Peter Donegan, son of skiffle legend Lonnie Donegan, is an artist who stands firmly on his own musical merits. While acknowledging and celebrating his father’s enormous influence, Peter has carved out a distinctive niche in the country and roots music scene. In this insightful interview, we delve into Peter Donegan’s songwriting process, explore his latest releases, reflect on his experiences on The Voice UK, and uncover his exciting future plans.
From Texas Inspiration to Award-Winning Songwriting
Peter Donegan vividly recalls the emotional spark behind his acclaimed song, “Thank You Texas.” Invited as a scholar to the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation, Peter experienced a profound sense of belonging in the Lone Star State. He describes a long journey from London to Austin, followed by a night drive to Lubbock, which culminated in a powerful moment of connection with the Texas landscape. “I wound down the window, smelt and felt the warm Texas air which wrapped around me like a blanket as I stared up at the stars on a huge Texas sky. It felt like Texas was saying: ‘I’ve got you, your home.’” This deeply personal experience translated into heartfelt lyrics and resonated widely with listeners.
Peter Donegan performing live, showcasing his musical talent and stage presence.
“Thank You Texas” isn’t just a sentimental tribute; it’s a testament to Peter Donegan’s growth as a songwriter. Co-written with Texan songwriters Jerry Serrano and Madi Davis (from NBC’s The Voice), the song garnered significant recognition, earning Peter the awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Original Song of the Year at the Texas Sounds Country Music Awards in 2020. This success underscores his continuous development as both a songwriter and performer, always striving for improvement and expressing his evolving artistic vision. While proud of his earlier work, Peter views each new release as a step forward in his musical journey.
Anticipation Builds for a New Album
Fans eagerly awaiting new music will be thrilled to learn that Peter Donegan is currently working on a new album. This upcoming project promises a blend of familiar favorites from his live performances and excitingly fresh, unheard material. The album is a collaborative effort, featuring songs co-written with talented musicians he’s met at songwriting retreats. These collaborations include Sean Healen from New Mexico, Sonny West (renowned for composing Buddy Holly’s hits “Oh Boy” and “Rave On”), and Mark Nevin (of Fairground Attraction, known for the song “Perfect”). Peter plans to release three singles leading up to the album launch, slated for winter 2021, creating significant anticipation for this new collection of songs.
Musical Roots and Influences: A Legacy and Beyond
Peter Donegan’s earliest musical memories are intrinsically linked to his father, Lonnie Donegan. Born in 1983 while his father was touring in the UK (the family was based in Lake Tahoe, California at the time), Peter was immersed in music from a young age. He recalls being captivated by the raw energy of his father’s live performances from the side of the stage, particularly drawn to high-energy songs like “Rock Island Line,” “Cumberland Gap,” and “Jack of Diamonds.” This early exposure to skiffle and roots music laid a foundational layer for his musical taste.
Beyond his father’s music, Peter was surrounded by Lonnie Donegan’s extensive record collection, featuring artists like Willie Nelson, JJ Cale, Waylon Jennings, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. These influences shaped his appreciation for storytelling in song and music with a strong groove and feel. This blend of skiffle energy and country storytelling defines Peter Donegan’s unique sound.
Recording at the Legendary Decca Studios: A Surreal Experience
The album LIVE holds a special significance for Peter, not only for its musical content but also for its recording location: the historic Decca recording studios. He describes the experience as “surreal,” emphasizing the studio’s rich history and tangible connection to music legends. Walking the same floors and touching the same tiles as his father, The Rolling Stones, and Tom Jones as they recorded their early hits created a powerful sense of musical heritage.
Choosing the material for LIVE was a deliberate process of balancing homage and self-expression. Peter aimed to honor his father’s legacy by including the energetic, rootsy songs that defined Lonnie Donegan’s style. Simultaneously, he wanted to showcase his own identity as an artist, particularly following his appearances on The Voice. The album served as a statement of his musical identity and direction.
Personal Favorites: Tracks with Resonance
When asked about his favorite tracks from his own catalog, Peter highlights songs that evoke strong emotional responses both in himself and his audience. “Ode to a Friend” stands out for its feel-good factor and relatable lyrics, consistently generating a great live response. He also points to more emotionally charged songs like “Little Man” and “Thank You Texas” as personal highlights. These tracks, he explains, represent moments where he feels he truly captured the essence of his songwriting goals, inspiring him to continually strive for that level of depth and emotional honesty in his music.
