Donny Richmond inducted into 5th Music Hall of Fame
December 31, 2021

	Donny Richmond

SEVIERVILLE, TN - Entertainer Donny Richmond, of Sevier County, was recently inducted into the music "Hall Of Stardom" - the Netherlands based music Hall Of Fame - for the International Fair Play Music Awards - the Red Carpet Award Show. Donny was recognized for a host of achievements during his career, which has seen numerous international chart hits in genres of music including country, gospel and pop. The organization also awarded Richmond Top Original Rock'n'Roll Song of 2021 for his hit recording, "Squeegee".

Donny Richmond's music success began in the 1980's when he was signed to EMI Records in London, England. Upon experiencing a spiritual renewal and returning to the U.S., Richmond focused his attention on gospel music, and "family friendly" country and pop. Moving to Nashville in the 1990s, Donny was at the forefront of the emerging new genre of music called "Christian Country" or "Positive Country". Richmond was arguably the genre's most publicized artist, and quickly found himself gaining national and international attention.

Top Awards received by Donny over the years from various organizations have included Artist Of The Decade, Entertainer Of The Decade, the Living Legend Award, and several Awards for Male Vocalist Of The Year, Songwriter Of The Year, Producer, and Top TV Host. Donny has appeared alongside such artists as Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and The Jordanaires. In 2017, Richmond was nominated Best Lead Actor In A Feature Film by the International Christian Film Festival for his starring role in the Movie, "Saving Faith", released by Lionsgate Entertainment. Appearing in supporting roles were Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and members of The Gatlin Brothers and Rascal Flatts.

Richmond fell in love with East Tennessee when he moved here in 2001 to perform at the Classic Country Theater. Having made his home here ever since, other local appearances have included American Jukebox Theater, Biblical Times Theater, and the Grand Majestic Theater. He has appeared on our local WVLR TV Christian Television Network, and during the 2000s, recorded TV shows in Pigeon Forge which have aired in various countries.

In 1996, Donny teamed up with country music legend Stonewall Jackson for the release of a duet single, "Jesus Is My Lifeline", which became the longest running #1 Chart hit in the history of the National Music City News and Gospel Voice Magazines. This recording has the unique distinction of having gone on to become #1 internationally 5 separate times, and during 4 different decades. (1996/97, 2006, 2016, 2018, 2021).

Richmond's previous Hall Of Fame awards have come from the Country Gospel Music Association, International Airplay Express, the International Country Gospel Music Association and the Texoma Music Association.

For more information, please visit www.donnyrichmond.com.