Danny Lee Dunn
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Danny Lee Dunn

Band Country Singer/Songwriter

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"QUOTEABLES"

Check out what people in the industry are saying about Danny Lee Dunn:


“I think this guy has the makings to be the next Garth Brooks”

-Billy Block ( WKDF Nashville’s host of Western Beat Radio)



“You’ll be hearing a lot more from Danny Lee Dunn very soon. This guy has everything it takes to be next big act to come out of Nashville.”

-Vic Gabany (Grand Ole Opry; Veteran Sound Engineer)



“A natural songwriter! Keep writing those songs.”

-Brett Warren (of The Warren Brothers)



“ Danny Lee Dunn is incredible. I have not heard a voice like his come out of Nashville in years.”

-Greg Perkins, Nashville producer



“Strongest new talent I’ve heard in a long time”

-Connie Harrington (Hit Songwriter, owner; "This Music" publishing company)




“Danny will be a huge success in the near future!”

-Derrick Meade, Meade Management



“Danny Lee is a great singer”

-Tom Collins, Nashville Producer



“ Danny, you really are gorgeous, sweet and smart”

- Tracey Gershon, (Senior Director of A&R and Artist Development at Sony Music Nashville) in response to Dunn’s lyrics in “Breakin’ Up With Your Mom”.




- (various)


""Country singer and Kalamazoo native Danny Lee Dunn to play two shows at Wild Bull""

10/02/2008

KALAMAZOO -- Some of you may remember Danny Lee Dunn, of Kalamazoo, from his runner-up finish at the 2007 "Hometown Idol" contest or his stint on the USA Network's reality TV show, "Nashville Star," country's version of "American Idol."

Since then, Dunn moved to Nashville to pursue a music career. He released his new CD, "Back to the Good Life," on Tuesday Sept. 30 and will be bringing his band to Kalamazoo for two shows this weekend.
Dunn, who was not available for an interview prior to deadline, will perform at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Wild Bull, 139 S. Edwards St. 978-8451.





For more: www.dannyleedunn.com
- Kalamazoo Gazette


""Meet Your Next Idol""

(excerpt of cover story)

Country singer/songwriter [Danny Lee Dunn] will compete for the title of 2007 Hometown Idol Saturday at the State Theatre.

Danny Lee Dunn, age 23, is a singer-songwriter from Kalamazoo. When asked why he entered the contest he told us that he likes the fact that it’s for a good cause. “And it’s what I do. I like to get up on stage and sing songs.”

[Dunn’s] favorite performers are; Kenny Chesney, George Strait and “my grandpa”- Dick Root, who was in the Michigan Country band the Law Brothers, played in the 50’s and 60’s and shared the stage with Johnny Cash, June Carter, Flatt and Scruggs and others.

During an interview, Dunn tells us “The songs I write are really kind of edgy. My style is really traditional country.” And as for his dream gig; “ Grand ole’ Opry or Wild Bill’s, a giant country night club in Atlanta.”

- Kalamazoo Gazette


""Meet Your Next Idol""

(excerpt of cover story)

Country singer/songwriter [Danny Lee Dunn] will compete for the title of 2007 Hometown Idol Saturday at the State Theatre.

Danny Lee Dunn, age 23, is a singer-songwriter from Kalamazoo. When asked why he entered the contest he told us that he likes the fact that it’s for a good cause. “And it’s what I do. I like to get up on stage and sing songs.”

[Dunn’s] favorite performers are; Kenny Chesney, George Strait and “my grandpa”- Dick Root, who was in the Michigan Country band the Law Brothers, played in the 50’s and 60’s and shared the stage with Johnny Cash, June Carter, Flatt and Scruggs and others.

During an interview, Dunn tells us “The songs I write are really kind of edgy. My style is really traditional country.” And as for his dream gig; “ Grand ole’ Opry or Wild Bill’s, a giant country night club in Atlanta.”

