Donna Hammitt - Great Player - w/ Bill Anderson

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 9 Jan 2025 1:48 pm

One of my favorite women players of a mainly male dominated instrument. Donna is 2nd to no one. I know she stopped to pursue a nursing career/ I wonder if she still plays. This video of when she was Bill Anderson's road player is awesome. It is a whole concert and Bill does a lot of talking (it's his 40th Grand Ole Opry celebration), but the whole thing is worth watching as Donna tears it up.

Check out Orange Blossom Special at 19:44

WAlk Out Backwards @ 29:00

BAnd introductions @ 39:10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMF0ZeN ... nnel=E.I.R

Andy Jones · Post by **Andy Jones** » 10 Jan 2025 6:05 am

There used to be several videos of her on Youtube and they are probably still up.She was a top-notch player no doubt.You can't blame her for wanting a stable job and career,but I wonder if she still plays for fun and enjoyment? It would be a shame to be that talented to just quit playing all together.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 10 Jan 2025 7:17 am

Her YT videos are still up. I've watched several. I agree that it would be a shame if she completely quit.

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 10 Jan 2025 11:03 am

Stoney Stonechipher was her teacher. The last I heard she was a nurse at Vanderbilt.

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 10 Jan 2025 4:21 pm

Yes, she still plays occasionally with some of the Knoxville bands when she comes home to visit. Good player and nice person.

RC

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 10 Jan 2025 8:04 pm

Good to know she still plays. I remember her from the early days and Donna was a smoking hot player. I'm glad she still sits in with the bands.

Brett Day · Post by **Brett Day** » 11 Jan 2025 3:35 pm

I met Donna Hammitt in 2000 when I went to the Opry, and she played a Franklin! Her steel teacher, Stoney Stonecipher was the man who helped me get started playing steel. Donna's a great player!