Message Board ..............To send a message, e-mail tcwilson@rogers.com
From: "Bob Jenkins" <nc4bj@dockpoint.net>
To: <tcwilson@rogers.com>
Subject: Thanks
Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2004 15:39:16 -0500
Hi, my friend,
My name in Bob Jenkins, an old radio broadcaster who used to burn up the airways with Ral Donner records. I want to thank you for the comprehensive website on Ral.. I have looked all over and today, I finally hit pay dirt. I could not help but read your report with a knot in my throat. He was a "one of a kind". Thanks again for helping to bring back some pleasant moments from the past.
B J Jenkins
306 N. Orange Ave
Dunn, N.C. 28334
*************************************************************************************************
From: "James Webber" <webberjames@comcast.net>
To: <tcwilson@rogers.com>
Subject: Dear Mr. Donner
Date: June 13, 2004 3:37 PM
Dear Mr. Donner,
My name is Micah Weber, I am only 12 years old, but I love your music. This
is an honor for me to be sending you an e-mail. I always listen to your records.
I have never seen you in concert but I'm hoping I can as soon as possible. I
live in Jacksonville Florida; maybe you can play here sometime? I am your biggest
fan!! I was wondering if you can send me an autographed photo? It would be great.
Thank you very much for your time.
My address is:
1342 Pinewood Road
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
32250
Best regards from your biggest fan,
Micah Weber
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Ted Smith"
To: <tcwilson@rogers.com>
Subject: RAL DONNER Web Site
Date: March 30, 2004 7:41 AM
Terry:
The web site for Ral Donner is fabulous! Some time back I purchased the RAL
DONNER 2-CD set and what a wonderful package of music that is! I am an oldies
lover and I learned much about Ral. What a vocalist...what a range..what a multi-talented
individual. He can sing every style and does each with class! I just kept playing
that CD over and over - - - marvelling at his diversity.
I wish I had known more about Ral earlier, but your web page has certainly opened my eyes to this sensational vocalist. The band that he had were also top-notch. I'm sure in life, Ral was a very wonderful individual judging by the expressions of love by all of those who knew him. I am so fortunate to have learned more about this great entertainer. Thanks for time and energy devoted to his web site...he certainly deserves the recognition!!!
Sincerely,
Ted Smith
Columbus, OH
*************************************************************************************************
From: "david west" <thesliphammer@adelphia.net>
To: <tcwilson@rogers.com>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: March 13, 2004 1:39 AM
I remember reading in Goldmine that Ral was in the Hospital and was very sick,
I believe this was in the early 80's. They gave the address of the Hospital.
I wrote Ral a get well card and to my great surprise he sent me back a card
to say thanks. I have that card still inside one of my Ral Donner Albums. My
friends can't believe their eyes when I show the card to them. Ral was one of
my main guys, when I was overseas in the Marines. I love the web site. I have
all Ral's albums and CD'S. I loved the guy, he was a decent man.
Thanks,
Dave West
Msgt USMC Ret.
*************************************************************************************************
From: <Francesandtodd@aol.com>
To: <tcwilson@rogers.com>
Subject: Just listened to Ral Donner for the first time
Date: February 16, 2004 8:27 PM
Hello,
I just found your site last week. As a life-long Elvis fan, I have seen Ral
Donner's name mentioned on various Elvis websites and message boards, but I
never had the pleasure of hearing him sing. Then last week, while I was shopping
at a used record store, I was just getting ready to leave and I stopped one
last time to look in the "oldies" section and, lo and behold, I found
a 2-cd
Ral Donner set. Needless to say, I have only heard good things about Ral over
the years so I did not hesitate to buy it. I enjoyed it immensely. I would have
to say that Ral does rank right up there with Elvis, Roy Orbison and Jimmy "Orion"
Ellis. Thanks for providing a great site which allows me to learn more about
Ral and his music.
Signed,
Respectfully,
Dutch
*************************************************************************************************
From: "gare frick" <garefrick@comcast.net>
To: <tcwilson@rogers.com>
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2003 7:50 PM
Subject: Ral's awesome----still !
Thanks for a great web site. I have been a fan of Ral's since 1963 when I lived in Chicago (Roseland). I was drafted to Nam in '65 and never came back, but I have always played Ral's records - he was a very, very talented man who never got the recognition he deserved. It broke my heart when I found out that he died at such a young age. And then again, I have his recordings to listen to, and they are timeless -- he is alive and very well in my world. Thanks to all who are preserving the legacy.
Thanks again,
Gare Frick - Saint Paul, MN
*************************************************************************************************
From: GeisGe7@aol.com
To: tcwilson@rogers.com
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 12:33 PM
Subject: Ral
Hi ! Just came across this website...what a beauty. I grew up in the late 50's and early 60's, buying records, and particularly enjoying certain artists, one of which was Ral Donner. I remember first hearing "Girl of my best friend", and immediately buying it. But when he followed up with "You don't know what you've got", I was hooked. I've amassed over 14000 45's, and have almost all of Ral's. Seems all his songs were great, even the B-sides, where a lot of artists filled them with junk. Wish I could tell Ral how much his music meant to me, but seeing how much it seemed to mean to everyone, I guess we all would. Thanks for making this fine site available.
Gene Geisen, Dubuque, Iowa
*************************************************************************************************
From: Lovebugj42day@aol.com
To: tcwilson@rogers.com
Sent: Friday, February 07, 2003 7:27 PM
Subject: Cinderella Twist
Hi Terry,
Wanted to drop you a quick note to tell you that I think the "new look" is very nice. And all of the new information/pics/video is such a treat.
