Lady D Sings

Growing up in Lynwood, CA, Donna found her love for singing at the age of six. She was inspired by her late mother who was also a musician. Surrounded by music throughout her childhood, Donna grew up listening to influential artists such as Karen Clark Sheard, The Clark Sisters, Yolanda Adams, and in her later years, her beloved brother, Marcus Ferguson, which had a significant impact on the music she produces today. 

 

During her teenage years, Donna became aware that her singing could be a vehicle for change. Her brother, Christopher, was diagnosed with autism and mild mental retardation. Donna discovered the power of her music as a therapeutic device — she could see the positive influence it was having on her brother and family. This realization sparked a passion for helping those who have developmental disabilities, which Donna still holds today and continues to channel into her music. 

 

At 18, she enrolled in Cal State University Dominguez Hills and undertook music classes such as Music Appreciation, Introduction to Music Therapy and Music Fundamentals, to deepen her knowledge of the power of music and how to sing correctly. Her graduate thesis was entitled “Music Therapy is a Viable Intervention for the Developmentally Disabled”. Following her graduation, Donna served as a Social Worker and Case Manager within the Los Angeles County for underprivileged families, helping those with mental health problems, developmental disabilities, housing issues and more.