By Jordyn Smith
The Casey Donahew Band is gearing up for their return to Hurricane Harry’s on January 29 with special guest, The Judson Cole Band. Front man Casey Donahew and his band have become the epitome of work ethic. Show by show, album by album, the Casey Donahew Band has carved out their own niche in the ultra-competitive Texas Country Music Scene.
Casey Donahew taught himself how to play the guitar and sing while attending Texas A&M, the influence of 80s and 90s country really resonated with him. After transferring to the University of Texas at Arlington, he began to immerse himself in Texas Country. His career began at the Thirsty Armadillo in the Fort Worth Stockyards in 2002. Here, Casey Donahew began a journey that would take him and his band to unanticipated heights. Though he started off slow, Donahew began to conquer the small bar circuit and graduated to playing medium size clubs and bars all over the state of Texas.
In 2006, Casey Donahew released his first record “Lost Days.” The biggest hit from the record was “Stockyards,” and it gave fans who have never been to Cowtown a reason to get there as soon as possible. It captured the historic Fort Worth Stockyards in all of their glory. The track was a real nod to where he got his first start, the Thirsty Armadillo. Later in 2006, he would release his self-titled album “Casey Donahew Band.” Included on this record is the fan favorite “White Trash Story.” A lovable redneck tune that still has fans singing along.
2009 saw his return to the studio. He released “Moving On,” a record he has described as “rattling, rolling, and rumbling like a youthful Robert Earl Keen fronting Reckless Kelly.” The album was an instant hit with fans and industry folks alike. It peaked at #28 on the Billboard Country Charts. The Casey Donahew Band now had some serious momentum as they began to tour nationally as they brought their spin on Texas Country to fans all across the United States.
The Casey Donahew Band kept their momentum and did not waste time before getting back into the studio. Two years after the success of “Moving On,” they released “Double Wide Dream” in October of 2011. Building on the success of the previous album, “Double Wide Dream” reached to #10 on the Billboard Country charts. The Casey Donahew Band had now started headlining shows.
In 2013, they released “Standoff.” To no one’s surprise, the record performed well with fans and on the charts. It rose to #7 on the Billboard Country Charts. This record included the hit “Whiskey Baby.”
What stands out the most about Casey Donahew and his bandmates is their dedication, drive, and work ethic. Each album released has outperformed the last and continued to show growth in the songwriting. The shows have slowly but surely gotten bigger and the tours have stretched farther and farther across the United States. For Texas Country fans, this is a can’t-miss show. Be sure to get out to Hurricane Harry’s on January 29 to hear the Casey Donahew Band with The Judson Cole Band.
You can purchase tickets at Cavender’s Boot City, Aggieland Outfitters (University Dr. Location), or Southern Jewlz Boutique. Doors open at 9 p.m.
