Remembering Donna Brake
• We were incredibly saddened this weekend to learn that industry trailblazer Donna Brake, who ran her successful Donna Brake Promotion for the past 32 years, has passed away after suffering a devastating stroke. Ms. Brake was also loved and well respected for having broken the glass ceiling for women in the music industry — she was the first female music director at WSM-FM/Nashville, the first female Program Director at WSB-FM/Atlanta and the first female format editor at Radio & Records. That’s Donna, below, with Bob Seger back in the day.
In an emotional Facebook post, Donna’s brother John Brake wrote, in part, “From the first day of my life until the last day of hers, we were best friends and closer than twins — finishing each others sentences, laughing at inside jokes, and sharing a passion for sports, politics, movies and everything else you can imagine. For nearly 20 years we worked together in the music business, but it was in the business of life that we truly excelled and celebrated each other. To say that our family is devastated by this tragic and unexpected loss us a giant understatement.”
Brake continued, “When the time is right, we plan to honor Donna’s magnificent time on the earth with celebrations in Atlanta and Nashville. In the meantime, please remember Donna for her pretty smile, her gorgeous red hair, her generous spirit, her quick wit and her compassion for others.” In conclusion, Brake added, “If you are the type of person who likes to pray, pray that her heaven is a basketball court where the Lakers play every night and where Donna has courtside seats with concession service. She would like that. Thanks.”
In his own Facebook post, Bob Catania of What’s In-Store Music wrote, “Donna was such a close friend, that the word ‘friend’ just did not cut it… she was truly my ‘sister’ and I’m thankful that John let me borrow her in that way for so many years. Donna was a most extraordinary woman — in her own humble and quiet way, she shattered glass ceilings as a programmer; trade magazine editor; and an entrepreneurial promotion executive for over 20 years. Donna never sought the spotlight… in fact, I’d always give her a hard time for running from it… but be assured she paved the way for so many women in the music business just by being great at what she did. As a VP, I’d hire Donna on every project I had; as an independent promoter I had Donna as part of every project I worked… she was my collaborator and always the voice of reason and positive thoughts. She was loved by radio and all those she worked with on all her projects… Every day, I’d dial her number… I needed to talk with her… it was often my sanity break in a busy day… and I can’t believe she is no longer there to talk.”
