Donis Phipps

Donis
Clark Simon, 27, first heard of Donis one afternoon riding with a friend of his in Alabama.
“I had the radio on and [my friend] suddenly changed it to the CD player,” he said. “‘Yo, who is that?’ I said. ‘I like this song. Who is this?’”
His friend told him they changed the radio to the disk player.
“I was really impressed because there are not too many artists that I like to listen too,” he said.
Since that day he has seen Donis perform a handful of times; the most recent time was during a Sony music showcase in Alabama mall in early September. He said the hallways were crowded with people trying to get a glimpse of the performer.
“His stage [presence], I think, is very good. I have noticed the audience does pay attention once he starts to sing; especially when he hits the higher notes during his performances,” he said. “I believe I have heard a total of six of his cuts, [which he self-penned].”
He is so taken aback by the performer’s vocal abilities that he has attended the majority of Donis’ performances and has also videotaped most of them.
This young vocalist has been wowing crowds all over the South. If there is an audience and a microphone, he’s there so be prepared.
Imagine watching a falling star in a clear night sky. Imagine meeting someone for the first time and getting butterflies. Imagine seeing your firstborn being born. Imagine all of these things and you still have not experienced the feelings you get when you see Donis on stage or hear his voice sliding over a combination of chords and notes like spreading icing on a birthday cake.
He wins a crowd over with his vocal ability, stage and choreographic presence and audience interaction. Seeing him on stage is an experience. Hearing him sing is a blessing. Experiencing both is an out-of-body experience.
At just such a young age of 21 he is accomplished, not only as a vocalist, but also a songwriter, performer and arranger, with more than 10 years of entertainment and performing experience.
He’s been compared to some of the best in the industry, young and old, but has a style, flare and ability that are his own. He owns his uniqueness with maturity and confidence and is not to be underestimated.
A native of Atlanta, GA, his resume includes time with the Freddie Hendricks Ensemble, training at Tri-Cites High School of Performing Arts, local showcases throughout the South. He is not even too embarrassed to admit that he even practices in the in the privacy of his shower at home. Whenever, wherever, whatever!
“I think Donis will go far with his career,” Simon said. “His music is popular, especially his slower songs. I will continue to support him, anywhere, anytime. I don't follow bad acts; I can find better things to do.”
Simon is from Cleveland, Ohio, and now resides in Birmingham, Alabama.

- Mashaund D.