One of the Skylark members…
Smooth soul singer Donny Gerrard started his career as the lead singer of the Vancouver-based pop group Skylark, who recorded two albums and had a Top Ten hit with “Wildflower” in 1973 (they also launched the career of pop producer extraordinaire David Foster).
After the group broke up, Gerrard embarked on a solo career, issuing his debut single “(Baby) Don’t Let It Mess Your Mind” on Elton John’s Rocket label in 1975. He subsequently signed with the Los Angeles-based Greedy label, where he issued his self-titled debut album in 1976. A mix of sweet, romantic ballads, disco, and jazzy flourishes, the album spawned several singles, including the 12″ “Greedy (For Your Love)” (now a collector’s item), “Stay Awhile With Me,” “He’s Always Somewhere Around,” and “Words.”
After one further single in 1977, Gerrard made a steady living as a backing vocalist for recording sessions and tours; in this capacity, he worked with some of the biggest names in popular music, including Elton John, Ray Charles, Bette Midler, Bruce Springsteen, Aaron Neville, Neil Diamond, Bob Seger, Donna Summer, Cher, Dolly Parton, Bobby Womack, and a solo John Fogerty, among many others. He also went on to appear on the soundtracks of The Rose and St. Elmo’s Fire, and sang television advertising jingles for extra income. A recording of Barbara Lewis’ “Baby I’m Yours” for a ’90s car commercial led to a deal with WEA subsidiary Lightyear for a brand-new album; released in 1999, The Romantic found Gerrard working in smooth pop territory, à la Nat King Cole or Johnny Mathis.
Words from allmusic.com.
Discography
The Romantic
Lightyear Records 1999
Tracks: Baby I'm Yours, The Very Thought of You, I Love You For Sentimental Reasons, Wildflower, Candles in the Night, Nothing in Common, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, Time Was, Another Kind of Love Affair, Lover's Question & That's All.
Musicians on the Romantic album: Donny Gerrard, Raymond Ricker, Jeff Gilhart, Mike Miller, George Cocchini, Rochester Philharmonic, Dan Higgins, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey, Dan Higgins, Bill Reichenbach, Casey Filliaci, Larry Williams, Andy Calabrese, Larry Cohn, Jimmy Johnson & Steve Gadd.
Donny Gerrard
Greedy Records 1976
Tracks: He's Always Somewhere Around, Stay Awhile With Me, Words (Are Impossible), Stand Up (And Show Your Love), The Long And Winding Road, Greedy For Your Love, Peace For Us All, You Must Believe Me, As Far As We Can Go & Darin' (Bonus Track) (CD Track).
Musicians on the Donny Gerrard album: Donny Gerrard, Jay Graydon, Wilton Felder, Mike Baird, Ed Greene, Robbie Buchanan, Kathy Collier, Venetta Fields, Carmen Twille & Steve Madaio.