Singer/Songwriter

Born and reared in rural Kentucky, Dawn Lane Osborn has been immersed in music most of her life. The daughter of a bandleader father and artist/songwriter mother, Dawn, along with her twin sister began singing publicly at age eleven and professionally at age seventeen. Known throughout Kentucky as the duo Dava and Dawn, they performed original and popular tunes from various genres at private parties, festivals, and special events, as well as radio and television performances. In 1997, they released their debut album, Songs of Love, a compilation of songs from various genres, as well as original material.

After the unexpected death of Dava while working on their second album in June 2000, Dawn took a respite from music. In the years that followed, she began concentrating on songwriting and finding her own voice. Then in 2003, she stepped back on the stage, sharing her original material as well as audience favorites from Country, Folk, and Popular music. Once high harmony, Dawn has come forth with a voice that is earthy, yet clear and versatile, finding favor in songs that highlight minor variations. Not surprisingly, Dawn’s repertoire now includes original and cover tunes with a decidedly Bluesy flavor.

Notable Performances Through the Years

Dawn made her public singing debut with Dava at an old-fashioned gospel tent meeting when the two were a mere eleven years old. At age seventeen, the pair began singing professionally, touring numerous venues across the Bluegrass State. Some notable performances include: The Everly Brothers Festival at Central City, KY; Kentucky State Fair, Louisville, KY; the International Equine Podiatry Association, Galt House, Louisville, KY; WHAS Crusade for Children, Danville, KY remote; the Hands Across America Celebration in Wickliff, KY; Capital Expo, Frankfort, KY, as well as performances at St. Catharine College, Springfield, KY and Union College, Barbourville, KY. Dava and Dawn have been spotlighted on every major television station in Kentucky, including:

Kentucky Sunrise (WLEX TV 18, Lexington, KY)

Kentucky Life (KET, Lexington, KY)

Good Morning Kentucky (WTVQ TV 36, Lexington, KY)

Dave Shuffett Special (WLEX TV 18, Lexington, KY)

The After Noon Show (WKYT TV 27, Lexington KY)

Fox 56 (Lexington, KY)

Fox 34 (Bowling Green, KY)

The Morning Show (WLKY TV 32, Louisville, KY)

Joe’s Folks (WLKY TV 32, Louisville, KY)…Joe Orlando segment recounting the twins’

1996 Kentucky State Fair debut.

The WHAS Crusade for Children (WHAS TV 11, Louisville, KY)

Dawn is especially proud of what was to be her and her sister’s final television performance. In 1999, the due performed on the BBC special documentary, “Old New World,” hosted by Lady Lucinda Lambton. Penn’s Store was featured as a representation of America preserved, with Dawn and Dava singing from the store’s front porch as well as providing background music for the piece. Their performance aired in 2001 in Great Britain.

Over the years, Dawn has shared the stage with many talented performers, most recognizably guitar legend Chet Atkins, songwriter/playwright Billy Edd Wheeler, Bluegrass great Homer Ledford, the late Walter Hyatt, Kentucky’s Michael Jonathan, and Action Unlimited of Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars fame.

Recordings

Dawn and her twin sister, Dava, released their first album, Songs of Love, in 1997, a collection of some of their favorite love songs from Broadway to gospel. This recording is available as an audio cassette at Historic Penn’s Store, or by ordering online at www.PennsStore.com.

Reviews

“Dawn and Dava have a great sound…each has her own style – together, really good.”

Chet Atkins, CGP

“I have known Dawn Lane Osborn for a long time. She is a fine singer and entertainer. Music to Dawn is a necessity, like having to breathe to stay alive. What I like about Dawn is she loves it. It’s obvious. Her singing makes you feel good because of that love, and heaven knows we can all use a shot of “feel-good” now and then in this often cynical world.”

Songwriter/Playwright Billy Edd Wheeler

“Dawn and Dava’s DNA had all the right musical ingredients – from both sides: Talent for singing, performing, writing, and perhaps most important, a gift for connecting with others on a heart-to-heart level.”

TV Personality/Journalist Byron Crawford

Availability

Dawn performs as a solo artist with guitar, as well as with combo appropriate for the occasion, comprised of guitar, piano, bass, and/or percussion. Bookings can be secured through Dawn directly, or through Jeanne Penn Lane at Penn’s Store (www.PennsStore.com) (859)332-7706 or (859)332-7715, email PennsStore@aol.com.

Photo by John Gentry