Muscle Shoals musician and journeyman Donnie Fritts is perhaps most immediately recognizable from his nearly 20 years touring and performing with Kris Kristofferson and appearing in a handful of films (including a trio of director Sam Peckinpah classics). Arguably his greatest talent, however, is as a songwriter. What does it say when an writer’s work has been covered by artists ranging from Ray Charles to Waylon Jennings and from Dusty Springfield to UB40 (with Chrissie Hynde). It speaks volume.
Not surprisingly, Fritts has amassed a tremendous group of friends and admirers along the way. Many of these folks pay tribute to the man in “Undeniably Donnie,†a newly released documentary celebrating Fritts’ life and career. Kristofferson, John Prine, Willie Nelson and Billy Bob Thornton, among others, tell amusing anecdotes amid footage of Fritts roaming Muscle Shoals. The 20 minute film paints a colorful – and highly entertaining – portrait of the man known as “Funky Donnie Fritts.â€
The documentary has been released in conjunction with Fritts’ first album of new music in ten years. Produced by John Paul White (who was suggested to Fritts by legendary producer T-Bone Burnett), Oh My Goodness is a mostly stripped down affair that is centered around Fritts playing his piano and Wurlitzer. From the amusing “Memphis Women and Chicken†to the sorrowful “If It’s Really Got to Be This Way,†it is a tremendous showcase of Fritts the songwriter.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.