“Donna” seems to be a popular name and muse for musicians as there are numerous songs written about a person named Donna. These songs range from ballads to up-tempo tracks, and each one tells a unique story about the person named Donna. Some songs express love and admiration, while others reminisce about lost love and heartbreak. The songs are a mix of different genres including country, rock, and pop. The common thread that ties these songs together is the emotional connection that the songwriters have with someone named Donna. Whether it’s a fictional character or someone from their real life, these songs showcase the impact that Donna has had on their lives. From Conway Twitty’s “Donna’s Dream” to Cliff Richard’s “Donna,” these Top 20 songs about Donna offer a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the songwriters and the special place that Donna holds in their memories.
1. “Donna” by Ritchie Valens
“Donna” by Ritchie Valens is a classic rock and roll song, released in 1958. This upbeat track features catchy guitar riffs and upbeat lyrics about a young man who is in love with a girl named Donna. Valens’ smooth and soulful voice, combined with the energetic instrumentation, makes “Donna” a memorable and timeless piece of music. This song became one of Valens’ most popular songs and is often considered a classic example of the rock and roll genre. It has been covered by several artists over the years and continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, making it a true classic in the world of music.
2. “Donna Donna” by Joan Baez
“Donna” by Ritchie Valens is a classic rock and roll song, released in 1958. This upbeat track features catchy guitar riffs and upbeat lyrics about a young man who is in love with a girl named Donna. Valens’ smooth and soulful voice, combined with the energetic instrumentation, makes “Donna” a memorable and timeless piece of music. This song became one of Valens’ most popular songs and is often considered a classic example of the rock and roll genre. It has been covered by several artists over the years and continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, making it a true classic in the world of music.
3. “Who’s Holding Donna Now” by DeBarge
“Who’s Holding Donna Now” is a popular song by American R&B group DeBarge. The song was released in 1985 and became one of their biggest hits, reaching the top 10 on the R&B charts and the top 40 on the pop charts. With its upbeat and infectious melody, “Who’s Holding Donna Now” is a classic example of DeBarge’s smooth and soulful R&B sound. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is wondering about the current state of his former love, Donna, and whether she has found someone new. With its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, “Who’s Holding Donna Now” is a timeless classic that remains popular to this day.
4. “Donna” by Miles Davis
“Donna” by Miles Davis is a track from his 1967 album, “Sorcerer.” The song features Davis’ signature cool jazz sound and is characterized by its relaxed, smooth pace. The melody is simple and repetitive, creating an atmospheric and dream-like feel. The use of subtle changes in dynamics and the addition of various instruments, such as the piano, adds to the song’s overall complexity. “Donna” showcases Davis’ skill as a composer and performer, as well as his ability to create a memorable and engaging musical experience for his listeners. The song remains a popular choice for jazz enthusiasts and fans of Miles Davis’ work.
5. “Donna the Prima Donna” by Dion DiMucci
“Donna the Prima Donna” by Dion DiMucci is a classic pop song that was released in 1963. It is an upbeat, catchy tune that tells the story of a young man who is smitten with a girl named Donna. The song was written by DiMucci and Ernie Maresca and features lush harmonies, lively piano playing, and a distinctive doo-wop inspired melody. Despite its popularity, the song was not a huge commercial success, but it has remained a beloved classic in the decades since its release. It remains one of DiMucci’s most memorable songs and has been covered by many artists over the years. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat energy have made it a classic example of early 60s pop music.
6. “Donna” by Edmundo Ros
“Donna” by Edmundo Ros is a Latin-inspired ballad that pays tribute to the titular Donna. The song features a swaying rhythm, a melodic saxophone, and a sweeping string section. Ros’s smooth and sophisticated vocals transport the listener to a romantic and elegant world, full of passion and emotion. This classic tune has been covered by numerous artists, and continues to be a timeless and beloved tribute to the mysterious and alluring Donna.
