Don Ellis Gatlin
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AboutDon Ellis Gatlin grew up in Beaver Falls, PA. He and his brother Darryl were opening for major country stars by the time he was 13 at the country music mecca, Ponderosa Park. At the age of 18 he was the winner of The Nashville Network’s “You Can Be a Star” which earned him a record deal with Capitol Records. Two years later Don moved to Nashville where he and Darryl signed with Sony Records and recorded under the name Darryl and Don Ellis. By 1994 the duo was nominated for CMA, and ACM awards.
After the duo split up Don turned to his love of songwriting. He has written songs with and or for Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Kenny Rogers, Colin Raye, Lee Greenwood, Ronnie Milsap and many others. In 2004 Don put together the group Savannah Jack. The group has toured all over the world including opening 66 shows for Kenny Rogers. In 2010 they released a critically acclaimed album with a superstar guest lineup that included Steve Ferrone from the Heartbreakers and Vince Gill. Savanna Jack lead by Don continues to tour around the world. In addition, Don is now touring with the Kenny Rogers Band. Along with members of Kenny’s actual band they are not a tribute band but are keeping Kenny’s music alive. In 2020 Don became the first songwriter to join with 3 Minutes Away Music Publishing and continues to write songs for himself and other artists. As if his life isn’t full enough, he is also managing rising star, pop-country artist Ashlie Amber. |