You should have seen me the first time I played "The Cinderella Twist" video. Man, I must've played it 20 times. It was a major flashback in time for me. I swear it was exactly the way I remember some of my earliest childhood memories of "My Uncle Ral" - singing and having a wonderful time. I have to admit - I did shed a few tears as I do miss him so. It was as if he was here in the next room playing with the boys in the band. I was smiling, laughing and crying so much I thought my face was going to crack.
Once again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, for keeping his memory alive for all of his fans and his fans yet to be, as well as myself and children, who never had a chance to get to know him.
Blessings,
Susan Donner
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Bachleda, Marcy" <mbachleda@NACorporation.com>
To: "'tcwilson@rogers.com'"
Subject: Ran across the WebSite
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 16:30:28 -0600
I have the old vinyl's of Ral Donner. Even my mother loved his songs (she is now 83). I grew up in Chicago and couldn't figure out why his fame was not great than it was. My favorites were "Girl of My Best Friend," "You Don't Know What You've Got Until You Lose It" and "I Didn't Figure On Him To Come Back."
Great talent and spectacular voice. I have kept all of the oldies and wouldn't give them up for anything. Wonderful memories of long past love affairs with Ral's songs as the background.
Marcy Bachleda
Glenview, IL
*************************************************************************************************
From: Vrinda Rao <bluedragon614@yahoo.com>
To: <tcwilson@rogers.com>
Subject: Ral Donner Page
Date: September 27, 2002 1:56 PM
Hi,
I just wanted to say that I love your site. I'm 21 years old and first heard Ral Donner on the radio when I was in high school. They were playing "You Don't Know What You've Got". At that time, I thought he was just a one-hit wonder, then I came across a new CD release of his music on CD Now and realized what a prolific singer he was. To be able to sing so well is one thing, but I was blown away by the songs and their lyrics as well. Why don't they write songs like "Will You Love Me In Heaven", "You Don't Know What You've Got" or "I Wish This Night Would Never End" anymore? And why aren't there any singers like Ral Donner anymore?
Keep up the good work. I was playing some of the songs from your site on my computer and now my friends want to know who "that singer" was. They thought it was Elvis and didn't believe me when I said otherwise. Now they believe me, and there are a few more Ral Donner fans among the younger audience.
Best wishes,
Vrinda
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Don Arnsan/DA Marketing" <damarketing@ncez.net>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner Website
Date: Sat, 18 May 2002 21:18:01 -0700
I just minutes ago found the Ral Donner website. You have made my day. Since
I was a kid growing up in Detroit (I am 52), I have been a very big Ral Donner
fan. I remember buying the 45 "She's Everything" at Woolworths and
playing it over and over. Later in my adult life I went searching for anything
by Ral in music stores. Not until 1985 was I able to order from a record store
in Spokane, Washington ( I was on a business trip at the time) a copy of an
album called "Ral Donner sounds like Elvis". The album has "She's
Everything" , "Girl of My Best Friend" and many others on it.
I think the album is a import.
Today in my life I do not buy CD's and have not collected albums or 45's over the years---however, no one could take from me, this one treasured album I have for a million dollars or some of the old Ral Donner 45's I have on Gone Records and Reprise Records. Ral Donner was and still is to me what American music is. The voice of Ral and his talent will always be with me. After many years in radio I have played his music at many stations. For the past six years I have done afternoon drive on WGQR-FM Oldies and Beach 105.7 here in North Carolina. My listeners know I am a Ral Donner fan, I have played anything I have been able to find by him.
Thank you very much for the Ral Donner site....... I love it.
Don Arnsan
WGQR-FM
www.wgqr1057.com
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 31 Dec 2001 17:23:34 +0000
From: Paul Dowling <wwelvis@home.com>
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Subject: FANTASTIC SITE
Hi Terry,
I just discovered your FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC Ral Donner site! I can't believe I've never heard of it!! It's just great! It'll take me awhile to go through it. You've done a great job!
I'm going to put it in my LINKS section (http://www.worldwideelvis.com) and do a great write up on it, Terry. Ral was the best and of course all Elvis fans love him. I spoke to him once on the phone I think in 1976 and it was a pleasure talking to him.
Just wondering if there are any good Ral Donner boot CD's around and if so where could I get them. I have things like the COMPLETE RAL DONNER, the one on REQUEST 13504 but am wondering if there are others?
Anyway, I'm going back to your site. I love it!
Thanks
Paul Dowling
*************************************************************************************************
From: Fortyfivesfrank@aol.com
Date: Tue, 1 Jan 2002 10:54:12 EST
Subject: Ral
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
I, like so many others, have been a fan of Ral's since I first heard "Girl of...". Thanks for the site. Before Ral passed away, Rip Lay provided a mailing address and I wrote to Ral to thank him for sharing his incredible talent with "us". He sent me a card (which I will photocopy & send to you if you like). He was ill at the time but still found time and energy to respond. He signed it and you'll feel the true thanks he expressed when you read his words. I keep the card & envelope with my copy of his LP of "I've Been Away...".
I have been doing an Oldies Radio show for 7 years where I am permitted to play more obscure tunes than the standard 500-600 oldies you usually hear. I regularly play Ral (as I did last night.."Loneliness of a Star") The site is www.welw.com.
Thanks, I'll be in touch.
Frank Kramer, host of "Teenage Memories" on WELW AM-1330.
*************************************************************************************************
From: "tedsblues" <tedsblues@att.net>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: ral donner
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 23:36:18 -0500
Hi Terry:
Earlier this evening, for no known reason, I had this feeling/thought enter my head about Ral Donner.....I wondered what had ever become of Ral. So, when I got home tonight, I plugged his name into the web and came up with your web-site and I've just finished reading Ral's bio. I never knew that much about him--only that I loved his music when I was a lot younger. I lived in the Chicago area during high school and until now I didn't realize he was a Chicago native! In high school I bought his first album and left it with my girlfriend when I went off to college; I've never seen her or the album again; whenever I've thought about her over the years I've also thought about that album I left with her.
