Donna Lewis
One Night Only Always and Forever
September 2024 Issue
by Elizabeth Skenes Millen
Photography by Rachel Brennecke
By the time her smash hit “I Love You Always Forever” zoomed up the record charts in 1996, Donna Lewis was in her 30s and had paid her dues. Usually when someone hits the big time, people automatically think “overnight success.” However, Donna’s passion for music began when she started playing piano at age 6. It was natural for her musical interest to blossom, as she was raised in a musical household. Her father was an amateur jazz musician and had a huge record collection. Music was as much a part of their home as electricity and water.
Growing up in Wales, by her early teenage years, Donna was writing music and putting together various bands with her friends at school. They would record their songs on an old-fashioned tape recorder. “My mum would welcome all my friends, and we would practice and record at the house. Dad would help. There were five girls, and we did covers, some original songs and competitions,” Donna said.
Though she went for teacher’s training after college to have something to fall back on, she always believed music would work for her, even when she was playing European piano bars in and around London six nights a week, five hours each night. “It was great experience and sometimes it was even fun. I learned how to sustain my voice for five hours, and I figured out my sound during that time,” she explained. “When I felt like no one was listening, I would find a couple of people in the room who were connected, and that’s all I needed. I treated it like a rehearsal, and it made me better. It was a means to an end.”
Donna also joined various choral and music groups singing for the likes of Prince Charles and the Prime Minister at the time at Cardiff City Hall. “You just have to do so many events. It’s your apprenticeship; you hone your craft along the way and find yourself in the process.”
When she got a record deal with Atlantic Records it was like a fairytale. Her demo tape had gotten passed down through friends of a friend who had someone else listen, and next thing she knew, she was getting flown to New York City and singing in front of Doug Morris, longtime songwriter, record executive and Co-Chairman of Atlantic Records. “When I went into his office there was a piano. Before I sang, he told me about all the legends who had played that piano like Elton John. It was like a dream come true,” Donna said.
Morris was so enamored with her signature breathy voice, he offered her a deal on the spot. “I Love You Always Forever” was featured on her debut album, Now in a Minute. It became the first song ever to get a million spins on American radio and became the third best-selling tune in the history of Atlantic Records. The record was an international sensation, zooming up the charts all over the world.
As one can imagine, her life changed. She had a solid record deal. “I thought now I’ve got a deal, and yet, I still didn’t know anything for sure. All I wanted then and now is for my music to be heard and appreciated. My earlier years of success allow me to continue to do my music,” she shared.
Donna’s new album, Room With a View is her most personal dive into music yet. This record documents her recent year-long journey with breast cancer. “Cancer was the uninvited messenger, the dark dweller who I sought to banish with the love of my family, brilliant doctors and my art,” she said. “It makes you think about life in a deeper way.”
“I now only do the things that are meaningful to me and make me happy. Cancer changes you. It makes you more grateful, stronger, and braver. One of the things she is very much looking forward to is coming to Savannah this month to perform. She will be the first female special guest to join the Me, Myself & Us Concert Series. Bass genius Tony Franklin, who has worked with Donna since I Love You Always Forever, will join her, as well as Thomas Claxton.
If you like music, you will love this show. It will appeal to everyone, especially if you’ve seen rocker Thomas Claxton, who is thrilled to welcome Donna and Tony to The District. All three of these extraordinarily talented musicians offer sounds that will stir your soul.
Donna is looking forward to everyone coming out, especially women. “After what I’ve been through, I feel my women friends are my tribe. Women as a group, together, are such a strong force. Throughout everything, women have been so supportive. Thank you.”
Up Close:
Family: Donna has been married for over 30 years to Martin Harris, who is her business manager. They have one son who is a composer, studying screen composition.
Funny Story: She brought her parents over for the recording of her first album, and her father quipped, “Why so many takes? It only took Sinatra one time.”
“I Love You Always Forever” was not written with anyone in particular in mind. It is based on a book and about falling in love for the first time.
Donna loves: hearing stories from breast cancer survivors and caregivers. “There are so many people I’ve met, and it’s incredible how strong these women are.”
Poignant Lyrics: From the song “Imposter” on her new album: Thank you for making me feel brave when I didn’t feel brave because I never want to be at war with my body again.
Her musical influences include: Elton John; David Bowie; Rickie Lee Jones; Kate Bush; and her all-time favorite band is The Blue Nile.
Yes! We confirmed: She will sing “I Love You Always Forever” at the Savannah show!
Don’t Miss the Show:
What: Me, Myself & Us Concert Series by Thomas Claxton with Special Guests Donna Lewis and Tony Franklin
When: Friday, September 27 at 7:00—10:00 PM
Where: District Live Savannah at Plant Riverside District, 400 W. River St., Savannah, GA
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com