Don Dokken
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Don Dokken - | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Donald Maynard Dokken |
| Born | June 29, 1953 |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genre(s) | Glam metal Hard rock Heavy metal |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years active | 1977-Present |
| Label(s) | Elektra/CMC |
| Associated acts | Dokken |
| Website | http://www.dondokken.com |
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 style which has made him an influential figure in American heavy metal. After enjoying mainstream success with Dokken, he parted ways with the band in 1988 and pursued a solo career. His solo album, Up from the Ashes, featured Europe guitarist John Norum.
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[edit] Career
Don Dokken has always had a strong interest in music. In the late 1970s, 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.
During his time in Germany, Dokken befriended German HM band Scorpions, and sang with them in rehearsals for their Blackout album whilst lead vocalist Klaus Meine was being treated for nodes on his vocal cords. Meine recovered and returned to record the album. Dokken sang background vocals on several tracks.
In 1983, America saw the release of the first Dokken album, Breaking the Chains which had a moderate reception. However Juan Croucier left the band to go to 'Ratt'. Jeff Pilson was brought in for their second release, Tooth and Nail, which was a wise move as by this time 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, guided Dokken to national fame as one of the biggest hard rock bands of the 1980s.
In the late 1980's, tension between Dokken and Lynch took its toll on the band. In 1988, after the Monsters of Rock Tour and two further multiplatinum albums, Don Dokken decided to break up the band and they went on their separate ways.
After the breakup, George Lynch and Mick Brown formed 'Lynch Mob' and produced their first album 'Wicked Sensation', a groove driven rock album which was well received. Don Dokken also released his first solo album, Up from the Ashes in 1990, which was very similar to the style of Dokken. Don Dokken's own solo project comprised of a supergroup, 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).
At this time Jeff Pilson was making guest appearances and started working on some of his own solo material.
Don Dokken also spent time as a producer for the band XYZ in the early 1990s.
[edit] Dokken Reunion
Around late 1993, Don started to talk with Mick Brown, who had recently left Lynch Mob. 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 which lasted for another 2 years which resulted 2 new Dokken albums, an 'almost' unplugged live performance, and a full live concert recorded in Japan in 1995.
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 DeRosso until Don managed to find a permanent replacement and in 2004 Guitarist/Lawyer Jon Levin filled that position where he continues to be at Don's side in 2006.
Since 1994, Dokken has released three studio albums, two live albums, a Greatest Hits album, as well as their first two DVDs. According to Don, Dokken will release two albums in 2008 along with another solo album.
[edit] Solo Discography
- Up From The Ashes - (1990)
- Solitary - (2008)
