email: DonnaJeanG-M AT Comcast.net

A native of Alabama 's Muscle Shoals area, Donna Jean began singing as a studio session vocalist in the 1960's as the “Muscle Shoals Sound” was birthed. She was a background vocalist on a number of hit records that were recorded in Muscle Shoals and Memphis, including “Suspicious Minds” and “In the Ghetto” by Elvis Presley, R.B. Greave's “Take a Letter Maria,” “Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show” by Neil Diamond, the Percy Sledge album “When a Man Loves a Woman,” as well as “Boz Scaggs,” (his acclaimed first solo record), and Cher's first solo record, “3614 Jackson Highway.” She also recorded with Joe Simon, Joe Tex, Ben E. King, Etta James, Dionne Warwick, and many others.

Donna Jean left the Muscle Shoals area in 1970 for San Francisco where she met her late husband, piano player Keith Godchaux. The Godchaux's joined “The Grateful Dead” in 1971 and were band members through March of 1979. In the mid-70's, Donna Jean also toured with the “Jerry Garcia Band,” and the band, “Keith & Donna.” A vocalist and songwriter, her songs were recorded with all three bands. The Godchaux's later formed the “Heart of Gold Band” with drummer Greg Anton.

Donna Jean was a vocalist on “The Grateful Dead's” classic recordings “Europe '72,” “Wake of the Flood,” “Mars Hotel,” “Blues For Allah,” “Terrapin Station,“Shakedown Street,” Jerry Garcia's “Reflections,” “Cats Under the Stars,” and countless CD's released from live concerts. She also appeared in “The Grateful Dead” movie, and videos “ Backstage Pass ,” and “The Closing of Winterland.”

Donna Jean toured in the late ‘90's with the “Donna Jean Band,” and on occasions sang with “Phil and Friends.” Recently, she has recorded a new album by the “Heart of Gold Band,” entitled “At The Table.”