Guest Musician: Guitar
Donnie Russo is living proof that cool doesn’t retire—it just gets a better amp. Whether he’s strumming along in one of our live performances or cheering from the sidelines at his grandson’s baseball games, Donnie brings rhythm, soul, and just the right amount of dad-joke energy wherever he goes. His musical journey started with little league baseball dreams and a best friend named Randy Yelton—who’s still by his side today, decades and countless jam sessions later. These two have been in bands together longer than most people keep the same hairstyle (which, for Donnie, is short. Real short.). A collector of guitars and Pink Panther quotes, Donnie’s got a soft spot for his dog Ralf (a.k.a. “the wonder dog”), a closet full of unpredictable wardrobe choices, and a playlist that always includes Earth, Wind & Fire—especially when he’s dancing solo in the living room.When he’s not making music or avoiding mistakes (his self-professed fear), he’s dreaming of finishing his original recordings and finally checking Italy off his bucket list. Until then, he’s our resident midrange elevator pitch with high-impact heart.And if you think he’s not that funny… just wait. He swears he is. (We kind of believe him.)
Donnie says what first drew him to Plays On Word was simple: our dedication to the Lord. It’s rare to find a ministry so fully committed to honoring God through the arts, and that’s something he deeply desired to be part of. What keeps him involved is the heart of service — witnessing how every note, every performance, and every moment is used to point others to Christ.
He’s inspired by the way this ministry brings Scripture to life—reaching people in powerful and creative ways, often when they least expect it. Being part of this team encourages Donnie to remain faithful in his own calling as a musician and believer.
If Donnie had to sum it up in one phrase, it would be this:
“Keep on.”
Keep on serving.
Keep on worshiping.
Keep on trusting the Lord to work through us.
...
back to team members
Join our e-News to stay up-to-date on future performances, more music and video releases and new merchandise!
NC Address (Mail all correspondence here):
2827 Midway Rd. SE,
STE 106, PMB #227
Bolivia, NC, 28422 • United States
NJ Address:
43 Abe Voorhees Drive, Suite 583
Manasquan, NJ 08736
.png){kind=small}
(732) 800-2304
.png){kind=small}
team@playsonword.org
.svg){kind=small}
