Soul Strutter: R.I.P. Donny Gerrard (1947

Saturday 5 February 2022

R.I.P. Donny Gerrard (1947 - 3 Feb 2022)

We almost went a week without another sad loss, but it was reported yesterday on his facebook page that Donny Gerrard passed away aged 75 on 3 Feb 2022.

Donny Gerrard was a Canadian singer from Vancouver who was a member of Canadian group Skylark who released two albums in the early 70s and are probably best known for their #2 Canadian hit "Wildflower", on which Gerrard was lead singer, and was later covered by The New Birth and then The O'Jays on their "Live In London" album 1974.

He went on to have a solo career and was also a backing singer for several major artist such as Elton John, Bruce Springstein, Cher, Neil Sedaka, Donovan, Bette Midler, Rita Coolidge, Neil Diamond and even Pink Floyd as well as many others. He was active until very recently and co-produced and sang on Mavis Staples (pictured with him above) album "We Get By" in 2019.

As a solo artist he released his debut solo, self-titled album in 1976 and another in 2000 "The Romantic" along with six singles in the 70s. The 2000 album contained a solo version of "Wildflower".

His third single "He's Always Somewhere Around" got spins on the UK Northern Soul scene, first played at the Blackpool Mecca in 1976.

Discography

Albums

1976 - Donny Gerrard [Greedy #G-1002]