- Kalamazoo Gazette


""Your Hometown Idol Winners""

(excerpt of cover story)


Taking second place, Dunn proved to be the audience favorite. Most of the crowd stood, holding flickering lighters as he performed a smooth version of Ronnie Milsap’s “In the Still of The Night”.
- Kalamazoo Gazette


""Your Hometown Idol Winners""

(excerpt of cover story)


Taking second place, Dunn proved to be the audience favorite. Most of the crowd stood, holding flickering lighters as he performed a smooth version of Ronnie Milsap’s “In the Still of The Night”.
- Kalamazoo Gazette


""Kalamazoo's Danny Lee Dunn scores at 'Nashville Star' finals""

It may have been Danny Lee Dunn’s smooth voice and skillful guitar strumming that helped him win over the judges- but it was a comical tune about dumping his girl’s mother that charmed the cowboy boots off the rest of the crowd.

Dunn, of Kalamazoo, was one of two performers selected Saturday from a group of 14 who sang at the “Nashville Star” finals at the Orbit Room. The Competition was followed by a live performance by country singer Rodney Adkins.

Dunn will advance to the finals in Philadelphia or Nashville and will vie for one of 10 contestant spots on “Nashville Star,” which is USA Network’s country-music version of “American Idol.”

Kicking off with a cover of Chris Cagle’s “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” Dunn exuded charisma and talent. Dunn explained after his turn on stage, “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8, and I’ve been singing since I was 2.”

Most memorable about Dunn’s “Star” performance was his original song chronicling a breakup with his dream girl…due to meeting a particularly unpleasant member of her family. So, what was the name of the song that got the whole audience laughing? “I’m Breakin’ Up With Your Mom.”

The night’s emcee, Neal Dionne- morning jock on B-93 WBCT-FM, the station hosting the competition- congratulated Dunn on a job well done after asking Dunn a small favor,

“First of all, before you leave, I want a copy of that song for the morning show.” Dionne said.

While several talented out-of-stators performed at Saturday’s competition it was another Michigan resident, Rachel Williams, of Bellville, who also got the chance to proceed to the next round.

Williams and Dunn might not be the only ones from the Grand Rapids tryouts to proceed to the next phase of the competition. All 14 performers were videotaped and will be reviewed by USA Network’s talent scouts who, as it turns out may choose one of the other 14 contestants to travel to the finals as well. One singer to watch out for in particular is Dunn’s sister, Rochelle, also of Kalamazoo. She followed her brother’s performance and even had him accompany her on acoustic guitar.

“It’s not a competition between us.” Dunn said. “It was really fun, we’re just doing this for fun. We’d each be delighted for the other one to win.”

If sister Dunn does move forward, the USA Network may be interested in exploiting the affable brother-sister bond to add a new twist to the show. Final word on the decision is expected soon.
- Kalamazoo Gazette


""Kalamazoo's Danny Lee Dunn scores at 'Nashville Star' finals""

It may have been Danny Lee Dunn’s smooth voice and skillful guitar strumming that helped him win over the judges- but it was a comical tune about dumping his girl’s mother that charmed the cowboy boots off the rest of the crowd.

Dunn, of Kalamazoo, was one of two performers selected Saturday from a group of 14 who sang at the “Nashville Star” finals at the Orbit Room. The Competition was followed by a live performance by country singer Rodney Adkins.

Dunn will advance to the finals in Philadelphia or Nashville and will vie for one of 10 contestant spots on “Nashville Star,” which is USA Network’s country-music version of “American Idol.”

Kicking off with a cover of Chris Cagle’s “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” Dunn exuded charisma and talent. Dunn explained after his turn on stage, “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8, and I’ve been singing since I was 2.”

Most memorable about Dunn’s “Star” performance was his original song chronicling a breakup with his dream girl…due to meeting a particularly unpleasant member of her family. So, what was the name of the song that got the whole audience laughing? “I’m Breakin’ Up With Your Mom.”

The night’s emcee, Neal Dionne- morning jock on B-93 WBCT-FM, the station hosting the competition- congratulated Dunn on a job well done after asking Dunn a small favor,

“First of all, before you leave, I want a copy of that song for the morning show.” Dionne said.

While several talented out-of-stators performed at Saturday’s competition it was another Michigan resident, Rachel Williams, of Bellville, who also got the chance to proceed to the next round.

Williams and Dunn might not be the only ones from the Grand Rapids tryouts to proceed to the next phase of the competition. All 14 performers were videotaped and will be reviewed by USA Network’s talent scouts who, as it turns out may choose one of the other 14 contestants to travel to the finals as well. One singer to watch out for in particular is Dunn’s sister, Rochelle, also of Kalamazoo. She followed her brother’s performance and even had him accompany her on acoustic guitar.