I never saw Ral perform, but I was due to see him at a "ballroom" in Minneapolis about 1962 when I was in college, but I got sick and never made it there that night--but several of my friends went and loved his show! We use to play his music a lot. As much as I loved Elvis (and still do), I was blown away by Rals' version of "Girl of My Best Friend"-- as well as his other his numbers.
I am very saddened to know that Ral died in '84 and I am impressed to know he accomplished as much as he did in his 41 years! A genuine, self-made talent. Thank you very, very much for providing the information about Ral and for your dedication to his memory. I'm going to track down whatever is out on CD. The best to you Terry, and again, many many thanks.
Ted
*************************************************************************************************
From: Outset1@aol.com
Date: Sun, 16 Dec 2001 15:47:26 EST
Subject: Ral Donner
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Dear Terry,
Coincidentally my name is Terry Wilson too (although my middle initial is W - like George Dubya). I always liked Ral Donner - the new Elvis they used to call him, although I never went with that, one Elvis was enough. My firm favourite in the early sixties was Del Shannon born Charles Westover from Battle Creek, Michigan. I still think of him as one of the most under-rated musicians of that era before the Beatles destroyed pop music. I looked up Ral Donner on the Internet because, though I knew he'd died long ago of cancer, I hoped people would still remember him. And they do. "You Don't Know What You've Got (Until You Lose It)". I played a tape of that song at my mother's funeral last February in Edinburgh, Scotland because she'd
always loved it - ninety she was.
Ral Donner is still remembered - in Scotland particularly - where you still find Ral Donner, Del Shannon and Troy Shondell records on jukeboxes in pubs and they're regularly played. All the best........
Terry Wilson
*************************************************************************************************
From: "jim vanhollebeke" <canovan@twmi.rr.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: HI TERRY. THANKS! GREAT RAL DONNER TRIBUTE!
Date: Tue, 20 Nov 2001 01:01:50 -0500
Hi Terry,
I have just now discovered your Ral Donner website. It is magnificent! Thank you SO much for a tremendous effort on behalf of Ral. I knew him briefly in the 70's as a "pen-pal" and have a nice, long letter that he wrote me (I can scan it for you if you like). I also knew his first producer Prewitt Rose (on "girl of my best friend") who several years ago bought me a recording session telling me I had a voice like Ral's. Ral was SUCH a nice person and SUCH a talent! Elvis was one of his fans, Elvis talked briefly about Ral during one of his concert performances in the mid - 70's. I have only barely skimmed thru your incredible website. I have so much more to see, read and hear ...but I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart and tell you what a great job you've done.
THANK YOU!
YOU HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB!!
best,
Jim Vanhollebeke
Redford Mi
*************************************************************************************************
From: <rknub@email.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 22:11:46 -0500
Great site on Ral Donner! I'm a New Jersey guy who, since buying one of my 1st 45s (Girl of my best friend), always loved Ral's voice and the way he did his songs. Getting a chance to hear other singers like Wayne Newton sing a Ral Donner tune is awesome. Keep up the fantastic work in preserving a true legend.
Rich Knubel
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 00:30:51 EDT
Subject: A Family Member
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Hi Terry,
I am Ral's niece Susan. I cannot tell you how touched I am to finally see my "Uncle Ral" again on a screen. I am moved. I was with my dad Ron and we pulled up this site. (I have just bought a computer).
The pictures of my family and their friends are absolutely, well ......wonderful! It's great to know that there are people out there who still remember him. He has "been away for a while now" and I still miss him deeply.
Thank you and the other "family members" who have endorsed this site.
Susan Donner
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Paul Vromen" <vromen@home.nl>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: UNRELEASED RAL SONGS
Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 20:04:16 +0200
Dear Terry,
First of all I would like to say how much I admire your great Ral Donner website, I got there via the "Billy Fury - the Story" site - another favourite of mine. I've got nearly all of Ral's releases, but I now realise that I have to track down the Canadian 241 Rip it up CD. Do you know if it's possible to get any of the stated unreleased songs on cassette? I have a vast collection of rare songs, radio recordings, tv recordings "live" by a lot of 50's and 60's artists, which I would like to trade on cassette or CDR. I'm also looking for the Billy Fury UNPLUGGED CD and Jackie de Shannon CD's with demos from 63-65, vols 1 and 2. I hope you are looking for items too.
Best wishes and all the best,
Joe Vromen
Peppelhoven 22
6225 GZ Maastricht
Holland
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Jerry Whelan" <jwhelan@cgocable.net>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001 19:12:07 -0400
Hey Terry,
I was so surprised by your E-Mail telling me about the Ral Donner site. As a young fella growing up in St. Johns Newfoundland I can still remember the first time hearing "You Don't Know What You've Got" around 1961. Of course being a big Elvis fan I was won over immediately. I came across his greatest hits CD on the internet about a year ago and just love it. So many of my friends were not aware of him that it makes me sad but are asking me to copy my CD for them. I would be very interested in knowing how to purchase some of those songs you talked about. I recall "I Wish This Night Would Never End" I think by Sonny James? (not Ral) Also, "Because Were Young" - was that from a movie in the early 60's? I'm not sure if I am supposed to be asking you these questions or not but perhaps you can provide me with references to go from here. Thank you so much once again for making me aware of the web site and I will be passing it on to friends and I have it book marked in with Elvis. Excellent job and great memories rekindled.
PS: Did you ever come across a performer named Orion? He also sounded like Elvis and he wore a mask like the Lone Ranger. Was it Ral Donner? He sure sounded like him. I saw the guy perform years ago around Ottawa, Ont. I have 3-4 albums of him. Wish they were of Ral Donner.
