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Blue Dawne is an exciting new 5 piece R&B group that burst onto the Detroit club scene in 2005, but our members have been playing music in the Motor City for many years. Detroit is full of versatility and this has caused us to become versatile as well. Detroiters know music. Because of this, we continually build on our prowess. Blue Dawne brings together influences from all over the musical spectrum to express our unique take and blend of standard, contemporary and original tunes. Daune Smith * Stylist/Vocalist/Songwriter Native New Yorker Daune Smith's interest in music began to show as soon as she could speak. Daune's professional performing and songwriting began in the early 80's. Other bands Daune has performed with are the Detroit based "Prodigal Son", "King Mellowman and Mellow Runnings" featuring "Pure Royalty" the female vocalist part of the group and was a featured artist with "Smooth Vibrations". Daune's musical styles range from gospel, jazz, rock, blues and R&B. Daune has performed in many places in and around the Metro Detroit area. Martin Douglas * Keyboards Martin Douglas, AKA "The Keymaster", began playing keyboards in his early teens. Martin has performed professionally as a soloist and sideman with many groups around the Metro Detroit area, the United States and overseas.Martin's musical styles span many genres. His keyboard and synthesizer skills bring that certain flavor to Blue Dawne's unique sound. Martin also sings lead and background vocals Blue Dawne.

Leonard Farmer * Bass Guitar Leonard Farmer, AKA "Chocolate Fingers", embarked on his musical journey at the tender age of 7, playing the piano. He later played the organ and finally settling on the bass guitar by the age of 13. His formal training took place in Detroit at the Krainz-Woods school of Music. Some of Leonard's earliest influences have been from Stanley Clarke, Gary King, Verdine White and Anthony Jackson (Rufus).

 

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Blue Dawne - R & B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Johnson * Guitar Dave Johnson, AKA "Mr. Clean", came to Detroit from Northern Michigan to study art at Wayne State University. Having played with a number of Rock bands before settling in Detroit, he began jamming with local bands while pursuing his studies. Dave has played with a plethora of bands over the years. With that, Dave brings a touch of Rock & Roll to the Blue Dawne sound, but Blue Dawne's blend of R&B, Jazz and Blues has allowed Dave to really stretch out on his axe. Speaking of which, Dave's main squeeze is a vintage 60's Gibson called "Marilyn". He also plays a Fender Stratocaster and Epiphone Dot he calls "The Phat Lady".

Michael Louis Henderson * Drums Michael, AKA "Rolex, The Timekeeper", began playing percussion while attending Cass Technical High School. While at Cass, Michael performed with the marching band on the tenor drum and bass drum and with the concert band where he was Section Leader and Principle Player respectively. He was awarded Red and Blue Ribbon Honors by the Michigan State Band and Orchestra Association for his solo and ensemble performances. Michael continued his musical education while attending Tuskegee University, where he became Section Leader of the Snare Drum Line and Percussion Section. Under his leadership the percussion section was awarded "Section of the Year". Michael also performed in the Tuskegee University Concert Band, in which he was selected to be "Principle Player" and participated in the Tuskegee Jazz Ensemble. After college, Michael began performing professionally and formed his own group. Michael is also and accomplished studio musician. Michael is currently accompanying the St. Cecilia Mass Choir on drum set, hand drums and percussion. Michael's timing is one of the driving forces behind the sound of Blue Dawne.