“It’s not a competition between us.” Dunn said. “It was really fun, we’re just doing this for fun. We’d each be delighted for the other one to win.”

If sister Dunn does move forward, the USA Network may be interested in exploiting the affable brother-sister bond to add a new twist to the show. Final word on the decision is expected soon.
- Kalamazoo Gazette


""State's 'Star' hopefuls? Williams & Dunn""

On Thursday morning, more than 470 people auditioned for USA Network's "Nashville Star's" open-calls held at Studio 38, in Wyoming. Those who passed the first two rounds were invited to return Friday for semi-finals where judges had the responsibility of narrowing it down to the 14 contestants who would compete in Saturday's finals Round.

Well, It may have been Danny Lee Dunn’s smooth voice and skillful guitar strumming that helped him win over the judges- but it was a comical tune about dumping his girl’s mother that charmed the cowboy boots off the rest of the crowd.

Dunn, of Kalamazoo, was one of two performers selected Saturday from the group of 14 who sang at the finals at the Orbit Room. He will advance to the finals in Philadelphia or Nashville and will vie for one of 10 contestant spots on “Nashville Star,” which is USA Network’s country-music version of “American Idol.”

Kicking off with a cover of Chris Cagle’s “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” Dunn exuded charisma and talent. Dunn explained after his turn on stage, “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8, and I’ve been singing since I was 2.”

Most memorable about Dunn’s “Star” performance was his original song chronicling a breakup with his dream girl…due to meeting a particularly unpleasant member of her family. So, what was the name of the song that got the whole audience laughing? “I’m Breakin’ Up With Your Mom.”

The night’s emcee, Neal Dionne- morning jock on B-93 WBCT-FM, the station hosting the competition- congratulated Dunn on a job well done after asking Dunn a small favor,

“First of all, before you leave, I want a copy of that song for the morning show.” Dionne said.

While several talented out-of-stators performed at Saturday’s competition it was another Michigan resident, Rachel Williams, of Bellville, who also got the chance to proceed to the next round.

Williams and Dunn might not be the only ones from the Grand Rapids tryouts to proceed to the next phase of the competition. All 14 performers were videotaped and will be reviewed by USA Network’s talent scouts who, as it turns out may choose one of the other 14 contestants to travel to the finals as well. One singer to watch out for in particular is Dunn’s sister, Rochelle, also of Kalamazoo. She followed her brother’s performance and even had him accompany her on acoustic guitar.

“It’s not a competition between us.” Dunn said. “It was really fun, we’re just doing this for fun. We’d each be delighted for the other one to win.”

If sister Dunn does move forward, the USA Network may be interested in exploiting the affable brother-sister bond to add a new twist to the show. Final word on the decision is expected soon.
- Grand Rapids Press


""State's 'Star' hopefuls? Williams & Dunn""

On Thursday morning, more than 470 people auditioned for USA Network's "Nashville Star's" open-calls held at Studio 38, in Wyoming. Those who passed the first two rounds were invited to return Friday for semi-finals where judges had the responsibility of narrowing it down to the 14 contestants who would compete in Saturday's finals Round.

Well, It may have been Danny Lee Dunn’s smooth voice and skillful guitar strumming that helped him win over the judges- but it was a comical tune about dumping his girl’s mother that charmed the cowboy boots off the rest of the crowd.

Dunn, of Kalamazoo, was one of two performers selected Saturday from the group of 14 who sang at the finals at the Orbit Room. He will advance to the finals in Philadelphia or Nashville and will vie for one of 10 contestant spots on “Nashville Star,” which is USA Network’s country-music version of “American Idol.”

Kicking off with a cover of Chris Cagle’s “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” Dunn exuded charisma and talent. Dunn explained after his turn on stage, “I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8, and I’ve been singing since I was 2.”

Most memorable about Dunn’s “Star” performance was his original song chronicling a breakup with his dream girl…due to meeting a particularly unpleasant member of her family. So, what was the name of the song that got the whole audience laughing? “I’m Breakin’ Up With Your Mom.”

The night’s emcee, Neal Dionne- morning jock on B-93 WBCT-FM, the station hosting the competition- congratulated Dunn on a job well done after asking Dunn a small favor,

“First of all, before you leave, I want a copy of that song for the morning show.” Dionne said.