Jerry
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 01:25:35 EDT
From: Sew4MVLA@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Hi,
I am Pamie's sister (Gallery4). I enjoyed the site so much. I was so excited to hear that wonderful voice again although the music kept kicking on and off . I have AOL TV so the tapes come thru from my TV speaker so maybe that's the reason. I am going to see where I can get some of the tapes. I felt then and I feel the same now that Ral's voice was far better than Elvis, taking nothing away from the King of course. Ral had a deeper voice and was more of a crooner than Elvis. There was a real touch of class in his voice. I sat back and listened with tears running down my face. Ral should have had a career like Elvis and I feel one of the world's greatest voices wasn't given the recognition he deserved. Thank you for this beautiful site, keep it up.
Judy Mahoney
*************************************************************************************************
From: "George Crowell" <morrison722001@earthlink.net>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: ral, wanted
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2001 23:09:07 -0700
Hi,
Terry, nice web site. I just want to say thanks from all the Ral fans in the world. I am looking for a copy of "I've been away for awhile now" , if you can help it would be appreciated
thanks, George.
*************************************************************************************************
From: "jontess" <jontess@prodigy.net>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject:
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2001 13:11:24 -0700
I just discovered your site. Thanks for a great tribute to a great artist. I originally come from Australia and made a life long quest to find Ral's records. He was truly a gifted artist. If only Elvis had recorded the songs Ral had! I noticed in the "Ral Related Songs" you mentioned only one version of "I Got Burned" .We had an Australian artist in the 1965 period who was huge called Merv Benton who had an Australian hit record with "I Got Burned". I have the album back in Australia, and it is far superior to the Shakin' Stevens version.
Jon Tess
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Sat, 21 Jul 2001 17:20:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: Linda Mitchell <lindamitchell34@yahoo.com>
Subject: Ral Donner
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Hi Terry!
I'm a huge Ral Donner fan and I just stumbled upon your website (www.raldonner.com) and I think you did a fantastic job with the pics and soundclips.
I would like to know if Starfire Records (or some other re-issue label) will ever re-issue ALL of the Starfire tracks, plus some alt.takes/unreleased sides on CD ? I'd really love to hear songs like "The Wedding Song", "Lost" or even "Godfather, Per Me" re-mastered from the original session tapes onto CD.
All My Best,
Linda
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Jim & Sharon Sprandel" <jsprandel@ameritech.net>
To: "Terry Wilson" <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject:
Date: Sun, 15 Jul 2001 08:46:56 -0500
Hi Terry,
There was a concert Ral did in 1966 at a college in Belvidere, Illinois. Earl Hensley, Jack Burke, Tom Brenner and Joey Madrid were the musicians. It was taped by the local college radio station - we were promised a copy but they never sent us one. It would really be nice to hear that tape, if the quality of it was good. I started doing record hops (appearances with local dj's) with Ral around 1960. Record hops were a great deal for the kids back then. An artist would come to a city to promote his record and a deejay from a radio station would have him come to a local high school gym or VFW hall and lip sync his hit record. Imagine something like that today, the Back Street Boys doing an appearance for 50 or 100 dollars..... never gonna happen. I was fortunate to have known Ral, and his family they are all good people. If his star were to shine on the horizon today he would be a bigger star now than he was then. Well Terry I'm going to sign off now if I come up with any more info I will send it off to you. Thanks again for the great web site.
Jim Sprandel
Chicago
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Jim & Sharon Sprandel" <jsprandel@ameritech.net>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2001 17:31:54 -0500
I recently came across your website. I think it's great. Ral would haved loved it too. Ral was a friend of mine when I was younger. I spent my teen years and my early 20's hanging out at his house, going to recording sessions, playing sports and doing things together. He was a great friend and a great entertainer. We would sit around his house and he would sing songs he had written and some songs that he liked, from Sinatra to show tunes, like songs from "Porgy and Bess" and "Showboat". He had a rich voice and a lot of range, and to me he didn't always sound like Elvis. Checking your discography I noticed a few songs missing from the unissued list. Ral did a great cover of a Cliff Richard's song from the "Summer Holiday" soundtrack called "The Next Time" recorded at Hall Studios in Chicago around 66/67. Also in 1963 at John Tolbart's studio "This Angry World", a song written by John who worked wonders with a 2 track recording system. Also there was some country & western tracks around 1970. I thank you for the great website, and feel free to contact me at my email address: jsprandel@ameritech.net if you have any questions .
Jim Sprandel
Chicago
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Todd Salyer" <salyert@erols.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Interview
Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2001 14:26:45 -0400
Hi Terry,
I know I speak for all Ral Donner fans in saying thank you for putting everything you do on the website. The interview with Norman B is great, and a great find. I would tell every Ral Donner fan to do everything they can do to get their hands on that LP "I've Been Away For Awhile Now". I wouldn't take anything for my copy. When I listen to that LP I get lost in thought and forget this is not Elvis Presley. His voice I think was better than Elvis in most respects and he is the ultimate Elvis "soundalike". Once again thank you,
Ronnie Salyer
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Osborne Enterprises" <jpo@cablespeed.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ralph D.
Date: Thu, 17 May 2001 15:36:33 -0700
Terry:
Thanks for the letter. I did roam around your Ral site, and it's looking very nice. The graphics are quite attractive.Seeing all that you have reminded me of things I have from the days when Ral and I were good friends, and even business partners for awhile. Some of this may be useful to you.
As you probably know, I put out the Fotoplay picture disc. When Ral sent me a master tape of "The Day the Beat Stopped" there were actually three songs on the tape. Besides that, and "Rock On Me" (Thunder flip), he also recorded "Down By the
River" during the same Chicago session (done at PS Recording Studios on E. 23rd St.). I still have the box it came in but not the tape. You can add this to your sessionography.
