You can’t help but feel uplifted when you’re around Donna Loren.
There’s a beautiful light about Donna: simultaneously serene and bubbly, she exudes both wisdom and eternal youth.
When I met Donna last month, I felt this light immediately. And when you listen to our interview, you’ll feel it too.
Donna Loren: More Than The Dr. Pepper Girl
An “It” girl of the 1960’s, the always stylish, always beautiful Donna Loren caught America’s eye in 1963 as the one and only Dr. Pepper Girl. But Donna held America’s interest with her impossibly beautiful singing voice.
From The Mickey Mouse Club (1955-1969) to touring with Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars, to her roles in the beloved Beach Party films, and as a regular cast member on America’s first weekly live rock n’ roll television show, Shindig (1964-1966), Donna Loren proved herself to be one of the most talented singers of her generation.
Her appearances in television’s Batman (1966-1968), The Monkees (1966-1968), and Two for Penny (1968) demonstrated that Donna’s talents didn’t stop at singing: her captivating persona, flare for comedy, and dramatic abilities were also top-notch.
Donna Does it All
In 1968, Donna walked away from her flourishing career to become a full-time wife and mother. But she continued to create.
In the 1970s, Donna began writing her own music. Her most recent album, Love it Away (2010), exclusively features songs written by Donna herself.
Respected for her impeccable sense of fashion throughout her career—Donna styled her own hair, makeup, wardrobe, and sewed many of her dresses herself—Donna started her own fashion line, ADSA, in the 1990s.
Since 2020, Donna has powerfully shared her life with listeners of her acclaimed podcast, Love’s a Secret Weapon. With her collaborator, Dr. Adam Gerace, Donna draws listeners in with fascinating details and her honest reflections.
My Interview with Donna Loren
Last month, Donna and her husband Jered graciously spent an afternoon with me on their trip to visit Donna’s son, renowned drummer Joey Waronker. (Waronker can most recently be heard, and seen, drumming on John Squire and Liam Gallagher’s new hit single, “Just Another Rainbow.”)
The fact that Donna and Jered went out of their way to make my dream of interviewing Donna in person come true speaks volumes of the kind, generous nature that they share.
Be sure to listen to episode 80 of Vanguard of Hollywood to hear Donna’s story, and to be uplifted by her beautiful light.
And head on over to Donna’s website, Youtube channel, and podcast for more about Donna, stunning photos and memorabilia, and to watch performances from her career.
22 Responses
What a FABULOUS interview! Donna is a joy to listen to. What a career, what a woman!
Well said Becks, thanks for listening, and for commenting!
Had the biggest crush on Donna as a kid. She set my heart ablaze on The Monkees and Batman. So great to hear about her career and what she’s up to now.
Thanks for listening John! Great to hear you’re a long-time fan of Donna’s. I agree, Donna is gorgeous in The Monkees and Batman. No surprise that she still is. Thanks for commenting!
Can’t wait to listen! Donna is my 1960s fashion inspiration. Thanks for linking to Shindig i just watched and can’t get over Donna’s voice and energy on stage
Hope you enjoyed it Emma! I agree, Donna’s fashion sense is truly impeccable. From her 1960s look to today, she just nails it. Thanks for commenting!
Shannon–are you and Donna related? Noticing perhaps some familial similarities in the photos of you two? Anyway, lovely interview! Loved hearing Donna’s story. Always great to hear a celebrity who has their priorities straight.
Wow Julia thank you! That’s such a compliment. No, Donna and I are not related, but what a compliment! Thanks so much for listening Julia!
Fabulous interview! I absolutely love Donna. Heading over to Love’s a Secret Weapon now!
Oh good! So happy to hear it Sarah, you will love Donna’s podcast! Thanks so much for listening!
What a great listen, thanks!
Thanks for listening Dave!
five star interview. Donna is lovely!
Thanks for listening Marion!
Born in 1945 and grew up in Burbank , California I still believe Donna singing “I didn’t know the gun was. loaded” on the Mickey Mouse Club was the best guest ever! A good introduction to the wonderful years to come .
Hi Bill, thanks for commenting! I completely agree, Donna’s talent, at such a young age no less, was perfectly showcased with “I didn’t know the gun was loaded.” There were a lot of talented guests on the Mickey Mouse Club, but Donna was leaps and bounds above the rest. Thanks again for commenting Bill, and for listening to the episode!
Great interview. Always loved Donna on Shindig. What a voice and a face to match!
Donna is adorable! Always loved her voice. So nice hearing her memories of Shindig and Batman and the Monkees. I’ll never forget her singing “Goldfinger” on Shindig. Thanks Donna and Shannon for the interview!
love love LOVED it!
So happy to hear it Ari, thanks for commenting, and for listening!
Wonderful interview and insights with Donna! I loved learning about her family history and her contributions to popular music. I do remember the Dr. Pepper ads, the song in Beach Blanket Bingo, the appearances on The Monkees and Batman and Robin shows. Your conversation brought all of those warm memories back! The mention of the Wrecking Crew definitely caught my attention. My dad, Lew McCreary, was a well known trombonist in these sessions. Definitely part of the wall-of-sound He played his horn on the above mentioned shows, Shindig, dates at Capital Records, Western, and RCA I’m would not be surprised to learn that Donna crossed paths with him in the studios. Thank you Shannon for sharing this podcast…truly delightful.
Thank you so much for listening Janet, and for your very kind words! Donna’s talents and wonderful career have brought so much joy, and it was such a pleasure and a privilege to interview her. What an incredible career your father had as well! His discography is beyond impressive. I looked him up, and oh my goodness, he played with all of the greats! Absolutely incredible. I will ask Donna if she and your dad worked together at some point, it would not surprise me either! What an amazing connection Janet, thank you so much for listening, for your kind words, and for sharing your connection to this wonderful era of music.