Donnie Sutherland OAM
Multi media personality, Donnie Sutherland, began his career in radio as a DJ on 2UW in the early seventies and at the same time, wrote for top music magazine “GO-SET”.
Other radio stations Donnie has broadcast on are 4BK, 2GB, 2GO and 2KY and in 1982 was a guest host on BBC Radio, London. He also wrote regular music columns in the Sun Herald, TV Soap and Video Hits Magazine.
For over 12 years from 1975 to 1987 Donnie was Host and Executive Producer of “SOUNDS”, the television show which ran more on-air hours than any other similar television show in Australian history.
In 1984, SOUNDS was awarded a BRONZE at that year’s New York Film and Video Awards in the Best Music Show in the World Category!
The award winning three-hour morning music programme showcased and supported Australian music talent like never before. During SOUNDS’ incredible run of three hours a week, 52 shows a year, Donnie interviewed over 5,000 of the world’s most celebrated Music, Arts, Sport and Political personalities. The show was watched each week by 50% to 80% of all television viewers across Australia from its inception until its last broadcast in December 1987.
Through the 70’s and early 80’s Donnie was one of 3 voices of Channel 7 and he did the audience warm-ups for the T.V. show “This is Your Life” when hosted by Roger Climpson and Mike Willesee.
Following his record run on Channel 7, Donnie was Executive Producer and hosted 24 hours of weekly entertainment on SKY Channel in 1989, 1990 and 1991. Donnie and Graham McNiece also co-hosted major horse racing carnivals around Australia for SKY TV.
Donnie’s other passion, horse racing, began when he entered the stables as a young apprentice jockey in the 1960’s…30 years on in December 1997, he released his first book about horse racing titled “Donnie Sutherland’s Horse Racing”. The book featured numerous interviews with former and current leading jockeys, trainers and owners, along with rollicking anecdotes of the turf. The publication received glowing reviews for its informative and unique presentation.
In 2000, Donnie linked up with the RG Capitol Radio Network doing a weekly 6 hour syndicated music programme. It doubled its ratings across fours states in its 12 month run.
On Australia Day, Wednesday, 26 January 2000, Donnie was honoured with the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to the Music and Entertainment industries, particularly with the promotion of Australian performers and to the community as a compere of fundraising events. Donnie also continues as an Australia Day Ambassador in NSW every Australia Day, a position he has held for 15 years.
In 2003, Donnie was awarded a Special Centenary Medal for his services to charity and his work in the Gosford community.
More recently, Donnie did a radio programme on 2KY called “Sunday Night Sounds” – another winner. At the end of 2004, Donnie severed ties with Radio 2KY after a 13 year partnership. In that time at 2KY, Donnie fronted all the “in the field” promotional activities. In the future, he will continue in the same direction dealing personally with Clubs and Corporate bodies trading as Donnie Sutherland.
Also in late 2004, Donnie set up his latest club show – “Sounds of Jukebox Dance Spectacular”. The show features Donnie as the host, 19 dancers who really cut it, plus 70’s and 80’s music and a special live guest, e.g. a 70’s or 80’s music star who performs live. There is memorabilia and prizes to be won. Celebrating 30 years since “Sounds” began in 1975, the Show is a real memory jogger. It’s a 3 hour celebration designed for our best clubs – look for it in a club near you in the coming months.
For Trivia Buffs:
Donnie has over the last 2 decades become an International Singer/Songwriter. A song he co-wrote with “TITANS” band member Bobby Sheehan in 1964 is currently featured on 4 albums in the USA and the UK. The song “No Cheatin” was recorded in the Hurstville Studio owned by “Aussie Byrne” on the same day the Bee Gees recorded “Spicks n Specks” in an adjoining studio. “No Cheatin” can be found on:
- Devils Children Vol. 1
- Hopes and Dreams and Tombstones;
- Pretty Ugly No 3; and
- Before Birdmen Flew
Reviewers have described it as classic ‘60s punk.
And looking ahead Donnie has a new club and corporate show coming together nicely - this will feature big name artists from the 70’s and 80’s to be called “Donnie Sutherland’s Superstars of Sounds”.
For the last 3 years, Donnie has hosted the prestigious MO awards.