I also did some Ral stories in my old "Record Digest" magazine, one of which -- about "Grease" -- I always thought was fascinating. I know I have one of those here somewhere.
Anyway, keep up the fine work.
Jerry
*************************************************************************************************
From: TheVoiceOfElvis@aol.com
Date: Wed, 16 May 2001 22:09:45 EDT
Subject: Re: CD's
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Elvis Entertainers Network
Doug Church, Vice President
Dear Terry:
I am flattered and honored to be on your Ral Donner page. He was one of my biggest inspirations in the late 70's when I got hooked on Elvis. I immediately bought his two tape set called "I've been away for awhile now" and wore it out. I still have the original and have made it into a CD for my car. I am forwarding your letter to my merchandise folks who can set you up
with obtaining my CD's. Thanks for your kind approval and I remain your servant,
DC
*************************************************************************************************
From: "peter.rees" <peter.rees@ntlworld.com>
To: "Terry Wilson" <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Thanks
Date: Tue, 15 May 2001 20:20:54 +0100
Dear Terry,
Just felt I should write to say a big thank you for adding the new songs to the site. They really are terrific. Well done. They would make a super CD release if you could obtain the necessary permission - copyright etc. However, thank you for all your hard work. I for one appreciate your efforts. The Ral Donner site is looking really good. I have a Ral Donner sweat shirt which was sent to me by Rip Lay many years ago. Would you be interested in having it? I have it stowed away in the attic somewhere.
Best wishes
Peter
*************************************************************************************************
From: James Elswick <spike3@bright.net>
To: "Terry Wilson" <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Re: Ral Donner
Date: Tue, 1 May 2001 18:37:36 -0700
Hi Terry,
It is nice hearing from you. I have a little trivia - did you know that some of the Collectable reissue 45's of Ral's had the wrong labels on them ? Actually they were flipped so the songs didn't match. I don't know if they corrected them later on. I used to have a couple of them that way. I think Ral was one of the best recording artists ever. What a talent! Well I guess I will go for now. My internet connection keeps going bonkers. Write soon.
James
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Todd Salyer" <salyert@erols.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Maria Forever
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 19:19:04 -0400
Hi Terry,
"Maria Forever" looks great out on the site! Thanks for the mention.
Talk to you later.....Ronnie
*************************************************************************************************
From: Peter Rees <peter.rees@ntlworld.com>
To: "Terry Wilson" <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Maria Forever
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 19:36:56 +0100
Dear Terry,
What wonderful news - a newly discovered Ral Donner song! Is there any chance of this being commercially available? Your website is getting better all the time. We Ral Donner fans really appreciate your efforts and I send you my personal "Big thanks" for all your efforts. The Sequel CD seems to have been very well received and I saw some good reviews in "Now Dig This" magazine. Best wishes for your future efforts.
Thanks again.
Peter
*************************************************************************************************
From: Replicas45z@aol.com
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 20:38:11 EDT
Subject: Ral Donner
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Hello Terry,
I'm a great Ral Donner fan, to me Elvis was cool but RAL IS KING! I`m glad you put a website out for him, he should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Keep up the good work in keeping Ral's name alive.
Thanks..Jeff MacQueen.
*************************************************************************************************
From: Eli Culbertson <e2001@pacbell.net>
To: "'Terry Wilson'" <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Date: Fri, Apr 13 01:24:49 GMT 2001
Subject: Ral Donner
People have a tendency to forget how it really was in decades past. Ral Donner, like Fabian, Ricky Nelson, Johnny Burnette, Cliff Richard, Billy Fury and so many more, was a part of what I like to call, 'The Elvis Era'. The term, 'Elvis Impersonator', hadn't even been created in the 50's or 60's. The music industry has always been in the cookie cutting business. Once they find a product that sells they start copying it.Usually at the expense of an artists individuality. It was just the same during the Beatles Era, as it has been in every musical era since then. Ral Donner was, unfortunately, forced into the Elvis mold. Like so many other gifted and talented artists he was made to follow the trend that had been set by Elvis. But he was never an impersonator! I can closely relate to Ral's story because I was one of those artists. I never wanted to be an Elvis impersonator. I just happened to bear a strong natural resemblance to the King. But my music was my own. Sometimes an individual, though like another, has something of their own to share. The music industry has never cared about talent. They're only concerned with sales. It's a shame that the public has been robbed of the pleasure of experiencing these uniquely, gifted artists. Is one apple just the same as another? Apples may all look pretty much the same but they're not. What a shame it is to assume otherwise. So many great artists have been lost in the shadow of a legend. Sincerely, e2001@pacbell.net
*************************************************************************************************
From: Lou.Martucci@sea.siemens.com
To: "'Terry Wilson'" <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Thu, 5 Apr 2001 10:18:03 -0400
Hi Terry,
I've seen Ronnie Mcdowell a few times, and every time I left the show I came away thinking about Ral Donner and wondering how he was and what he was doing musically. Funny thing; my daughter was in my studio the other night and, without saying a word, I popped on Ral's CD to the "Turn Back The Clock" track. Honestly, she said "That guy sounds like Elvis, only BETTER!" I agree. We all owe Elvis a debt for starting the whole thing, but there have indeed been sound-alikes come along who have huge talent in their own right and chose to follow in Elvis' influence... Ral Donner being the most notable. After all, how do you explain the body of fans, such as myself, who after all these years still love and admire the work of a man who had only two major hits in the 60's? I remember the impact that the "Takin' Care Of Business" LP had on me and stuck through all these years. It goes beyond a mere comparison to Elvis. It's as though he's taken the Presley style to the "next level".
