March 6, 2006

Songs to Save the Bay
Who to Know

Story by Martha Lane

Deanna Dove, who has a voice that she calls “a gift” was born and raised on Broomes Island in Calvert County.  “The sea is part of my soul and just like music it sustains me,” she writes on the liner notes of her first CD. 

 In the chorus of her country rock song Lula J, Dove shares with her audience—both at her concerts and on her CD “Chesapeake”—why the bay and the Lula J are the foundation of her life. “Cradled me in rhythm; rocked me with every wave. From the time I was two weeks old, until they lay me in my grave. I will always feel at home out on the bay.” 

The Lula J is the name of the skiff she helped her father, Monroe Dove, build when she was eight years old.  The boat, name for her mother, was her “playground.”  Her family went fishing and crabbing almost every day that weather permitted.  Dove said, “Nobody today believes how many bushels of crabs we could catch back then.” 

Dove still has the dip net that her father used to push the skiff, family and all.  The dip net, with a net on one end, could also be used to catch crabs.  The bow is the only part of that boat still in existence, which Dove cherishes.  She takes it with her as a prop to all of her concerts, in memory of her father who is deceased. 

Her family also gave her a love of music and the church, which is where Dove got her start.  While young, she began singing and playing guitar with her sisters as part of the Dove Trio.  They sang in churches, revivals, telethons and on the first radio station in Prince Frederick—WMJS.

 “I developed an independent spirit at an early age” Dove said.  “I believe it is the result of taking my father’s words to heart.  It’s a tough life out there girl, you have to learn how to take care of yourself.”  Graduating early, at age 16, from Calvert High School, she left home, got a job, bought her own car and eventually her own home in North Beach, where she still lives today. 

After years of performing in local bands, Dove took the plunge, resigning from a comfortable and secure federal government job, to become a solo performer.  Within three years Dove completed her degree in communications from the University of Maryland and released her first CD “Chesapeake” on her own Island Girl Records label. 

“As a solo artist there are so many hats to wear.”  Dove said, she wears hats of songwriter, singer, guitarist, manager and agent.  “That means I do it all,” Dove said.  Incredibly diverse, she sings in the genres of country, R&B, rock and spirituals.  With a deep, rich voice Dove sings from her heart at every performance. 

As a certified aerobic instructor, Dove is very serious about her health.  Starting each day with an hour’s workout or a five-mile run.  Dove is a firm believer in physical fitness.

 Dove is also very serious about cleaning up the bay.  Each June, she participates in the annual Bernie Fowler “Wade In,” as part of her contribution to help restore the bay.  One of Dove’s songs is also on the compilation CD “Songs of the Chesapeake Bay,” which she helps market to raise money for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 

Her concerts are performed outdoors in the summer, early enough for dinner, with the waters of the bay she loves as a magnificent backdrop.  Dove’s future plans include continued work as an activist protecting and promoting the Chesapeake Bay, completing a new CD of spirituals, and performing in Nashville. 

Concert schedules and all other information may be found at www.deannadove.com.