Meet the Fine Tuned Musicians
Donna’s work with Fine Tuned producer Josh Goforth on her album Forevermore I’ll Sing was the prototype for the Fine Tuned project, inspiring the mentorship and innovative collaboration of the other Fine Tuned groupings.
Donna Ray Norton grew up in the Sodom Laurel community of Madison County, NC. She is an eighth-generation ballad singer whose biggest mentors include her grandfather, Byard Ray, and her mother, Lena Jean Ray. Other influences include Sheila Kay Adams, Laura Boosinger, Marilyn McMinn McReadie, Bobby McMillon, David Holt, and Josh Goforth. Dolly Parton and The Chicks provide her additional inspiration. Donna plays music “Because it has been passed down in my family for so long. My heritage, birthright. I don’t want the tradition to die out.” Donna’s work with Fine Tuned producer Josh Goforth on her album Forevermore I’ll Sing was the prototype for the Fine Tuned project, inspiring the mentorship and innovative collaboration of the other Fine Tuned groupings.
Josh Goforth has performed in all 50 US states and extensively in Europe, Asia, and Australia. He earned “Master Fiddler” status by winning Fiddler of the Festival at Fiddler’s Grove three times. He has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, the Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. In 2009 he was nominated for a Grammy for his album with David Holt entitled “Cutting Loose.” Josh has extensive studio experience as a musician and a producer, and he currently is on faculty at the Academy for the Arts in Asheville while maintaining an active, worldwide performing schedule.
