Don Dokken
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Donald Maynard Dokken (born June 29, 1953) is a singer most famous for being the lead singer of the band Dokken which bears his name. He is known for his melodic vocal range which has made him an influential figure in American heavy metal.
Don Dokken has always had a strong interest in music. In the late 1970's, he was playing in a band called Airborn, and had the opportunity to reach a record deal in Germany. After seeing the band Xciter, and future bandmates George Lynch and Mick Brown, he knew that they would complete the band that would land the record deal. Although Lynch and Brown weren't interested in joining forces with him when he first contacted them, he went ahead to Germany. Don must have had a premonition that the three of them would end up working together, because, with the help of one of Xciter's songs, he did get the deal. He finally convinced Lynch and Brown, along with bassist Juan Croucier, to join him in Dokken soon after he received the German deal.
In 1983, America saw the release of the first Dokken album, "Breaking the Chains," but it wasn't until their sophomore release, "Tooth and Nail," that metal fans and critics began to take notice. Don's strong, melodic vocals, coupled with Lynch's blazing guitar playing and the steady rhythm section of Brown and their new bassist, Jeff Pilson, guided Dokken to national fame as one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980's.
Unfortunately, things were not always well for the band. The rumors about Don and George Lynch's dislike for each other took their toll on the band. In 1988, after the Monsters of Rock Tour and a multiplatinum album, Dokken decided to go on their separate ways. Many fans saw that breakup as the end, but it turned out only to be part of the beginning.
Don Dokken continued on with his own solo project in a supergroup, playing with a band made up of guitarists John Norum (of Europe fame) and Billy White, bassist Peter Baltes (of Accept fame) and drummer Mikkey Dee (of King Diamond fame and then Motörhead) and then recorded "Up From The Ashes". He also spent time as a producer for the band XYZ. Around late 1993, Don started to talk with Mick Brown, who had recently left Lynch Mob which was George Lynch's band. They joined up with Jeff Pilson, and started to write new songs. In 1994, they sent what they had written to George Lynch, who was impressed with the material. Together, they decided to reform and record a new Dokken album.
Since 1994, Dokken has released three studio albums, two live albums, a Greatest Hits album, as well as their first two DVDs. Dokken also once again lost George Lynch, gained Reb Beach, and kicked off a new era with guitarist John Norum after departure of Reb Beach. That union didn't last long as John left and was briefly replaced by Italian guitarist Alex DeGrasso until Don managed to find a permanent replacement and in 2003 Guitarist/Lawyer Jon Levin filled that position where he continues to be at Don's side in 2006
According to Don, Dokken will release 2 albums in 2007 along with another solo album from himself.
[edit] Solo Discography
- Up From The Ashes - 1990 Album.