Thanks again,
Lou
*************************************************************************************************
From: Lou.Martucci@sea.siemens.com
To: "'Terry Wilson'" <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: RE: Ral Donner
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 11:41:33 -0500
Hi Terry,
Thanks for the info on the new Ral Donner Anthology. Just last night I heard "Half Heaven - Half Heartache" for the first time.... WOW! I gotta tell you, in many ways Ral's work is better than a lot of Elvis' stuff. When I think back to the great singers of the 60's I rank Ral Donner right up there in the same class with Gene Pitney, Roy Orbison and a few others. I was also surprised to learn that "Please Don't Go" is a Ral Donner original. The first time I heard it I swore it was Elvis, yet always wondered why I couldn't find his recording of it! It's the ballads, Terry, that Ral excels in. He doesn't take a back seat to Elvis or anyone else. As great as Ronnie McDowell is, it's still Ral Donner that rules with Elvis-style ballads. I tip my hat to Ronnie for keeping the trend alive, but thanks to your website and the internet in general I've been able to tap into a whole new source of Ral Donner music and information.
Once again thanks for the info. Talk to you soon.
Lou
*************************************************************************************************
From: Lou.Martucci@sea.siemens.com
To: "'tcwilson@axxent.ca'"
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2001 07:40:03 -0500
Hi Terry,
Having been a fan of Ral Donner's from the beginning, as well as being a singer myself for over 40 years, I was excited to discover your website. Aside from the obvious comparison to Elvis, Ral had a truly beautiful quality to his voice; a controlled vibrato that to this day gives me chills. Having said that, his recording of "Turn Back The Clock" is one of my all-time favorites. An incredible performance. I can't say enough about how much I still love that recording. Until very recently I was unaware that Ral had passed away. Thank God that his talent was recognized and recorded while he was with us. He is highly respected and well remembered among many of my fellow musicians. We all would have been honored to have had the opportunity to see a Ral Donner concert.Where can I purchase that new 2-cd anthology from the U.K.? I would appreciate your help with this, as it contains first-ever STEREO versions of many of his best tunes.
Thanks for listening and for keeping Ral's memory alive,
LOU MARTUCCI
Philadelphia, PA
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 12 Mar 2001 08:43:18 -0800 (PST)
From: Johnny Vallis <ww686@victoria.tc.ca>
X-Sender: ww686@vtn1
To: Terry Wilson <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Terry,
The new Ral Donner CD is a gem. Way to go. Thanks for all your input into it.Wonderful!
I got some CDs of interest from Roger Dopson, including the new Buddy Knox.
Johnny
*************************************************************************************************
From: <sales.gps@breathemail.net>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner site
Date: Mon, 5 Mar 2001 00:30:41 -0000
Dear Terry
Another fan from over the sea in the UK. I have been looking for a copy of "You don't know what you've got" for ages. I was born 5 years after Ral but well remember the song in the UK charts when it was released. The last time I heard it was at the Everly Brothers reunion concert at the Albert Hall, London in 1983. They did not sing it but it was played before the boys came on. Ral was in great company that night.
I really appreciate your site especially the songs. I will check out the new Sequel Records CD - thanks. The visit to your site was prompted by hearing the song in question today in an antiques shop. I was told it was from a CD called "Rock 'n' Roll Love Songs". All the best songs from the early 60's are on it but the only versions I have found so far on the web have a different selection of songs.
It's nice to know there are so many other fans out there.
Keep it going,
Dave Day
*************************************************************************************************
From: "trevor mackay" <trevor@aaronmac.karoo.co.uk>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: ral donner
Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2001 09:33:18 -0000
Hi Terry,
Being a big Elvis fan makes me a fan of Ral Donner. I have one double CD of Ral's and I think it's great, but I am after the CD or album of I'VE BEEN AWAY FOR AWHILE NOW but not had much luck finding it so if you have any idea were I can get it from I would be very grateful. Your web site is great keep up the good work
Long live Elvis and Ral.....
Trevor
*************************************************************************************************
From: ELHENSLEY@aol.com
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2001 13:43:46 EST
Subject: Re: Ral Donner
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
TERRY, GREAT JOB ON THE WEB SITE. AFTER WORKING FOR YEARS WITH RAL, IT'S ABOUT TIME SOMEONE DID WHAT YOU DID. I ALSO HAVE A TON OF PHOTOS YOU COULD USE IF YOU WANT. SOME OF THE STORIES, WELL THAT'S A DIFFERENT THING. I WORKED WITH RAL OFF AND ON FOR ABOUT 25 TO 30 YEARS, AND HAVE NOTHING BUT GREAT MEMORIES. WE TOURED WITH THE EVERLY BROS. BACK IN 1964 OR 65, AND HAD A BALL. I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DAN PAWLAK (the drummer ) JACK BURKE ( the guitar player ) AND JOE MADRID ( the piano player ) ALL THE TIME. WE STILL PLAY TOGETHER EVERY SO OFTEN AND EVEN WITH RAL Jr. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AND EVERYONE WHO HAS WRITTEN SO FAR FOR REMEMBERING RAL. IF YOU NEED ANY PHOTOS OR INFO. LET ME KNOW.
TAKE CARE, GOD BLESS,
EARL HENSLEY ( bass player )
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Ron Donner" <Soulfly47@msn.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Thank You!
Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 18:57:35 -0700
Hello, my name is Ron Donner and Ral Donner was my great Uncle. I appreciate what you have done on your website to pay tribute to my great Uncle and that you did it with style and honor makes it even better. I bet that this is a little weird that I'm writing you about my family but I'm only 19 years old so you actually know my great Uncle better than I do, when he passed away I was 2 years old and my sister was 8, it's weird but I remember that day as if it were yesterday. I don't know how much contact you still have with Ral's kids Ral and Erik but they are of course still doing music and doing very well. Well this is getting long but again I want to thank you for everything you have done on this website, and keep up the good work. If you would like to talk further about my great Uncle as much as I want to than please write back. Well. you have a wonderful day and keep the Donner name alive!
