DEANNA MULLINS

I guess there’s so much that I could say, but let me start with I’ve been with the band since 1994 and I have learned so much about myself. I grew up singing at Donk’s you could say. I won a talent search back in 1980 when I was 10, which was a long, long time ago and I’ve been here off and on ever since in some context. Whether being a regular, a band member, or part of The Mullins Sisters trio, I’ve been here. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve played music my entire life and I pretty much don’t know any other way to be. I’ve traveled as far as Las Vegas back to Branson, Missouri doing this and there is really “no place like home” for me. I’ve met so many wonderful people throughout my years at Donk’s and have witnessed performers blossom into entertainers. My goal has always been and will be to positively influence as many people as I can in this business and help them grow to their potential. I guess you could say it’s in my soul and every fiber of my being. I’ve been writing songs since I was about 12, taught myself to play the piano when I was 11, and I remember Dad teaching me to play the guitar at 8 years old like it was yesterday. He’s gone now, but his strong country influence lives on through my music and me. Years ago, our family band called “Country Crossroads” played around the tidewater area and I’ve been playing music professionally ever since. I live in Middlesex county, I’m a full time Mom, I have a day job at 104.9 WIGO county in Kilmarnock, and I play keys for The Shades of Country. Wow, now that’s a full plate!

As for the Mullins Sisters, you know there’s really not a whole lot to say about my sisters and me except we are truly sisters in every sense of the word! Yes I mean the good, the bad, and the ugly, but more importantly, the love we share of singing and performing for folks shows every time we hit the stage. How much fun is it and a privilege to do something you love bringing joy to others? You know, we’re just regular gals with regular lives and families who get the opportunity to express ourselves through song on a stage in a great place that the whole family can enjoy! We are blessed! Even though it pretty much boils down to one show a year at Donk’s now, we so look forward to that one great opportunity to do what we love bringing us back to our roots. It also gives us a chance to show off the next generation of musicians and singers from our own households! Hope you and yours will come out to see for yourselves what I’m talking about this year. But hey, just come to all the shows and witness the “Donk’s Experience” every time!

From Lynda Smith...

I met Deanna too long ago to remember…we were both kids! She came to Donk’s with her dad, Dean, and her two sisters, Betty and Mary, who also sang and played instruments. She and her sisters performed at Donk’s several times before the job of keyboardist was put in front of her. She has told me many times that she never realized the challenge that would be, but she has been with the Shades of Country for over fourteen years now and truly become a leader on the stage. I’m proud to call her my friend and bandmate.What she brings to the Donk’s house band: A wealth of knowledge of songs (her memory is amazing), a constant desire to challenge herself musically, and unfailing professionalism that takes care of any task at hand.Personal Stuff: She’s single, fellas! Mom to Courtney, Kayla, and Kyle; Resides in Saluda; Works for 104.9 WIGO Country in Kilmarnock; Plays with me and JLo in a new trio called Grounded.

Lynda Smith, Talent and Production Manager