The Donovans facts for kids
The Donovans are an Australian Aboriginal country music band. They are known for their strong family ties and love for country music.
The band started playing together in 1984. They grew up listening to the country sounds of their parents, Mick and Aileen Donovan, who were also legends in Aboriginal country music.
The Donovans are very talented. They have performed at many events across Australia. They have shared the stage with famous artists like Jimmy Little, Roger Knox, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Bobby McLeod.
Their late sister, Agnes Donovan, was very important. She helped keep the family's musical tradition alive. She encouraged her brothers, children, and other family members in their music.
The Donovans' music story is truly special. Their connection to family and country music is what they value most.
The Donovan Band won a Deadly Award in 2004. This award celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievements.
They are part of a big musical family. Their story was even featured on the ABC's TV show "Dynasties."
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Meet the Band Members
The Donovans band has several talented members. They all play a part in creating their unique sound.
Michael Donovan
Michael Donovan grew up in Macksville, NSW. He was surrounded by music from his parents, Mick and Aileen Donovan. He has been in music for over 50 years, starting to sing and play guitar at age six. Michael says his mum and dad were his biggest inspirations.
He learned to play the ukulele from his dad, Micko. Michael then performed with his late sister Agnes and brothers Merv and Hilton. In 1981, Michael moved to Sydney and formed The Donovan Band.
Michael has toured Australia with the famous Brian Young Show. He also helped organize the Aboriginal Showcase at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. A special moment for Michael was playing for the Queen with Uncle Jimmy Little in Canberra.
Merv Donovan
Merv Donovan has loved playing music for many years. As a young man, he performed with his family as "The Donovan Kids." Later, he played in a school band. Merv also performed with a local band called Zachariah.
In 1977, Merv moved to Sydney. He continued to play with his brothers in The Donovan Band. He also performed regularly at the Annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. In 2004, Merv supported his niece Emma Donovan at a festival in Greece.
Ashley Donovan
Ashley Donovan is the youngest of The Donovan Family. His dad, Micko, taught him to play the guitar. Ashley has been a member of The Donovan Band for 30 years. He plays lead guitar, drums, and sings backup vocals.
Ashley has performed at many events. These include The Survival Concert and the Yabun Concert. He also plays at NAIDOC events and the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Ashley has shared the stage with artists like Troy Cassar Daley and Archie Roach. He also played drums and guitar on a children's CD called Happy To Be Me.
Ashley has studied music and now enjoys DJ'ing. He continues the family's musical journey.
Shalina Donovan
Shalina has loved music her whole life. Her grandparents, Micko and Aileen Donovan, inspired her. Her father encouraged her to sing and play guitar from a young age. Shalina has performed with her musical family at many events.
At 15, Shalina attended Campbelltown Performing Arts high school. She became comfortable performing as a soloist. In 2002, Shalina won the Overall Junior Winner award at the Tamworth Country Music Aboriginal showcase.
Since 2005, Shalina has been a permanent member of The Donovan Band. She plays acoustic guitar at many cultural and community events. Shalina continues to perform with the band. She also works in education, supporting Aboriginal students. She is a mother of four children, hoping they will also love music.
Jaleesa Godson
Jaleesa Godson grew up in South Western Sydney. Country music greatly influenced her. At just four years old, Jaleesa joined her father, Michael Donovan, on stage. She continued the musical legacy of her grandparents.
Jaleesa's mother and late Aunty Agnes entered her into talent quests. She performed across NSW, even busking in Tamworth. In 2003, Jaleesa was accepted into Campbelltown Performing Arts High School.
She has performed at many community events. These include the Aboriginal Country Music Showcase and the Fairfield's Bring It On Festival. Jaleesa has strong ties to her Aboriginal culture. She was an MC for the Bankstown NAIDOC Day event. She also participated in the Sydney Dreaming Festival.
Jaleesa is grateful for recordings of her grandparents' music. She feels blessed to be part of Aboriginal Country Music Royalty.
Awards and Recognition
The Donovans won the Band of the Year award at The Deadly Awards in 2004. They were also nominated for two awards in 2003.
Festival Performances
The band has played at many important festivals. They have performed at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. They also played at the 2004 Survival Concert in La Perouse. In 2004, they performed at the Yabun Concert in Redfern, Sydney.
See also
