Don Graham

Don Graham and The Usual suspects
Don Graham always knew he wanted to be a performer, growing up listening to the likes of Elvis, Johhny Cash, Johnny Horton,The Beatles, Gerry Marsden,Bobby Curtola,The Youngbloods,The Lovin Spoonful, John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Poco, Loggins and Messina,The Flying Burrito Brothers, Ronnie Hawkins, Gram Parsons, Rick Nelson to name a few.
As a singer-songwriter, he was influenced by the best - Neil Diamond, Roger Miller, Kris Kristofferon, Guy Clark to name a few. The songwriters were a big influence as well. Leiber and Stoller, Buddy Holly, John D. Loudermilk, Dennis Linde, Jackson Browne, Lowell George, Steve Goodman, John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Robbie MacNeill , Jerry Jeff Walker, Mickey Newbury, Danny O'Keefe,Warren Zevon to name a few.
Don was blessed to be part of the booming Canadian Music Industry in the 70’s – playing with music icons, Bill Hill, Ronnie Dann, George Bowser in the Montreal music scene. Signing with Gamma Records in Canada, and the famous Kapp (MCA) Record Label in the United States, Don’s first single Shelter in the Sky came out as a pick hit in the legendary Cashbox Magazine. He formed Country Fair – The original members were Francine Jarry (Sirocco Singers) guitar,vocals, Robbie MacNeill (Singalong Jubilee and Anne Murray) lead guitar/b/g vocals and Don Graham, bass and vocals. This trio performed regularly at the famous Cafe Andre ( The Shrine) in downtown Montreal.The name was changed to Graham County and their first single, produced by Bill Hill (Producer of April Wine's debut album) "Shelter in The Sky" written by Don, was recorded at Andre Perry's Studio (just after Andre did the remote for John Lennon's " Give Peace A Chance”.Robbie left the band and was replaced by Bill Hill (JB & the Playboys) on guitar, Eddy Kaye (Freedom North) drums and Ron Dann ( Jesse Winchester, Ian Tyson) on steel guitar. This lineup toured extensively promoting their stage show, music and records. Through the years members have included, George Bowser (Bowser and Blue), Bobby Cohen (Tim Hardin) Les Leroux and JayBees drummer Dougie West and Paul Lifsches on bass.In 1975 Don released a single on Amber Records " If You Don't Like it...." b/w "Wrong Right From The Start". Next was producing great Montreal trio PROOF for RCA (BMG) Records. The result was the release of two songs "Love, A Bitta Memory" b/w "Old Town" . In 1980 Don moved to Toronto when he signed a songwriting deal with Brian Chater (FACTOR CIRPA) at A&M/ Irving Almo Music. This step in his career firmly placed him in a songwriter capacity and influenced his career to this day.
Don has had the pleasure of writing the biographical "Born to Sing" and "Como Te Quero" recorded by Canadian Rock 'n' Roll icon Bobby Curtola, recipient of 25 Gold Records, Member of Canada & inductee in The Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Don & Bobby continue to write together to this day, forming what has become a lifetime friendship and working relationship.
Don is currently co-writing and producing a project Crossing Borders with Scotland’s Gavin Gourlay and the Stonehaven act, The Trybe. This will see bookings that will cross the ocean with both The Trybe and Don in both Canada and the U.K. resulting in the release of a CD bearing the same name, produced both in Canada and Scotland, the native home of Don’s ancestry.He continues to write songs for acts such as Lee Everett, Hugh Straney and others and co-writes currently with Bobby Curtola. Don resides in his home in the Beach in Toronto, Canada. He is a guest writer for Cashbox Magazine - Canada and continues to work in his field of music.
Don Graham is currently creating and booking his stage show and will be touring again in the Summer of 2009.