Donna Hughes

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About

Donna Hughes is an acclaimed singer-songwriter whose career has been built on a remarkable catalog of original music. Having written more than 1,000 songs, and released six albums featuring predominantly self-penned material, Donna has established herself as one of bluegrass and acoustic music's most respected songwriters. Her songwriting first caught the attention of the legendary Tony Rice, who personally contacted Donna after hearing her original material and later produced and performed on her Rounder Records release, Gaining Wisdom. That project led to her next album, Hellos, Goodbyes & Butterflies, produced by another bluegrass icon, J.D. Crowe. Working with two of the most influential figures in acoustic music was a career-defining experience that opened doors to new audiences and opportunities. Both albums featured an impressive roster of guests including Alison Krauss, Sam Bush, Rhonda Vincent, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sonya Isaacs, Carl Jackson, and Alecia Nugent. A multiple-time nominee for SPBGMA Songwriter of the Year, Donna's songs have been recorded and performed by an impressive list of artists, including Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Seldom Scene, Dale Ann Bradley, Russell Moore, Amanda Cook, Newtown, Nu-Blu, Bria Kelly, Wyatt Rice, Caroline Owens, Wilson Banjo Co., and many others. While she occasionally collaborates with other writers, the vast majority of her catalog is entirely self-written. Donna recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award and was honored at the Sunset Film Festival for her "Naomi Wise" music video. Inspired by the true story of a young woman from Donna's home region who died in 1808, the song and video showcase Donna's talent as both a songwriter and storyteller. The video features acclaimed fiddler Jenee Fleenor, the first woman to receive the CMA Musician of the Year Award, who has now won the Title multiple times. In recognition of her contributions to music and her community, Donna was presented with the Key to the City of Trinity, North Carolina, in 2014. Known for her ability to write about virtually any subject, Donna's songs range from humorous observations of everyday life to deep emotional stories of love, loss, faith, and family. She has served as a judge in songwriting contests, fiddlers' conventions & conducted songwriting workshops throughout the United States. Her performance career has taken her to many of the Nation's most respected stages, including MerleFest, The Bluebird Cafe, The Station Inn, Eddie's Attic, B.B. King's in New York City, The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, PBS's "Song of the Mountains," and PBS's "Live from the Dennison Lodge." She has opened for artists such as Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Joe Diffie, and Gene Watson, while also performing private events for NASCAR team owner Richard Childress. More on Donna: From New York City to Wyoming, Maine to Texas, Donna has shared her music with audiences across the United States, building a loyal following through her authentic songwriting, heartfelt performances, and unmistakable voice. When she's not writing songs or performing, Donna is an award-winning Realtor in North Carolina. She enjoys spending time on her family's third-generation farm, caring for her Belgian horses, basset hounds, beagles, and other rescue animals, while also pursuing her passion for painting barn quilts. With new music continually in the works, Donna Hughes remains dedicated to creating songs that connect with listeners and preserving the traditions of bluegrass, acoustic, and Americana music through her original artistry.