Donny Gerrard

Smooth soul singer Donny Gerrard started his career as the lead singer of the Vancouver-based pop group <a href="spotify:artist:3j9kYXgECWgIelCSWRVulK">Skylark</a>, who recorded two albums and had a Top Ten hit with "Wildflower" in 1973 (they also launched the career of pop producer extraordinaire <a href="spotify:artist:0SgQK24WzZf2pXBXYqHJYF">David Foster</a>). After the group broke up, Gerrard embarked on a solo career, issuing his debut single "(Baby) Don't Let It Mess Your Mind" on <a href="spotify:artist:3PhoLpVuITZKcymswpck5b">Elton John</a>'s Rocket label in 1975. He subsequently signed with the Los Angeles-based Greedy label, where he issued his self-titled debut album in 1976. A mix of sweet, romantic ballads, disco, and jazzy flourishes, the album spawned several singles, including the 12" "Greedy (For Your Love)" (now a collector's item), "Stay Awhile with Me," "He's Always Somewhere Around," and "Words." After one more single in 1977, Gerrard made a steady living as a backing vocalist for recording sessions and tours; in this capacity, he worked with some of the biggest names in popular music, including <a href="spotify:artist:3PhoLpVuITZKcymswpck5b">Elton John</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:1eYhYunlNJlDoQhtYBvPsi">Ray Charles</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:13y0kncDD4J9wxCyfKr10W">Bette Midler</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:0vqkz1b2qBkoYrGMj2CUWq">Bobby Womack</a>, and a solo <a href="spotify:artist:5ujCegv1BRbEPTCwQqFk6t">John Fogerty</a>, among many others. He also appeared on the soundtracks of The Rose and St. Elmo's Fire and sang television advertising jingles for extra income. A recording of <a href="spotify:artist:2UocIcNiHj5n4tj1CnBzRq">Barbara Lewis</a>' "Baby I'm Yours" for a '90s car commercial led to a deal with WEA subsidiary Lightyear and a brand-new album. Released in 1999, The Romantic found Gerrard working in smooth pop territory, à la <a href="spotify:artist:7v4imS0moSyGdXyLgVTIV7">Nat King Cole</a> or <a href="spotify:artist:21LGsW7bziR4Ledx7WZ1Wf">Johnny Mathis</a>. Donny Gerrard died on February 3, 2022 at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the age of 75. ~ Steve Huey, Rovi