While several talented out-of-stators performed at Saturday’s competition it was another Michigan resident, Rachel Williams, of Bellville, who also got the chance to proceed to the next round.

Williams and Dunn might not be the only ones from the Grand Rapids tryouts to proceed to the next phase of the competition. All 14 performers were videotaped and will be reviewed by USA Network’s talent scouts who, as it turns out may choose one of the other 14 contestants to travel to the finals as well. One singer to watch out for in particular is Dunn’s sister, Rochelle, also of Kalamazoo. She followed her brother’s performance and even had him accompany her on acoustic guitar.

“It’s not a competition between us.” Dunn said. “It was really fun, we’re just doing this for fun. We’d each be delighted for the other one to win.”

If sister Dunn does move forward, the USA Network may be interested in exploiting the affable brother-sister bond to add a new twist to the show. Final word on the decision is expected soon.
- Grand Rapids Press


Discography

Songs Written/Recorded By Danny Lee Dunn:

"Stuck on Yellow"
"Turn 'em Country and Turn'em Loose"
"Waiting For Life"
"I Don't Like The Man"
"Breaking Up With Your Mom"
"Ever Crossed Your Heart"
"He is Real"
"Back To the Good Life"
"Meanest Nice Guy"
"Just Take a Look At Me"
"In the Devil's Hands"
"That's the way I feel (When I'm With You)"
"When It Rains, It Pours"
"Dear God, Bring America Back to You"
"When I Look Outside"

Photos

Bio

Though there is no doubt he is a country boy at heart, Dunn’s passion for all music has sculpted his view of the world around him. From Keith Whitley and Kenny Chesney, to Elvis Presley and The Steve Miller Band, Dunn draws from a wide range of musical influence beginning with his own family.

Preceded by three generations of country musicians and songwriters, he is no "black-sheep" of this family tradition. A tradition that had Dunn “strummin’ his six-string” and performing by the time he was seven-years old. He has embraced a reference to those that have paved the way, and varied it with his own easy-going, yet, contemplative style. This balance of the past and present is the backbone of Dunn’s sound.

Dunn’s earliest years were spent on the road, and living in various cities such as Austin, TX and Nashville, TN. Being born into a is family of touring musicians, singers and songwriters, it seemed that he was destined to live the lifestyle that parallels the music industry. Nevertheless, his mother, Cindy, desired a more conventional environment for her children to grow up in. By the time, he had reached school age; their family had settled into the cozy little town of Comstock. It was in this small Southwest Michigan town that Dunn spent the remainder of his childhood and adolescent days.

For his seventh birthday, Dunn received his first guitar. His Grandfather began teaching him the Country music classics. Songs such as “No Letter Today”, and “Truck Driving Man”, were an inspiration. Dunn’s young passion drove his small hands to practice day and night. Within months, he could play well enough to accompany his own vocals. From that point on, wherever he went, his guitar came along. Whether it was holidays, weddings, or just visiting friends and family, it became innate that someone would request a performance before the night was through.

Around the age of 12, he began writing his first song. After that, songwriting became a second language to Dunn. There was not a life experience passed or a “one-liner” within range, which did not inspire a lyric or melody. Recognizing that the family talent had carried down to the next generation, Dunn’s uncles decided to “show him the ropes” of production. They began teaching him both the musical and technical elements of the recording studio.

From those early days, rather he was singing in the choir, performing in church, winning national talent contests, hosting his weekly Songwriter’s Night, or working on one of his various band projects (including a grunge-rock band, channeling Nirvana and Silverchair), Dunn’s heart never strayed from his roots, and first love, Country music. Nor did his heart stray from the dream of someday “hanging his hat” again in Music City. The place of bright lights and loud music, recalled mostly from stories told of the early years of his life. When the time right to answer his call, Dunn got into his car and jumped onto HWY 69 south, Nashville bound……………...and there was no turning back.

Today, whether performing in Nashville or, on the road, Danny Lee Dunn gives the crowd a strong shot of energy and chases-it-down with his warm and soulful vocals. He pours in bold, honest lyrics derived from hard-earned life experiences. And by mixing it up with some kick-drivin’ rhythms, deeply intuitive melodies and good-timin’ jams, Dunn blends an irresitible concoction of Country, served “straight-up”.