Thank you so much
Ron Donner
*************************************************************************************************
From: "peter.rees" <peter.rees@ntlworld.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Thank you
Date: Sun, 4 Feb 2001 18:12:26 -0000
Dear Terry,
Thank you for producing the Ral Donner site. It is excellent and I loved the story/biography of Ral. I have admired his work for many years. One of my regrets is selling all my LP and single records - amongst which were a number of Ral's. However I am trying to get all of Ral's output on CD. I am delighted that the new (re-issue) of the Sequel double CD includes songs in stereo.
Thank you too, for the wonderful photographs of Ral on the website. Am I able to purchase any further photographs of Ral from you? I hope that you don't mind me writing to you. Just wanted to say a big thank you for your work and to tell you that a guy in Wales,UK appreciates your effort.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Rees
P.S. If you would like to email back I would be delighted .
*************************************************************************************************
From: "alexander.falconer" <alexander.falconer@ntlworld.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: New fan
Date: Thu, 1 Feb 2001 02:48:03 -0000
Terry,
Great site. As a new web user it was a treat to find a site such as yours after searching for years for information about Ral. Only problem was that I couldn't play the real audio files. The axxent site stated that there was no match found for those addresses. I'm particularly eager to hear tracks from "I've been away for awhile now". Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
yours sincerely Alex Falconer.
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 01:52:54 -0800
From: tkelly7 <tkelly7@pacbell.net>
Subject: Info on Ral Donner
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Terry,
I just read your tribute site to Ral Donner - Great Site. He was a little before my time, but I recently went looking for a site on him because of a good friend. My friend has collected memorabilia and autographs from all of the artists that were important to him and he mentioned in passing that the last autograph he is looking for is one from Ral Donner. I would like to try and surprise him. Could you be so kind as to suggest where I might start a search for a true autograph from Ral?
Thanks
Thomas Kelly
Tel. 858-344-3345
email tkelly7@pacbel.net
*************************************************************************************************
From: "John Rhea" <Rhea_J@email.msn.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 17:56:27 -0800
Hello Terry,
I just discovered the Ral Donner web-site. It's great. I just wanted to ask a couple of questions. How big of a person was Ral? Height & weight? What was the last performance he gave in a nightclub or concert? Did he attend any of Elvis' concerts in the late '60s or '70s? Was he ever the headliner in concerts during his career?
Thanks
John (a Ral fan since 1961)
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 11:59:28 -0500
From: Tim Wilder <tawild1@bellsouth.net>
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Subject: Ral Donner
What a joy to find the Ral Donner website. Oldies stations never play his music. But as a young teenager living about an hour's drive outside of Chicago, I loved hearing him on the radio. I enjoyed reading his biography and an currently listening to Mr. Donner on my computer. I hope that someone will put more of his music on Napster.
Thanks,
Tim Wilder
*************************************************************************************************
From: RikiLee@webtv.net (Rickard Lesiak)
Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 17:41:27 -0600 (CST)
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Subject: RAL DONNER
HI! I HAVE A LP CALLED RAL DONNER'S ELVIS SCRAPBOOK IN MINT CONDITION ON A WHITE GONE PROMO LABEL . YOU HAVE IT LISTED AS A BOOTLEG! I HAVE BEEN COLLECTING RECORDS FOR YEARS & HAVE NEVER SEEN ANOTHER COPY FOR SALE ANYWHERE! WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT IT. ALSO HAVE A RED 45 PICTURE SLEEVE AS SHOWN IN YOUR WEBSITE , BUT ALSO HAVE A YELLOW
PICTURE SLEEVE OF THE SAME, WITH A MULTI COLORED VINYL 45 RECORD? ALSO I AM LOOKING FOR A MINT PICTURE SLEEVE & 45 OF "I GOT BURNED"? . I LIVE IN CHICAGO, & NOT FAR FROM WHERE RAL GREW UP, NORWOOD PARK AREA, AROUND AUSTIN & BLOOMINGDALE STREETS! I'M A COUPLE OF YEARS YOUNGER BUT REMEMBER WHEN HE PLAYED AROUND THE CITY. I HAVE A DJ & KARAOKE SERVICE NOW, & A FEW MONTHS AGO, I DID A JOB ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO WHERE I MET A GUY WHO SAID RAL'S SON IS STILL IN THE AREA & HAS A BAND. WELL, KEEP TRYING RIP LAY ( ON THE PHONE), AS HE'S THE ONE WHO TOLD ME ABOUT YOUR WEBSITE THE OTHER DAY.
THANKS
RICK
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Larry Konowalchuk" <lkonowal@compusmart.ab.ca>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner Albums
Date: Sun, 3 Dec 2000 17:36:28 -0700
Hello Terry:
Where can I purchase Ral Donner CD's. I've checked with A&B Sound, HMV and others. No one stocks his music. Do you have any suggestions?
Larry K. (Alberta, Canada)
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2000 11:02:48 +0100
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
From: Meikel Jungner <meikel.jungnerH961@stud.oru.se>
Subject: Ral Donner
Hi,
I'm a huge fan of Ral Donner. I recently found this site, which is great! I have a question for you. Is it possible to buy CD's direct from you?
Sincerely, Meikel (in Sweden)
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Dave McHarry" <davemch@home.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2000 22:13:22 -0600
Hello Terry
I would consider myself a serious Ral Donner fan, although I have not collected anything since graduating from High School in 1963. I was reading an interview in the High School newspaper recently, where I said that Ral Donner was my singing idol. I remember talking to a guy back in 1984 who knew Ral and I was told that he was terminally ill with cancer. I lived in Colorado at the time and I almost went to see him, but I guess it was too late. I envy you for having met him on several occasions.
