The Donovans

The Donovans is are an Australian Aboriginal country band. It comprises The Donovan brothers Michael, Ashley, Mervyn as well as Michael's eldest daughters Shalina Donovan and Jaleesa Godson and also Robert Graham on drums.

The Donovan Band won a Deadly Award in 2004.

They are members of a large musical family who were profiled in an episode of ABC's Dynasties television series.[1] They are multi-talented, sharing drums as well as lead and rhythm guitar.

Members
  • Michael Donovan – bass guitar, lead vocals
  • Ashley Donovan - rhythm and lead guitar and backing vocals
  • Merv Donovan – lead guitar and backing vocals
  • Robert Graham - drums.
  • Shalina Donovan - acoustic and vocals
  • Jaleesa Godson - vocals

The Donovans have played with the likes of Col Hardy, Jimmy Little, Roger Knox, Vic Simms and Troy Cassar Daley.

Michael, Ashley and Merv have recently completed studio work on Changes, a CD they have released with their niece, Emma Donovan.

Michael Donovan
  • has toured Australia with the legendary Brian Young Show and is the musical director for the Aboriginal Showcase held annually at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
  • was a member of the band Runaway Train, which was nominated for a Golden Guitar in 1998.
  • released a solo album during 2004

Ashley Donovan
  • Completed studio recording on a children's CD Happy To Be Me, by Aunty Wendy's Mob launched on 8 September 2004 at Darlington Primary School.

Merv Donovan
  • Participated with Emma Donovan and guitarist Alan Morris in a series of arts and cultural activities leading up to the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

The Donovan brothers look forward to a line-up of performances prior to the album's release.

Troy Russell

Plays drums and bass. Moved to Dubbo to teach music in 2004. Troy has made an award-winning documentary (The Foundation 1963 - 1975; Chilifilms and Mongreldogs Production; 2002.) Began playing with the Donovans after meeting Michael at Eora College.

Awards

The Donovans won the award for Band of the Year at The Deadly Awards in 2004.[2] They were nominated for two awards in 2003.

Festival attendance

They have played at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the 2004 Survival Concert at La Perouse and the 2004 Yaban Concert at Redfern, Sydney.

See also

References
  1. Fidgeon, Robert (30 November 2005), "TV EYE", Herald Sun, p. h12
  2. Albert, Jane (23 October 2004), "Casey so good she's Deadly", The Australian, p. 5
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