Pat Donohue

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From swing to jazz to bottleneck blues to folk, Grammy-winning acoustic guitarist Pat Donohue plays it all with a flourish of artistry and melodic inspiration. Chet Atkins called Pat one of the greatest finger pickers in the world today; Leo Kottke called his playing "haunting."

Pat is one of the most listened to finger pickers in the world. As the guitarist for the Guys All-Star Shoe Band of Minnesota Public Radio's A Prairie Home Companion, Pat gets to show off his savvy licks and distinctive original songs to millions of listeners each week. Besides the weekly radio broadcasts, Pat plays about 30 concerts a year nationwide and teaches at such popular music camps as Augusta Heritage Center and Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp.

Pat Donohue's musical tastes are eclectic. Though he considers himself foremost a folk guitarist, Pat's influences are rooted in bluesmen Blind Blake, Robert Johnson, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters and Miles Davis. He manages to blend jazz and blues with folk, and the mix is seamless. Over the years he has captivated audiences with his unique original compositions, dazzling instrumentals and humorous song parodies, including "Sushi-Yucki" and "Would You Like to Play the Guitar?"

Pat has been obsessed with the guitar since he first picked one up at age 12 and began learning simple chords and melodies from a Pete Seeger instructional book. His background as a drummer in a garage rock band helped with the transition and he never looked back. As a youth, the St. Paul, Minnesota native pestered guitarists playing at Twin Cities coffee houses and blues venues, seeking tips on playing. Borrowing bits and pieces of the styles of finger picking pioneers he admired, he taught himself to play, building a repertoire flavored by Blind Blake, Django Reinhart and Chet Atkins.

Honors include a 2005 Grammy for his participation on Pink Guitar, a compilation of Henry Mancini tunes on acoustic guitar, several Minnesota Music Awards, and the title of 1983 National Finger Picking Guitar Champion. His original tunes have been recorded by Chet Atkins, Suzy Bogguss and Kenny Rogers. Pat has also been a featured performer at major music festivals including the Newport, Telluride and Philadelphia Folk Festivals.

Profile Pat's newest CD showcases original and traditional songs of folk and blues-based Americana. Part coffeehouse, part barrelhouse, the CD features "Drowning," "Buddy the Blues," "Jazz Name," and "Caroline." CD Price: $14.97

American Guitar A collection of original and traditional fingerstyle songs as hot and sultry as a summer's day. Reminiscent of front porch picking, this recording showcases songs that have shaped American music, as well as dynamic new compositions. Powerful, sentimental, flawless, it brings listeners to the very roots of American culture. CD Price: $14.97

Backroads A compelling collection of original songs with musical support from such artists as Chet Atkins, Howard Levy and Butch Thompson. Donohue's style blends blues and folk in a dazzling display of guitar artistry. CD Price: $14.97

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