I decided to track down his music recently via Napster, where I met you and your great website... thanks! The song I was asking about was "To Love"... do you have that one?
Dave
Indy500
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Vincent Roy" <leor@globetrotter.qc.ca>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner
Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 18:33:59 -0500
Hello Terry,
By the way do you have any video of the late Ral Donner?? Any American Bandstand or other US TV show? Did you know that if Ral was on an American Bandstand show, his son can write to Dick Clark and maybe get his appearance for himself? I know that the son of Rod Bernard make this move. So I want to let you know that it's a great idea to put up a Ral Donner website. Be sure that I'll make some visits.
Keep Rockin'
Yours,
Leo (Québec, Canada)
*************************************************************************************************
From: Jachurilla@aol.com
Date: Fri, 27 Oct 2000 23:46:48 EDT
Subject: Ral Donner
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
I live in Merrillville, in northwest Indiana. The vendor at that Elvis fest told me he had spoken to Ral's son and his name was Ral. He told me about the recordings. I tried to locate this son and never could. I wasn't interested in this for money, just to hear the songs. I just turned some people at the Elvis fest onto Ral the week before I wrote you and sent them a tape of Gone#5012. The guy that wrote me back to thank me is going to Toronto in a couple weeks to visit a friend and is taking the tape to blow their mind. I found the site at www.raldonner.com. I am 47 years old, played the piano when I was young and traded it in for a guitar in my teens. The guitar was much easier to carry. I had my own band in high school, we played a variety of garages. We also played some high school dances. I was talking about Ral the other night in a bar and the woman tending bar overheard. She said Ral sang at her high school, Edison, in the early 60s. She said he was great. Thanks again for the site. If your are ever in the area, maybe we could talk. I would love to hear the songs I haven't heard yet!
Jack
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Bernardo Villasista Jr Sibuma" <bsibuma@rochester.rr.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Thanks
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 23:26:38 -0400
Got your email and thank you very much for your help. Ral Donner had a great voice. I came across his site and heard him sing some of his songs and I was impressed and I want to hear more.
Thank you again very much,
Dr. Sibuma
*************************************************************************************************
From: "Bernardo Villasista Jr Sibuma" <bsibuma@rochester.rr.com>
To: <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Subject: Ral Donner recordings CD, LP
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2000 15:32:33 -0400
Hi!
I am interested in purchasing Ral Donner's recordings especially the Elvis songs. I live in Rochester, New York - 3 hours to Toronto. Please email me if you know a place close to my residence or any website that sells his CD's or LP's.
Thank you.
Dr. Sibuma
*************************************************************************************************
From: Jachurilla@aol.com
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 23:50:35 EDT
Subject: Ral
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Thanks for the great site. I've been looking for Ral Donner info for 10 years. I discovered Ral when I bought a record off the scrap pile when I was in my teens. There was a sign over a pile of discounted records that read SOUNDS LIKE ELVIS. I bought my first Ral record for 88 cents. I still have the gone#5012 album. I have enjoyed betting Elvis fans for years that this
isn't Elvis singing. I love turning people on to his music. A vendor at the Portage, Indiana, Elvis Fantasy Fest, told me he had spoken to Ral"s son, who lives outside of Chicago. He said he has recordings for sale. I couldn't remember what area he said he lived in. I found the same guy at the fest this year and he remembered me, but couldn't remember where the son lived. I think
this guy's voice was better than Elvis. I would like to find more of his songs and will keep an eye on this site.
Thanks again. Jack
*************************************************************************************************
Date: 8 Oct 00 17:15:32 EDT
From: pjones <pjones_69@usa.net>
To: tcwilson@axxent.ca
Subject: Ral Donner
Hello my name is Aron Jones. I am a huge Ral Donner fan and I am glad that there is someone else in this world that has heard of him. Would you please send a list of all the records that you have for sale to 1310 Maple Grove Road, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. I am trying to complete my Ral Donner record collection. I appreciate your website very very much. It is nice to know that someone cares enough about him to have a website for him. If you have any Elvis Presley records for sale please make a list of them and send them too please.
Thanks a million, Aron Jones
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2000 12:45:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tommy Robinson <tommy_robinson_uk@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Ral Donner
To: Terry Wilson <tcwilson@axxent.ca>
Hi Terry,
Looking forward to the new CD release you mentioned on the website. I have the COMPLETE RAL DONNER twin CD set which I got from Tower Records in Glasgow but I didn't get a booklet with my copy and I know of at least two other guys who got no booklet. I had come to the opinion that there was no booklet but I had seen it for sale on the net a couple of times with mention of a booklet, so I was getting more and more confused. I just received my copy of RIP IT UP CD today from a guy in Cheshire who has been running a mail auction for years. I've bought quite a few Ral discs from him over the years. It's playing behind me as I type this letter. Brilliant!!! I love "The Other Side Of You". I intend adding photos of my Ral Donner discs to my website in the future.
I live just ten miles from Glasgow in a part of Paisley which is right beside Glasgow Airport. I'll keep popping back to your website to see how it's coming along. I'm really loving seeing all that info I didn't know about. Great also to see the link to a
Billy Fury site. I'm a Fury fan too. Here is my website URL:
www.oocities.org/purediamonds_uk
Take care. Tommy.
*************************************************************************************************
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 13:12:58 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tommy Robinson <tommy_robinson_uk@yahoo.com>
Subject: Your great website
To: tcwilson@tor.axxent.ca
Hi Terry, and greetings from bonnie Scotland!
Brilliant website! At last a 100% Ral Donner site. I have been searching for a site like this since I first got onto the net a few months ago. I would really love to link our sites. Send me your banner and URL and I'll do the same as soon as I can. My site is still under construction too as I have a few problems to sort out. How did you manage to come across it? Take care and please write back soon.
Tommy.
*************************************************************************************************