Donnie Vondra

Bio:   Country music is blessed with an enormous number of diversely talented musicians, song writers, and singers. Each one works hard to find his or her own niche and creative pathway to success. And we also have a few God-gifted entertainers who can keep you mesmerized with their charisma, charm, wit, energy, and inspiring voices that turn on every switch you have.

    Donnie Vondra is such an entertainer! This 6’2”tall Texan oozes with energy and charm, and his vocals reflect his deep roots with country music that date back to his days as a five year old kid. After his parents gave him his first guitar, he would practice by standing in front of his mother’s big mirror and pretend to be a super star. With the Hi-Fi 8-track tape player blaring in the background, he created vivid images of a successful country & western star performing to an enthusiastic audience of thousands. Well he’s not far from seeing those dreams come true. Even at that early age, Donnie would sing the country classics and dance the night away with his mother’s family in East Texas honky-tonks. You talk about a self-fulfilling prophecy!Donnie Vondra excels in many areas of the music business – he’s a talented song writer, singer, and a wonderful guitar player – but what he does best is turn on a crowd when he gets on stage. He has an amazing way about him that easily jumps into peoples’ hearts and souls. That same charisma and energy also come across from his CD’s. Even if you can’t see him, you can just feel what he’s singing about and know that he’s coming from his gut. It doesn’t matter if it’s one of his great up-beat modern sounds or a more traditional honky-tonk ballad, Donnie Vondra reaches into your soul and pulls the lever like you’ve seldom felt before.

     His first national release on Lofton Creek Records, “How Long Am I Supposed to Wait,” is such an example of the style and message Donnie delivers every time.  It won’t take long for country fans all across the nation to fall in love with this good looking guy on the move. Donnie’s history is peppered with many people from every aspect of his life who helped and encouraged him to plow full steam ahead with his music. Teachers in elementary, Jr. high, and high school all saw his special gifts and pushed him forward. He played and sang at practically every talent show and fair in that part of his Texas world. When he was a senior in high school he placed second in the state competition…all with just his voice and one guitar! Although he was an outstanding athlete and named first team all-state center in football, he opted to play his guitar instead of football on Friday nights. He said more than once, “people are a lot nicer to me on the dance floor that they are on the football field!”Life was not easy growing up in the Vondra household. At the age of twelve Donnie began working with his dad, Jim, in the Texas oil fields. He saved his hard-earned money and, while still in high school, Donnie bought his first real Takamine guitar. During the day Donnie was either at work or at school. But at night, you could always find him behind his bedroom door honing his God-given guitar and singing skills. The weekends were always saved for picking and singing at dance halls and honky-tonks. He loves being up in front of crowds… and they love him. Talk about someone who has paid his dues!  Donnie is well known around the Houston area and all over East Texas. A few years ago he joined forces with a local band.  It wasn’t long before they gained a solid reputation as a real party band. You could hear everything from James Brown to George Jones with some of Donnie’s original songs mixed in. Donnie’s original songs were produced by country music writer/producer/ picker Bobby Terry. Donnie and terry’s relationship began when Bobby played on Donnie’s first demo in, “I’ll Take Forever.”

      In 1996 Bobby and Donnie formed Cube Records and Music. Their company delivered five national cuts and a major single. Their partnership, along with songwriter Kevin Brant will have everlasting memories. The first national cut, “I’m Still Here”, recorded by Randy Travis and the first national major single, “Love of a Woman, recorded by Travis Tritt, will remain in their hearts forever. The publishing relationship has kept Donnie and Bobby in touch over the years, and has opened the door for Donnie to cut several of his original songs. His “Southern Girls” and “Wide Open” are typical of the high energy, charismatic, and fun-loving style of Donnie Vondra.Donnie typically spends Mondays through Fridays running the family oil and gas businesses, and his Sundays singing at First United Methodist Church, but still finds time for his true passion … performing his music to entertain people, Donnie Vondra style!Again, we have some great singers in country music; we have some super song writers, and we have a host of wonderful pickers and grinners and people who produce and pull it all together. But there are only a handful of true, God-gifted entertainers. Donnie Vondra in definitely in that small group! Even if you can’t see him in person, take a listen to his music – you’ll see why so many people love the heck out of him!