7. “Hey Donna” by Rythm Syndicate
“Hey Donna” by Rythm Syndicate is a upbeat love song about a man’s affection for a woman named Donna. The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics make it a memorable tune that is easy to dance to. The song features a lively rhythm section with a driving bassline and snappy percussion, setting the foundation for the infectious chorus. With its infectious energy, “Hey Donna” is the perfect tune for a summer road trip or a fun night out with friends. Whether you’re a fan of pop, dance, or R&B, this song is sure to get your feet moving and put a smile on your face.
8. “Donna, the Dead” by Alla Xul Elu
“Donna, the Dead” by Alla Xul Elu is a heavy metal song with a fast-paced rhythm. The song features intense guitar riffs and aggressive vocals that convey a sense of urgency and aggression. The lyrics, which are about a girl named Donna who has died, have a dark and mournful tone, and the driving beat of the song adds to the feeling of unease. Overall, “Donna, the Dead” is a powerful and intense metal song that will appeal to fans of the genre. The heavy metal style of the song combined with the dark subject matter creates a unique and powerful musical experience.
9. “Donna, Donna” by The Everly Brothers
“Donna, Donna” by The Everly Brothers is a classic country and pop song from the late 1950s and early 1960s. The song features smooth harmonies and catchy guitar riffs, and the lyrics tell the story of a young girl named Donna who has been wronged. With its upbeat and catchy melody, “Donna, Donna” became a hit for The Everly Brothers, and remains a beloved classic to this day. The song’s popularity also helped establish The Everly Brothers as one of the most influential duos in music history, and they continue to be remembered as legends of the genre. Whether you’re a fan of classic country and pop or just appreciate great music, “Donna, Donna” is a must-listen.
10. “Donna” by Barney Kessel
“Donna” by Barney Kessel is a classic instrumental track from the legendary jazz guitarist. The song showcases Kessel’s smooth and sophisticated playing style, blending blues, swing, and bebop influences to create a unique sound. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody make “Donna” a fun and energetic tune, perfect for dancing or simply tapping your feet along to the beat. Kessel’s precise and fluid technique is on full display, as he weaves intricate patterns and solos over the song’s rhythm. With its lively swing and catchy tune, “Donna” is a must-listen for fans of classic jazz and guitar music.
11. “Donna” by 10cc
“Donna” by 10cc is a pop rock song that was released in the 1970s. The song has a playful and upbeat rhythm, with lyrics that tell the story of a man who is in love with a woman named Donna. The chorus is catchy and memorable, making it a standout track on the album. The instrumentation features a variety of instruments including electric guitars, drums, and keyboards, all blending together to create a dynamic and upbeat sound. The song has a fun, lighthearted feel to it, and is sure to get audiences up and dancing. With its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, “Donna” by 10cc is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed by audiences for generations to come.
12. “Donna” by Bob Marley and the Wailers
“Donna” by Bob Marley and the Wailers is a reggae classic that showcases the legendary singer’s smooth and soulful vocal style. The song features Bob Marley’s signature upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, backed by a tight and dynamic reggae band. Lyrically, the song is a tribute to a woman named Donna, and the way she brings joy and happiness into the lives of those around her. The song has become a staple of reggae music, and continues to be popular among fans of the genre today. With its infectious beat and memorable chorus, “Donna” is a testament to Bob Marley’s enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of reggae music.
13. “Mad Donna” by T-Rex
“Donna” by Bob Marley and the Wailers is a reggae classic that showcases the legendary singer’s smooth and soulful vocal style. The song features Bob Marley’s signature upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, backed by a tight and dynamic reggae band. Lyrically, the song is a tribute to a woman named Donna, and the way she brings joy and happiness into the lives of those around her. The song has become a staple of reggae music, and continues to be popular among fans of the genre today. With its infectious beat and memorable chorus, “Donna” is a testament to Bob Marley’s enduring popularity and the timeless appeal of reggae music.
