Donald Vails facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald Vails
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| Birth name | Donald Raymond Vails, Jr. |
| Also known as | Rev. Donald Raymond Vails |
| Born | December 25, 1948 Atlanta, Georgia |
| Died | September 10, 1997 (aged 48) Clinton, Maryland |
| Genres | gospel, traditional black gospel, urban contemporary gospel |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter |
| Instruments | vocals, piano, singer-songwriter |
| Years active | 1977–1996 |
| Labels | Savoy, Sound of Gospel |
| Associated acts | The Choraleers |
Reverend Donald Raymond Vails, Jr. (December 25, 1948 – September 10, 1997) was an American gospel musician and a talented pianist. He was also a songwriter who wrote many inspiring songs. Donald Vails became well-known for his powerful gospel music, releasing many albums and even having some of them appear on the famous Billboard charts. His music touched many people, and he was a very important figure in gospel music for nearly two decades.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Donald Vails was born on December 25, 1948, in Atlanta, Georgia. From a very young age, he loved gospel music and the piano. His parents sent him to a nursery school called Gospel Choral Union, which helped him discover his passion for music.
He grew up attending Mt. Zion Baptist Church in his hometown. By the time he was just twelve years old, Donald was already leading a choir! This showed how much talent and leadership he had even as a child.
After high school, when he was eighteen, Donald moved to Detroit, Michigan. He went there to study engineering at the Detroit Institute of Technology. But his love for music never stopped. While studying, he formed a music group called The Choraleers in 1969.
Later, in 1985, Donald Vails moved to Washington, D.C. to earn a Master's Degree in Music from Howard University. During this time, he joined Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. His presence helped the church's choir grow a lot, from 40 members to 175 members in just a few months! He also started his own large choir called Salvation Corporation, which had 80 members from different churches.
Music Career and Achievements
Donald Vails began his professional music career in 1977. His first album was called Donald Vails Choraleers, released with Savoy Records. Over the years, he released sixteen albums in total.
Many of his albums were very successful and appeared on the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart. This chart lists the most popular gospel music in the country. Five of his albums made it onto this important chart:
- He Promised a New Life (1984) reached No. 32.
- Yesterday, Today and Forever (1986) reached No. 17.
- Until the Rapture (1987) reached No. 11.
- In Jesus Christ I Have Everything I Need (1990) reached No. 26.
- A Sunday Morning Songbook (1994) reached No. 33.
One of his most famous albums was He Decided To Die, released in 1978. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award, which is one of the biggest honors in music! It also received a gold album certification from the RIAA. A "gold album" means that the album sold over 500,000 copies, which is a huge achievement for any musician.
Personal Life
Donald Vails was married to Janine Vails. He passed away on September 10, 1997, in Clinton, Maryland, after a long illness. He was survived by his two children, Brian and Carmen. Donald Vails left behind a wonderful legacy of gospel music that continues to inspire people today.
