Donnie Fritts facts for kids

Donald Ray Fritts (born November 8, 1942 – died August 27, 2019) was an American musician and songwriter. He was known for playing many instruments in recording studios. He also wrote songs for other artists. For over 40 years, he played the keyboard for the famous singer Kris Kristofferson. In 2008, Donnie Fritts was honored by being added to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

Early Musical Journey

Donnie Fritts started playing music when he was just 15 years old. He played the drums in local bands like The Satellites. He also played with a group called Hollis Dixon & the Keynotes. Later, he became a skilled keyboard player for recording sessions. This means he played keyboards on songs for many different artists in the studio.

He worked closely with important music producers and musicians. These included Rick Hall, Billy Sherrill, and Dan Penn. He was a big part of the early music scene in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Many famous songs were recorded there with his help.

Working with Kris Kristofferson

In 1965, Donnie Fritts signed a deal with a music company in Nashville. This company helped other artists record the songs he wrote. Some of his songs were recorded by stars like Charlie Rich and Jerry Lee Lewis. Later, he met Kris Kristofferson, who was just starting his career as a songwriter.

When Kris Kristofferson decided to form his own band, he asked Donnie Fritts to join. Donnie became his keyboard player and stayed with him for more than 20 years! He played live concerts, recorded albums, and even appeared in many movies with Kris Kristofferson.

Through his friendship with Kris Kristofferson, Donnie Fritts acted in several movies. These included Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, and Convoy. He also appeared in other films like A Star Is Born and Songwriter.

Donnie Fritts' Own Music

Donnie Fritts also released his own albums. In 1974, he released an album called Prone to Lean. Kris Kristofferson and producer Jerry Wexler helped make this album.

In 1998, he released another album titled Everybody's Got a Song. This album featured many famous guest musicians. Some of these included Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, and John Prine. Ten years later, in 2008, Donnie Fritts released his third album, One Foot in the Groove.

In 2014, one of his songs was featured on a special collection album called Country Funk Vol. II. In 2015, he signed with a record company called Single Lock Records.

His Passing

Donnie Fritts passed away on August 27, 2019. He was in a hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. He died due to problems after heart surgery.

Albums by Donnie Fritts

• Prone to Lean (1974)
• Everybody's Got a Song (1997)
• One Foot in the Groove (2008)
• Oh My Goodness (2015)
• June (A Tribute to Arthur Alexander) (2018)