14. “Donna” by Donny Osmond
“Donna” by Donny Osmond is a romantic pop ballad that was released in the early 1970s. The song is a love letter to a woman named Donna and showcases Osmond’s soaring vocals and smooth delivery. The song has a simple and straightforward melody, with lush harmonies and an upbeat rhythm that creates a joyful and celebratory feel. The chorus is catchy and upbeat, with a memorable hook that is easy to sing along to. Overall, “Donna” is a charming and upbeat love song that is perfect for a romantic moment or a celebration of love.
15. “Donna” by The Lumineers
“Donna” by The Lumineers is a mellow, acoustic-driven folk song that tells a story of love and loss. The simple yet evocative lyrics paint a picture of a past relationship, with the titular Donna serving as a symbol of the singer’s lost love. The upbeat strumming of the guitar and the harmonizing vocals of the Lumineers add a cheerful, nostalgic feel to the song, making it the perfect background music for a quiet afternoon or a road trip down memory lane. The Lumineers’ unique blend of folk, rock, and Americana influences creates a sound that is both modern and timeless, making “Donna” a memorable addition to the band’s discography.
16. “Donna’s Dream” by Conway Twitty
“Donna” by The Lumineers is a mellow, acoustic-driven folk song that tells a story of love and loss. The simple yet evocative lyrics paint a picture of a past relationship, with the titular Donna serving as a symbol of the singer’s lost love. The upbeat strumming of the guitar and the harmonizing vocals of the Lumineers add a cheerful, nostalgic feel to the song, making it the perfect background music for a quiet afternoon or a road trip down memory lane. The Lumineers’ unique blend of folk, rock, and Americana influences creates a sound that is both modern and timeless, making “Donna” a memorable addition to the band’s discography.
17. “Donna On My Mind” by Waylon Jennings
“Donna On My Mind” is a classic country ballad by the legendary Waylon Jennings. The song is about a man who can’t get a woman named Donna out of his thoughts. He thinks about her constantly and is unable to move on. The longing in Jennings’ voice is palpable and the acoustic guitar gives the song a mournful feel. The lyrics are simple but powerful and they perfectly capture the pain of unrequited love. Despite its sad subject matter, the song has a timeless quality that still resonates with listeners today. If you’re a fan of classic country music, “Donna On My Mind” is a must-listen.
18. “Oh Donna” by MxPx
“Oh Donna” is a punk rock song by American band MxPx. It was released on their 1997 album “Life in General.” The song features fast-paced, driving guitar riffs and upbeat drumming, creating an energetic and lively sound. Lyrically, “Oh Donna” is a love song, with the singer declaring his love and devotion to someone named Donna. The chorus is an upbeat and catchy chorus, with the singer passionately declaring his love for her. This upbeat and fun track is a classic example of MxPx’s punk rock sound, and is sure to get listeners up and moving.
19. “Donna Everywhere” by Too Much Joy
“Donna Everywhere” by Too Much Joy is an upbeat and energetic pop-punk song that features catchy guitar riffs and upbeat drums. The song is about a girl named Donna, who seems to be everywhere the singer looks and is constantly on his mind. The lyrics express a sense of infatuation and obsession with Donna, and the singer wishes he could be with her all the time. The high-energy instrumental and upbeat vocals make “Donna Everywhere” a fun and entertaining listen, perfect for a summer day or a road trip. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics are sure to stay stuck in your head for hours after listening.
20. “Donna” by Cliff Richard
“Donna” by Cliff Richard is a nostalgic love song that pays tribute to a special person named Donna. The upbeat melody and catchy rhythm are accompanied by Richard’s smooth, expressive voice as he sings about the memories he has of her. The song has a light, cheerful tone that evokes feelings of joy and happiness. With its upbeat melody and romantic lyrics, “Donna” is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cliff Richard or a newcomer to his music, this song is sure to delight and inspire you with its charming blend of melody and emotion.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
