The Music of Todd Donnelly (Part 1)
This is part one of a two-part blogcast featuring singer-songwriter Todd Donnelly. Click here for Part 2, to learn more about Todd and his music.
Hello fellow Beach Maniacs and Island Music lovers! Welcome to the Beach Maniac Island Music Podcast, where we dive into the stories behind the music!
I am your host, the Beach Maniac himself, Bill Hurley.
Ever wonder what wild, wacky, touching, or downright amazing stories are hiding behind the music you love? Well, you're in the right place. So grab your sunscreen, put on your shades, lean back in your beach chair and get ready to discover the inside stories behind some of today’s biggest Trop Rock and Island Music hits and artists.
TODD DONNELLY
Today, we’re pulling the curtain back to get insight into the songs of Todd Donnelly, an Illinois-based singer-songwriter whose unique calypso style makes him one of the most creative and entertaining of the Island Music artists of our day.
We are going to start by taking a trip back in time to the year 1999, a year that had a major impact on Todd's personal life and musical career. First, some background about what was happening in the world in the year 1999.
It was the first full year of Google, which was about to take over the Internet.
1999 also was the year that introduced Napster, a peer-to-peer file-sharing service that changed the entire landscape for the way people share and consume music.
Pop music was dominated by boy bands like the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC, both of whom released major albums in 1999.
And Britney Spears released her debut album ...Baby One More Time, which became an instant pop sensation and catapulted her into superstardom.
While all this was going on, singer-songwriter Todd Donnelly was focused on a very important and personal landmark in his own life. He was about to get married to the love of his wife, Kathi.
Todd Donnelly and his bride, Kathi.
Todd wanted to give his bride a very special wedding present, one that would demonstrate his love and dedication in a very personal and romantic way. He’s a musician, so, you guessed it, Todd wrote her a love song.
There is something very special about writing a love song. The song becomes more than just music—it becomes a living testament to the love you share, the journey you’ve taken, and the life you’ll continue to build together.
Todd’s lyrics to Navigate My Heart say exactly that: “You navigate my heart. You take me to the places that I’ve never ever been before. You give my life direction that I’ve never known.”
So in 1999, Todd - a gifted singer and performer who also has mastered the steel drums, percussion and keyboards - first played Navigate My Heart at his wedding, not only touching the heart of his bride but openly and creatively declaring his love and devotion in front of friends and family, and the entire world.
Like their marriage, Navigate My Heart proved to have staying power. Todd re-recorded it in 2016 and released it on his Tropical Existence album in 2017. It’s still Kathi’s favorite of his songs, Todd says.
But Navigate My Heart was just the start of Todd and Kathi’s journey. There is much more to come. So, listen now to Navigate My Heart and then we’ll update you on Part 2 of this remarkable story on the other side.
That was Navigate My Heart, written in 1999 by Todd Donnelly for his bride, Kathi.
But that touching tribute to his new wife was just the beginning of Todd and Kathi’s love story.
Now, with 25 years behind them, it was time for Todd to again step back, re-count his blessings, and write yet another love song, this time celebrating his and Kathi’s 25 year anniversary. He calls his new song Another Quarter, marking the start of their second quarter century together. And this time, Todd and Kathi’s son Dylan is accompanying his dad by playing bass and guitar
“After all these years together,” Todd writes, “What a wild and crazy ride. Every day’s a big adventure that brought us here today. Here we are. Here we are. And when I think of all the moments that we shared side by side. And all the darkness that we conquered, and we finally found the light. Here we are. Here we are. Can I spend another quarter with you? A quarter of a century just won’t do, with you.”
Now, here is Todd Donnelly’s newest release, Another Quarter, honoring his wife Kathi and their journey together through the years.
What a touching tribute to 25 years of marriage, an appreciation of what’s been and an excitement of what’s to be.
Of course, Todd’s large collection of songs, driven by his special mix of percussion and steel drums, carries a distinctive Caribbean flavor.
Besides performing solo, Todd is also the leader and founder of the band Mr. Myers, which has been playing for over 40 years. Todd describes the Mr. Myers band sound as "Caribbean Rock"- a mixture of reggae, soca/calypso, and beach music. In fact, the band’s name itself was inspired by the flavors of Myers Jamaican Rum.
Here are two songs - Modern Day Pirates and Tropical Existence – that encapsulate that very special sound of the Mr. Myers Band:
That’s Todd Donnelly and the Mr. Myers Band, taking us on a musical tour of the Caribbean.
Noone can tell the story of Todd’s musical journey better than Todd himself, and he has done exactly that in the way he does it best - in a song, and Musical Generations does exactly that. Released as part of his Tropical Existence album in 2017, Musical Generations tells the story of how the gift of music has been passed from one generation to another in his family - and continues to be. Todd sings about the rewards of seeing his children experience “the never-ending joy that comes when the gift becomes their passion.”
Here is Musical Generations by Todd Donnelly …
Thanks, Todd Donnelly, for sharing that very personal and inspiring song about the gift of music, a gift that Todd shares with the world through his songwriting, recorded music and performances.
Todd and the Mr. Myers Band perform regularly in the Midwet, especially in the Chicago area, occasionally traveling to other fun and exotic locations. To find his upcoming performances, visit these websites:
https://todddonnellymusic.com/music-samples
Thanks Todd for all your assistance in putting together this blog and radiocast, and we at Beach Maniac wish you and Kathi all the best as you embark on your second quarter century together.
And thanks to everyone for joining me, Bill Hurley the Beach Maniac as we go behind the scenes and explore the magic behind the music. For more about me and my passion, visit https://www.beachmaniac.com or contact me at bill@beachmaniac.com.
Remember, whether you're soaking up the sun or catching the waves, we hope you’re feeling those good beach vibes. Until next time, keep the sand between your toes and the ocean breeze in your hair. Stay safe, stay cool, and we’ll catch you on the next wave.
