandolin, acoustic and electric guitars, as well as the unique double neck mando-caster/electric guitar. With his superior vocal ability added to the mix, and his easy transition from Country Classics to Blues and Easy Rock, Donny hit the touring road in 1991 with none other than the tall, smiling Texan, country music great, Neal McCoy.
Donny’s 12 year adventure with McCoy had him sharing front and center stage with country legends and music icons including Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, George Jones, Charlie Pride, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Shania Twain. Appearing with McCoy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Grand Ole Opry, Crook and Chase, Nashville Now, and Prime Time Country, Donny was decorated with what he calls a "Masters Degree in Entertaining." He has enjoyed a country musical tour adventure that many dream of, and few ever live.
“Donny, along with being one of the most talented guys I’ve ever worked with (not to mention that I’ve ever heard), is a great guy with a big heart, lots of personality and a passion for music you very seldom find." - Neal McCoy
In 2002, Donny left Nashville, the touring band and family he knew and returned to Saskatchewan to begin his solo career. Putting pen to paper he effortlessly created music, producing three albums - What It Takes (2006), The Great Unknown (2004) and The First Time (2002). Since then Donny’s music career has steadily developed. His hard work, dedication and tenacity, coupled with the support of his wife Patty, are the main reasons that Donny is the success he is today.
Donny Parenteau has demonstrated that hard work does pay off with 45 music nominations to his credit. In one year, Donny received 28 award nominations and took home 14 music awards in various categories at five major awards shows (JUNO, CCMA, WCMA, CAMA & SCMA). The trend continues to grow with an SCMA award for Aboriginal Artist of the Year in 2009. A comprehensive listing of Donny’s achievements can be found on his website at www.donnyparenteau.net.
Donny has recently completed an album in Nashville, TN with Grammy nominated artist and producer Harry Stinson and will soon embark on a Western Canadian CD release tour to promote the album. Donny continues to be one of the hardest working musicians in Saskatchewan and performed over 80 shows in 2009.
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