In 1964, Donna made her debut appearance on ABC’s Shindig performing this Dusty Springfield classic. The original clip is in the Video section of the site. In the early 80’s a meeting with her 60’s producer Jimmy Bowen (then president of Warner Bros Nashville) and her husband, Lenny Waronker (then president of Warner Bros USA), resulted in reviving this classic in Nashville. Donna arranged for an all-star band put together by David Hungate of Toto fame with Jimmy at the helm. Then, Donna returned to LA to complete the production herself with arranger Nick DeCaro and help from Ry Cooder’s back-up singers. The record was released by Warner Bros, the parent company of Reprise where Donna had made her last recordings before retiring in the 60’s. Co-produced by Nick DeCaro and Donna Loren. Arranged by Nick DeCaro, engineered by Steve Tillisch and Lee Herschberg. Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Re-released in 2009 on Donna’s MAGIC -The 80s Collection CD.
Looking for the flip side to “Wishin’ and Hopin’,” Donna contacted Linda Perry, a music publisher who suggested Somewhere Down The Road. “Barry Manilow had some success with this tune”, she said, “I think you could do well with it”. Donna turned, once again, to Nick DeCaro to arrange and called on a friend of the family, Eleanor Slatkin, wife of violinist Felix Slatkin and mother of conductor Leonard Slatkin, to play cello. Eleanor had played with Si Waronker, Lenny Waronker’s father, who was a violinist at Fox Studios in the days when Alfred Newman conducted and composed scores for the studio’s orchestra. Si went on to found Liberty Records and signed Felix as an artist. “Somewhere Down the Road” became the side that got radio play after Donna performed it on the Merv Griffin Show, which can be viewed in the Video section of this site. Co-produced by Nick DeCaro and Donna Loren. Arranged by Nick DeCaro, engineered by Lee Herschberg and assisted by John Thomas. Written by Tom Snow and Cynthia Weil. Re-released in 2009 on Donna’s MAGIC -The 80s Collection CD.
Sedona (45)
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Simply Loving You
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Year: 1982 Label: Royality One
In Donna’s words, “It was a whole lot of fun getting together with legendary guitarist James Burton for this project. James assembled the old Elvis (TCB) Band: his good buddies Ronny Tutt on drums, Jerry Scheff on bass, Glen D. Hardin on piano and Chris Hillman on mandolin. A fitting band for the tune I love so dearly for its namesake”. Written and produced by Donna Loren. Recorded in Los Angeles at Amigo Studios and released on Donna’s Royalty Records label. Re-released in 2009 on Donna’s MAGIC -The 80s Collection CD. “Simply Loving You” was written and produced by Donna Loren. Recorded in Los Angeles at Amigo Studios and released on Donna’s Royalty Records label. Re-released in 2009 on Donna’s MAGIC -The 80s Collection CD.
As Long As I’m Holding You (45)
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It's Such A Shame
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Year: 1967 Label: Reprise Number: 0634
“As Long As I’m Holding You” - Arranged, written and produced by Mike Post. “It’s Such A Shame” Written and produced by Mike Post. Arranged by Al Capps.
Let's Pretend (45)
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Once Before I Die
Year: 1967 Label: Reprise Number: 0586
“Let’s Pretend” - Produced by Jimmy Bowen and arranged by Don Peake. Written by Evans and Parnes.
“Once Before I Die” - Produced by Jimmy Bowen and arranged by Don Peake. This record was also released in Italy with Donna singing in Italian. Written by Gimbel and London.
I Believe (45)
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Play Little Music Box, Play
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Year: 1966 Label: Capitol Number: 5659
“I Believe” - Donna often sang this song to close Dr Pepper promotional shows. Arranged and conducted by Gene Page and produced by Al de Lory. Written by Drake-Graham-Shirl-Stillman. “Play Little Music Box Play” - Arranged and
conducted by Gene Page and produced by Al de Lory. Written by Billy Page.
Smokey Joe's (45)
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Call Me
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Year: 1965 Label: Capitol Number: 5548
“Smokey Joe’s” - Arranged and conducted by Billy Strange and produced by Steve Douglas. Written by
Simpson-Ashford-Armstead. “Call Me” - This record introduced a new, softer vocal style for Donna. Arranged and conducted by Jack Nitzsche and produced by Steve Douglas. Written by Tony Hatch.
New Love (45)
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So, Do The Zonk
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Year: 1965 Label: Capitol Number: 5409
"New Love” - From the 1965 AIP film “Beach Blanket Bingo”. This song was also part of Donna’s only LP release “Donna Loren Sings the Songs from Beach Blanket Bingo” from 1965. Arranged and conducted by H.B. Barnum and produced by David Axelrod. Written by Guy Hemric and Jerry Styner. “So, Do The Zonk” - Arranged and conducted by H.B. Barnum and produced by David Axelrod. Written by L. Carr and A. Fisher.
Ninety Day Guarantee (45)
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Ten Good Reasons
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Year: 1964 Label: Capitol Number: 5337
“Ninety Day Guarantee” - Arranged and conducted by H.B. Barnum and produced by David Axelrod. Written by Lester Carr.
“Ten Good Reasons” - Arranged and conducted by H.B. Barnum and produced by David Axelrod. Written by B. Kaye and P. Springer.
Just A Little Girl (45)
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Blowing Out The Candles
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Year: 1964 Label: Capitol Number: 5250
“Just A Little Girl” - Donna’s first release for Capitol Records. Arranged and conducted by the legendary H.B. Barnum and produced by David Axelrod. Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. “Blowing Out The Candles” - Donna’s first release for Capitol Records and now a Northern Soul favorite. Arranged and conducted by the legendary H.B. Barnum and produced by Dave Axelrod. Written by B Raleigh and B Halley.
Muscle Bustle (45)
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How Can I Face The World
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Year: 1963 Label: Challenge Number: 9237
“Muscle Bustle” - From Donna’s first feature film, AIP’s “Muscle Beach Party” from 1964. She sang this song in the film as a duet with Dick Dale. Written by Brian Wilson, Gary Usher and Roger Christian. “How Can I Face The World” - Written by Keith Colley and Nancie Mantz.
I Can’t Make My Heart Say Goodbye (45)
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Danny
Year: 1963 Label: Challenge Number: 9222
“I Can’t Make My Heart Say Goodbye” - Written by Lou Dinning. “Danny” - Written by Randy Van Horn and Don Raye.
I’m Gonna Be Alright (45)
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Johnny’s Got Something
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Year: 1963 Label: Challenge Number: 9213
Both songs written by Nanci Mantz and Dave Burgess.
Dream World (45)
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I’m The One Who Loves You
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Year: 1963 Label: Challenge Number: 9203
“Dream World” - Arranged by Sonny Bono. Written by Joy Kennedy.
Also known as “(Remember Me) I’m The One Who Loves You”, Donna felt the song in an R&B style, unlike many others who recorded it Country, like Johnny Cash. Arranged by Sonny Bono. Written by Stuart Hamblen.
