Don Julian (musician) facts for kids

Don Julian (born April 7, 1937 – died November 6, 1998) was an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He was famous for his rhythm and blues (R&B), funk, and soul music. Don Julian was best known for his R&B songs in the 1950s and 1960s. He also wrote the music and songs for the movie Savage!.

Don Julian's Music Career

Don Julian was born Donald Ray Julian in Houston, Texas. When he was a teenager, he moved to Los Angeles, California. There, he started performing with different local bands.

He sang by himself and also with groups. His most famous group was "The Meadowlarks." Later, they changed their name to "The Larks." The Meadowlarks were special because they were one of the first music groups to have both Black and white members. This was called an integrated group.

In 1954, Don Julian and the Meadowlarks released their first song, "Heaven and Paradise." It became very popular with R&B fans. In 1964, the group, now called The Larks, released a song called "The Jerk." This song was Don Julian's biggest hit. It reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart. It also hit number seven on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart.

In the 1970s, Julian recorded several solo albums. He worked with many different record labels.

Don Julian passed away in November 1998 from pneumonia. He was 61 years old.

Don Julian's Songs and Albums

This is a list of some of Don Julian's music.

Solo Albums

• Savage! (1973) – This was the music he wrote for the movie Savage!.

Albums with The Meadowlarks or The Larks

• Heaven and Paradise (1955)
• The Jerk (1964)
• Golden Classics (1990)

How Don Julian Influenced Music

One of Don Julian's songs from the Savage! album was called "Janitizo." A famous rapper named Warren G used a part of this song in his own song. Warren G's song was "And Ya Don't Stop," from his album Regulate...G Funk Era. This is called "sampling" in music.