A majority of musicians start
their biography with… “I was born with a
guitar in my hand,” or “I started singing at
the age of 2.” Donna Beckham’s story is
quite the opposite. She didn’t realize what
she was getting into when she jokingly took
the stage at the age of 19 to sing a song
with high school friends who needed a female
singer in order for the lead guitarist to
concentrate on a solo. However, she wasn’t
nervous during that impromptu performance.
"I like being in front of people, I like the
spotlight,” she admits. Being the youngest
of 6, she was always seeking attention. On
stage she gets just that.
Donna was not groomed for
musical stardom. Her humble roots trace back
to a 20-acre farm in Whiskey Hollow, Texas,
which doesn’t appear on any state maps.
There wasn’t much music at home until her 4
older brothers received a record player with
a Waylon Jennings album one Christmas. It
wasn’t until she joined a country/rock band
(3DC) in 1999 that she began to experiment
with different styles of music that was
considered classic, yet new to the ears of
someone who grew up mostly on country tunes.
Donna’s ability to convincingly deliver a
song whether country, rock or blues allows
her versatility to shine; diversity that is
typified by her influences: Waylon, Patsy,
Loretta, Sheryl, Janis, Mellencamp and the
“Gentle Giant” – Don Williams.
For 5 years, Donna and 3DC
entertained to very receptive audiences all
over the Lone Star State; however, she
started craving more than just singing cover
tunes. That desire was enough to trigger a
2005 move to Nashville where she learned how
to write songs, play guitar and record 3
albums. Her third and latest album, “Charm”,
is due for release November 2011.
This time, Donna left no bullets in her
pistol. This album goes a little further
back than dirt roads. Further back where the
ground is hard and parched with cracks and
crevices. Each song tells its own story, her
story, our story. She is a country girl with
a God-given talent that has persevered
through musical hardships and rejection. She
stands out in a field of Texas musicians as
she is one of the few women who writes,
sings and performs her own songs. Songs
about dirt roads? Her songs are more about
people on those dirt roads - their feelings,
trials, and tribulations - their lives.