JEFF TURNER
Donna Ulisse’s latest song, “My Constant Savior,” emerges from a deeply personal and poignant moment in her life. The track is a reflection of Ulisse’s rich musical journey and the heartfelt experiences that continue to inspire her work.
A Hampton, Virginia native, Donna Ulisse moved to Nashville in 1984, drawn by a passion for music that would shape her career. She quickly found her place on Music Row, singing demos and refining her craft, leading to a major record deal with Atlantic Records in the early 1990s. Her performances on shows like Hee Haw and Nashville Now garnered her international attention. Over time, Ulisse embraced her songwriting skills, which led her into the bluegrass genre she now cherishes, defined by its banjoes, fiddles, and mandolins.
The inspiration for “My Constant Savior” came during a deeply emotional time. Ulisse shared that the song originated from a significant memory involving her father. She recounts a particular morning: “I had bought a little farm with my husband. We call it the Wee Farm and I love that place. It’s not very big, but when we bought it, my dad and my brother came down to help us with the fixing up.” Her father, known for his tireless work ethic, woke her early one day with a list of materials for home improvements. “So dutifully, I got in my truck and started heading down our little country road. And right before I turned off our country road, the sun came up over the trees. And it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”
This moment of beauty and gratitude led Ulisse to a profound realization, capturing the essence of her song: “And this first line came to me as glorious morning. Look what God made me. And Instantly, this song started dumping out of my heart, so I pulled the truck over and I got my voice recorder out and it was coming out melody and lyric at the same time as fast as I could write it. It was a true gift.”
“My Constant Savior” reflects Ulisse’s deep connection to her faith and the meaningful moments that shape her music. The song is not only a tribute to her father’s memory but also a celebration of the divine presence she feels in her life. Through her lyrics and melody, Ulisse continues to share her journey with her listeners, blending personal reflection with her signature bluegrass sound.
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