Blending the Unexpected: J.D. Danner
Pride Month is officially here, and I would like to take the time to highlight some LGBTQ+ artists here at UNHNGD. The music and queer communities go hand in hand, and we would not have the modern music landscape we have today if it weren't for gender-nonconforming and Queer artists who paved the way.
To kick off the Pride series, I would love to introduce Florida-based artist J.D. Danner. At first glance, she'll remind you of Joan Jett, one of her greatest influences, but there is much more to her than meets the eye.
Danner began her music career in the '90s after leaving her day job as an accountant for more creatively fulfilling pursuits. She released her debut album, Stimulating Sacrifice, in 1998, which featured upbeat rock songs like "Private Affections" and "White Picket Fences," as well as Johnny Cash-esque tracks like "Rage."
Her genre-bending sound makes her a beautiful enigma; in an interview with Boca Magazine, Danner said, "Earlier in my career, that was an issue… People didn't know where to put me. I would meet with a manager or an agent, and they'd be like, 'Are you country? Are you rock? Are you blues?' And my answer is always, I'm a little of all of that."
Blending the unexpected is a consistent theme throughout Danner's career. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, she has toured the country performing at various Pride festivals and events. Danner also co-hosts the Rainbow Remix podcast, whose guests include "Game-changer lesbians: from comedians, actors and musicians to community activists."
On the same note, Danner has also toured a plethora of US Military bases, from Guantanamo Bay to Fort Hood. NFL cheerleaders chose her song, "Thanks to the Brave," for their 2010 USO tour, and she has received "A bevy of awards from Fort Hood Army Base, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, and the Disabled American Veterans for her music supporting our troops."
The US Military is notorious for discriminatory practices against Queer service members (See: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell”), so to see a Queer artist breaking down the barriers between the two communities is revolutionary.
Danner is also an avid activist and philanthropist, partnering with organizations like the American Cancer Society and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach to give back through her music. Proceeds from her song "Shelter From the Shame" go toward various women's charities and domestic violence awareness groups.
Not only is she an incredible person, but she is also an incredible musician. Her entire discography has captivated me since my first listen- Some of my favorites include "Take The Time To Dance" from her 2005 album, Maybe It's Just Me… and "Up To No Good" from Hard Road To Heaven. Danner offers so many different sounds that it's hard to pick and choose; You'll likely favor tracks based on your particular genre preferences.
J.D. Danner is definitely an artist to delve into this Pride Month. If you happen to be in Southern Florida this October, you can catch Danner and her band at the Arts Garage in Delray Beach on Oct 14, where they’ll be performing her original songs and some popular covers to tell her unique story through music.
Listen to J.D. Danner on Spotify or YouTube
Visit her website to keep up to date on performances and releases, and check out The Rainbow Remix on Apple Podcasts