Multi-Instrumentalist: A Natural Musicality
Peter Donegan is known for his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist. While proficient in several instruments, he reveals that the piano was his first and enduring love. Despite his father’s encouragement to play guitar, Peter was instinctively drawn to the piano. He initially taught himself before receiving formal lessons, which solidified his path as a musician. Later, he added the harmonica to his repertoire, a staple in his live performances. Following his father’s passing, Peter also picked up Lonnie’s guitars, further expanding his instrumental skills and connecting with his father’s musical legacy on a deeper level.
Joining the Lonnie Donegan Band: A Formative Experience
At the age of 18, Peter Donegan stepped into a significant role, joining the Lonnie Donegan Band. This wasn’t just a casual entry; it was a trial by fire. His father surprised him with the invitation during a home jam session, launching Peter into a professional environment alongside seasoned musicians. He describes it as a “HUGE learning curve,” playing with band members who had collaborated with artists like Van Morrison, Joe Brown, Chas n Dave, and Dr. Hook. Initially humbled, Peter quickly found his place within the band, contributing to his father’s performances and gaining invaluable experience from these veteran musicians.
Stepping into the Solo Spotlight: A Forgettably Inauspicious Start
Peter’s first foray into solo performance was, in his own words, “verrrry forgettable.” A friend secured him a spot at an indie band festival in North East England, on the “Up and Coming” stage. The reality was less than glamorous. Peter found himself the only solo act, and stylistically out of sync with the indie-focused lineup. Even attempts to incorporate his father’s songs couldn’t sway the audience, which largely consisted of “pulsating spiders” in the tent. Despite the underwhelming debut, this experience was a crucial early step in his journey as a solo artist.
Duetting with Sir Tom Jones: An Unforgettable Voice Moment
A pivotal moment in Peter Donegan’s career was his appearance on The Voice UK, culminating in an impromptu duet with Sir Tom Jones. He admits he “never even expected a chair to turn,” let alone share the stage with a music icon. The request to sing “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” with Tom Jones was entirely spontaneous. With no rehearsal and the house band unfamiliar with the song, Peter took to the piano and delivered a memorable, unrehearsed performance on national television. This “Rock n Roll” moment, as he describes it, is a highlight of his career, further details of which can be found on his YouTube channel.
The Voice Effect: Exposure and Independence
The Voice UK undoubtedly boosted Peter Donegan’s public profile, leading to increased concert opportunities. He received a recording contract offer from Polydor, but it came with a caveat: a one-album deal focused on re-recording his father’s hits. Peter declined, staying true to his artistic vision. As he states, “I am not a tribute artist, it’s not what I do so wouldn’t be a representation of my live set and dad would have hated it.” Heeding his father’s advice – “If you’re going to have ANY chance of making it in this industry, you’ve got to write your own songs!” – Peter chose to remain an independent artist, honoring his father’s wisdom by forging his own path.
Navigating the Music Scene: Post-Pandemic and Transatlantic
Peter Donegan divides his time between West Palm Beach, Florida, and London, England, offering a transatlantic perspective on the current music scene. He notes that the US scene appears more robust post-pandemic, with gigs returning and opportunities emerging. In 2021, he performed in Maryland and was booked for the Texas Sounds Country Music Awards, indicating a positive trajectory in the States.
The UK music scene, however, presents a more uncertain picture. While some gigs are tentatively returning, Peter points to a broader issue: the lack of respect and support for the performing arts in the UK, despite its rich musical heritage. He highlights the vulnerability of independent venues, crucial for nurturing emerging talent, which often lack adequate support.
Pandemic Impact: Challenges and Adaptations
The pandemic has profoundly impacted Peter Donegan’s professional and personal life. Beyond the cancellation of live gigs, recording became a complex, isolated process, relying on remote collaboration and digital file sharing. Maintaining audience engagement through online gigs and social media became essential, requiring constant content creation while managing the limitations of lockdown. Adding to these challenges, Peter and his family were also caring for their son with ASD during this period, highlighting the multifaceted impact of the pandemic.
Looking Ahead: Plans and Aspirations
Despite the challenges, Peter Donegan remains focused and optimistic. His plans for the remainder of the year are clear: to perform live as much as possible, secure more bookings, and release his new singles and album. Fans can stay updated on Peter Donegan’s music and tour dates through his website and social media channels, ensuring they don’t miss out on his exciting next chapter. For those eager to delve deeper into Peter Donegan’s musical world, exploring his online presence is the best way to stay connected.
