About Don
Don Spain was born in Leavenworth, Kansas. He is retired from the military and is also a combat veteran of the Vietnam and Korean wars. Don was a Squad Leader in the famous battle of LZ X-Ray, 1st Cavalry Division, Vietnam. A film was made of the battle, "We Were Soldiers" starring Mel Gibson.
Don has played music all around the world including Germany, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, England and Thailand. He has performed in many Opera Houses across many states, at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View Arkansas with the legendary harmonica player "Lonnie Glosson" and was also featured with Albert Brumley Jr. at the Boatworks Theater in Branson, MO.
In September of 2007, Don was honored with induction into the "National Traditional Country Music Hall of Fame." Charlie McCoy (Ultimate Harmonica Player) and Red Steagall (Country Music Artist) were also inducted into the Hall.
Don recently returned from the "Peoples Republic of China" where he played with a band (Photos: One, Two, Three) at the opening and closing ceremonies of the "International Jeans Fashion Show." Don and the band played for an audience of approximately 15,000 people. His performance was televised on many TV stations throughout China. The Chinese people seemed to enjoy our music very much and we were treated like royalty.
In competition, Don has won numerous titles in country/bluegrass contests in many states.
Don has been playing harmonica for many years. The major influence on his style of playing has been Charlie McCoy. In addition to playing the Harmonica, Don also plays guitar.
Don recently released 4 successful CD's and cassette albums, a mixture of country gospel, bluegrass and blues songs. : "Harp'n your Country Favorites", "Harping on Country Classics", "Old Standards and Country Blues", and his most recent one "Precious Memories". The albums have received excellent Reviews from the Hohner Music Company and the "National Traditional Country Music Association". One album, "Harp'n your Country Favorites", was played on the legendary "Mike Murphy" radio program. This album is also for sale in the well known F&R Farrel Company world wide harmonica mail order catalog. "Harp'n Your Country Favorites" was lauded by Charlie McCoy who praised the selection of songs and encouraged Don to keep up the good work. The last song on the album "Precious Memories, "There's a Star Spangled Banner Waving Somewhere", is a tribute to our veterans and active duty military service members.
These albums were produced in the "Heartland Recording Studio", Kansas City, Mo. and "Poor Boy Productions", Lansing, KS.
Don Spain Jr. is featured on the albums as the lead guitarist and is also playing several of the back-up instruments.
Hope you enjoy the albums! "Keep On Harping!"