Donald Drowty, 87, remembered for his music and his lifelong commitment to helping others

Donald Drowty, remembered both for his music and his lifelong commitment to helping others, passed away at the age of 87 on December 28, 2025, leaving a legacy of creativity, compassion, and service.

Don was best known as a member of Dante and the Evergreens, the early rock-and-roll group that helped define the West Coast sound of the late 1950s. As part of the group, he contributed to music that brought joy to countless listeners and secured a lasting place in American popular music history.

Beyond the stage, Don's life was guided by a deeper calling: sharing the love of Jesus through teaching and service. He founded Project Touch USA, an organization that provided clothes, toys, and other essential items to children in need. He devoted himself to working with underprivileged youth, believing strongly in the power of learning, mentorship, and encouragement to change lives.

His work included teaching at-risk and disabled students and extended to Native American reservations, where he invested his time and heart in supporting young people who often faced limited resources and opportunities. To those he taught and mentored, Don was more than an educator-he was a steady presence who listened, believed in their potential, and encouraged them to see a future filled with possibility. In recognition of his dedication, he was honored as Educator of the Year in 2010.

As a young musician, Donald Drowty was a founding member of Dante and the Evergreens in the 1950's.

As a veteran, Don has dedicated his life to service beyond the uniform. He has given gifts, support, and hospitality to scores of wounded warriors who have suffered life-altering injuries, both locally and overseas. For decades, he honored the lives of our military by assisting families with funeral service support.

In 1985, Don and his close friend Herb Alpert brought together many of the world's leading recording artists for the American Music Project-a true labor of love that reached 70,000 schools and touched the lives of more than 21 million children.

Those who knew Don remember him as someone who was extraordinarily generous with his time and resources. Whether through music or education, he understood the importance of meeting people where they were and offering something meaningful-hope, faith, guidance, or simply a song that made life a little brighter.

In his later years, when he was no longer physically strong enough to travel to help children in person, Don did not stop serving. He continued writing letters daily to remind others that there were still people in need. He was never content to sit still or focus on pursuits that did not help others. Until the final months of his life, he continued raising funds and advocating for those who depended on compassion and generosity.

Don Drowty's life stands as a testament to the belief that true success is measured not only by public achievements, but by the lives touched, the hope shared, his love for Jesus and the love given freely to others.

As a young musician, Donald Drowty was a founding member of Dante and the Evergreens in the 1950's.

It was Dons wish to specifically thank the hundreds of people who have volunteered their time, resources and talents over the years to provide for the disabled, abused, orphaned, those in poverty and cancer stricken. You were essential in helping make his vision of helping others a reality.

Don's Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00AM at Paradise Alliance Church in Paradise, CA. The service will be live streamed. There will be a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, honoring Don's lifelong legacy of helping children.

https://youtu.be/VmWxgvAurlI?si=d1lE1zxttO5kKFRo