Don Pedigo is one of Nashville’s finest Singer-Songwriters whose old-soul rock and roll vibe and thoughtful lyricism takes you on an introspective adventure, leaving you not only wanting to know more about his music but also about yourself.
Pedigo describes his songwriting as, "Real life. Everything is directly or indirectly a personal experience. I may embellish it, but everything is connected to me.” Upon listening, your ear may beg you to remember some iconic musicians such as Gram Parsons or Tom Petty, but in Pedigo’s uniquely individual style that can’t be replicated, his songwriting delivers something modern and refreshing to the listener.
Don Pedigo has been cited as being a, “Spirit questing, true Roots-Rock artist.”, and coming after his recent excursions out West to New Mexico, he has found an even deeper meaning pushing him to write songs that will connect with people right where they are. "I want to touch the ground, meet the people, feel the rhythm, and write it down.”, says Pedigo. Because of this mantra he holds, Don resonates with listeners because his experience is first-hand and his lyrics show an authentic understanding of everyman's share of troubles and triumphs.
Don grew up in the Midwest in a rural farmhouse with walls that echoed the sounds of his Mother playing piano and his Father's turntable spinning a vinyl collection of Country and Folk albums which were the building blocks of his deep love for music as a child. By the age of 13 Don was playing bass in a local rock band and soon after, he received his first Peavey electric guitar. Since then, he has never had a guitar beyond arm's reach.
After his move to Nashville, Lady-Luck brought Don to Larry Crane, former guitarist for fellow Heartlander, John Mellencamp, and the pair cut a demo together. That demo found its way into the hands of the legendary, Earl Bud Lee (“Friends in Low Places”), and the two began a rich journey with Lee in the role of mentor, publisher and producer. The year 2006 saw the release of his first production record, ‘What Was I Running From’ (featuring Buddy Miller on guitar), and the single, ‘Mama’s Wedding Gown’ (produced by Larry Crane), was released the following year.
As a Finalist in CMT's "Music City Madness Singer/Songwriters Competition" and "Top 20 Video Countdown," as well as landing a deal with Columbia Pictures, a well-received first album, and notable performances with music legends Sammy Kershaw, Earl Bud Lee, Roger Cook and Buddy Miller, Don Pedigo has become a heavy hitter in the Nashville music scene. While appreciative of rubbing elbows with influential people and grateful to play in hallowed music halls, Don continues to work hard and stay focused on his music. He has never wavered from his chosen path as a songwriter and performer and never overlooks an opportunity to do what he loves most.
Pedigo's album, ‘The Cross Eyed Sessions', a collection of mastered demos released in 2014, stayed in the Roots Rock Top 40 Charts for over two years with the single "You've Go Everything" peaking at #17. The successful grassroots campaign set up the beginnings of his next chapter.
Don joined forces with Nashville backing band, The Coyotes. In addition to the unreleased solo record with producer Ray Kennedy, The Coyotes laid down tracks for an album and toured across the country.
The music was a light of hope after he and his wife, Kim, lost their son, Christopher, to an overdose back in 2014. "So much happened so fast I think that's how we made it through the first part. It took a few years to come to some healing and part of that is in sharing our story when called upon", says Pedigo.
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Most recently, Don has recorded with Larry Crane, Mellencamp’s longtime guitarist and arranger, and in Nashville with producer Grady Saxman, credits include Jelly Roll and Luke Combs, and some of the city’s top A-list players. He’s earned nods from songwriting legends John Prine and Steve Earle — artists whose influence can be heard in his blend of heartland grit and lyrical depth. After losing a son, a bandmate, and a few dreams along the way, Pedigo poured it all into the songs. What he brings to every stage is music that’s lived-in, honest, and written to connect.
The lead single from Don Pedigo’s newest body of work is one of two recorded tracks he’s ever not written himself. Pedigo identifies as a songwriter first which calls his listeners to pay even closer attention to the why behind his selections. Pedigo’s version of Justin Townes Earle’s “Maybe a Moment” takes on a wise perspective with a heavy-hearted knowing of just how significant each breath and moment is in this life. A performance that embodies the message of choosing to live fully in even the seemingly mundane aspects of our days. Pedigo is passionate about pouring into the overdose prevention and awareness community. With the release of this single, Pedigo performed at the Red Barn Jamboree with organizations Cahoots Indiana and Overdose Lifeline in Little Nashville, Indiana to continue his efforts to spotlight the cause and lessen the number of families affected by this epidemic each year.