While we usually do our album/EP reviews in the Get it or Forget it format, today we have a very special review of an artist who is currently a featured vocalist on tour with Kelly Clarkson. His latest EP It’s my Life was released last Friday,
DR King, born Donald Ray King, Jr., is an American recording artist and songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio. He reached the Top 12 on Season 14 of NBC’s The Voice as a member of Team Kelly Clarkson. His powerhouse vocals and wide range made him a quick fan favorite. His battle round with Jackie Foster made The Voice history when they became the first two contestants to not be eliminated from the competition after a battle round. They performed Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” and both moved on. The recording of that battle song landed them at #71 on the iTunes overall Singles chart, just one of three songs from the round to crack the Top 100. It also reached #22 on the iTunes Pop Singles chart, and received enough viewership to chart on YouTube’s Top Trending videos, days after the performance. King’s later elimination from the Top 12 was described by The Voice as among “the most shocking eliminations in Voice history.”
Following his appearance on The Voice, King signed with Monocentric Music/ONErpm and released his debut single, an incredibly powerful ballad that featured his battle partner Foster.
That single was followed up with “Gravedigger,” which like his debut single, received critical acclaim. Both of those singles are included on his debut EP, which also includes the songs “Anyway,” “Crying Alone,” “Your Body” and “Do you Love Me.”
King co-penned all of the songs on It’s My Life with two-time Grammy winning songwriter/producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Ke$ha, Roger Daltry), and veteran songwriter Brielle Brown. Swersky also produced the EP, which was recorded live at Shorefire Recording Studios in Long Branch, New Jersey.
The resulting songs are almost visceral in their stance on important social issues and command attention. For example, “Gravedigger” and “Crying Alone” address the Black Lives Matter movement that King felt was relevant and imperative to address. “I want to empower the people”, says King. Although these songs are saturated with layers of soul, rock, pop, and funk, his message is simple and shines through – “Love and value your self-worth. Always believe in yourself, even when no one else will.”
King and his six siblings grew up in humble beginnings in a poor and highly drug infested neighborhood. King’s father, a city employee and keyboardist, and his mother, a homemaker, worked hard to shelter the family from the streets by immersing them in after- school programs and the church. King didn’t fully realize their immense struggle until he came of age.
With roots firmly planted in the church, King began singing at the age of three in his choir. He honed his skills at the Cleveland School of the Arts in the world-renowned R. Nathaniel Dett Choir and later in the Grammy-nominated Central State University Chorus. He shared the stage with the world-class Cleveland Orchestra, The Dayton Philharmonic, and sang at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI. After graduating from college, King became a high school music teacher in St. John the Baptist Parish in LaPlace, Louisiana before returning to Cleveland to become a first grade teacher at Hope Academies.
Music was the vehicle which allowed King the opportunity to leave Cleveland and travel the world. He soon relocated to New York City, where he landed background vocalist work with major artists including Eli Paper Boy Reed, Eric Benet, John Ellison, Andy Grammer, Melvin Davis and most recently, 50 Cent.
King was eliminated from The Voice on his coach’s birthday. He describes the iconic singer as “generous, loving and real.” The two formed a close camaraderie during the show. Upon his elimination, Clarkson vowed the two would soon share the stage again. A few months later, King received the official call to join Clarkson on tour as a featured vocalist.
“Trust your gift,” says King on continuing to create music and share it with the world. “I have to keep fighting and keep on believing. I’m not going to stop.”