Don Campbell Music News Feb 2010

Amy Sinclair of New England Cable Network (NECN) was there to report on the Wreaths Across America story and it can be seen at:

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/12/07/Wreaths-Across-America-heads/1260222299.html

This was day 3 of the week-long convoy of wreaths from the starting point at the Worcester Wreath Company in Maine's Washington County to Arlington Cemetery in the Washington, D.C. area.

Amy Bevan covered the event for the Portsmouth Herald:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20091208-NEWS-912080377

John & Bunny O'Leary, Wreath Escort to Arlington organizers, at the Kittery Trading Post presentation (below).

Don grew up with the Celtic and Canadian Maritime music that his relatives played when they got together, and it was through these gatherings that Don began playing guitar, piano and other instruments.

In 2006, Don recorded three of these traditional tunes with his Uncle Jack Campbell and earlier in 2009, he recorded a dozen others with his father, Don Sr. and his Uncle Jim.

In February, this special collection will be released on CD.  Several of the songs are upbeat instrumental pieces, featuring the fiddling of Don Sr.  Also included in the project is a new original song by Don, aptly titled, The Old Ways.

We are doing an advance copy sale of the CD and if you would like to order one or multiple copies (there is a substantial discount if you order 5 or more copies), you may download and print the order form here:

Campbell Family CD Order Form

If you prefer to order online, you may visit the Store (BUY) section of our website.  In addition, you may call or email us for information at 207-332-1261 or support@doncampbellmusic.com

"I was very excited to hear about the DownEast magazine feature as I am a big fan of the publication!" - Don from his Maine studio

Look for the December issue at stores or visit www.downeast.com 

Campbell, Donald K. 75 Tampa, FLA

Donald K. Campbell passed away surrounded by family, after a brief illness on Wednesday, September 23, 2009.

Born in Lynn, MA to Clifford James and Florence Campbell on October 1, 1933.  Don grew up in Portland's "Libbytown" neighborhood.  He graduated from Portland High School, attended Portland Law a year, leaving to Military Service in the United States Marine Corps. Throughout his life he was proud of his service, proud of others serving today, and proud of his fellow veterans.  After his tour of duty, he returned home and married his childhood sweetheart, Catherine Foley.  Together, they raised three children.

Don enjoyed a long career with the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., where his first job was digging telephone pole holes by hand.  He then became a lineman.  From there, he rose through management.  In this capacity, he oversaw the conversion of many New England switching systems from analog, to the digital systems still in use today.  He was a polished, disciplined, "spitshined" leader who coached and encouraged those around him.  In 1989, Don retired from the phone company and he and Cathy moved to their home in Florida.

Don was an avid crossword puzzle wizard, a wonderful "cocktail style" piano player, a fiery fiddler who would often join his son Don and fellow bandmates on stage for a rousing Celtic Jig or reel. 

Most of all, he was a wonderful, loving husband of 53 years to his wife, Catherine. He adored his kids, Steven and his late wife Janet, Don and his wife Tonya (Shevenell), and Catherine and her husband Michael (Tarbox).  He also held a special place for his grandson Cooper, who predeceased him in 2008.  Beyond his immediate family, Don was a friend to many, always wearing a smile, sharing a laugh, and extending a helping hand.  He was generous, thoughtful and great fun to be around. 

Don was predeceased by his sister Carolyn, his brother "Jack", as well as his daughter-in-law Janet and grandson Cooper, all from Greater Portland.  He is survived by his wife and children, along with his brothers "Jim" of Peachtree City, GA, and Wayne of Portland, and sisters Beverly Clement of Arlington, MA, and Diane Scott of Freeport.

Don was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, Eagles and Elks Clubs.  He also enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends and rounds played at Val Halla Country Club in Cumberland, Maine. 

At his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.  However, a celebration of his life will take place at a future date.  It was Don's wish that everyone carry on with happiness and kindness to each other.    

Don's nominations include Contemporary Album of the Year for his 2008 release, American Garage;  two songs from the CD are nominated for Contemporary Song of the Year, "Tilt-a-Whirl" and "Finding Your Way Home"; and "Red, White & Blue Heart" (inspired by the life of Pat Tillman and also from the American Garage CD) is nominated for Political Song of the Year.  Fellow nominees in the Contemporary category include Grammy award winners, Janis Ian, Gretchen Peters and others. 

The 2009 Just Plain Folks Music Awards show will take place in Nashville, TN on August 29th, 2009 at the Wildhorse Saloon.   Winners will be announced live at the show and then posted on the website the next day.  Don was asked to join an elite international roster of artists to perform at the awards show and will present one of his three nominated songs. For a complete listing of this year's nominees and more information, please visit www.justplainfolks.org.