Don Gardner

Donald Gardner (May 9, 1931 – September 4, 2018) was an American rhythm and blues singer, songwriter, and drummer. His records included the 1962 hit "I Need Your Lovin'", with Dee Dee Ford.

Biography Born in Philadelphia, Gardner started out as a professional musician in 1947 while still at school. He first recorded as a singer on the Gotham label in 1949. By 1953, he formed his own group, the Sonotones, in which he played drums and sang. The group toured on the Chitlin' Circuit, and Gardner also recorded under his own name, for De Luxe Records and the small Junior label. The song was later recorded by Otis Redding, Alexis Korner, Tom Jones, Jackie Wilson, and many others.

KC Records, Gardner and Ford's previous record company, then released "Glory of Love", which made number 75 on the pop chart, before Fire released the official follow-up, "Don't You Worry", which reached number 7 on the R&B chart and number 66 pop. but soon retired from the music industry.

Discography Albums The Don Gardner Trio featuring Jimmy Smith and Bill Davis (recorded 1955, issued 1963) Need Your Lovin' (Don Gardner & Dee Dee Ford, 1962) The Don Gardner and Dee Dee Ford Quintet in Sweden (1965) The Exciting Jimmy Smith with the Don Gardner Trio (1969) Lay a Little Lovin' on Me (Baby Washington & Don Gardner, 1973) Very Best of Don Gardner & Dee Dee Ford (1999)

As guest artist

Patrick Stanfield Jones - A Heart and an Open Road (2010)

Chart singles