Donald Webber

More recently, Donald’s compositions have been embraced by major gospel institutions, including The National and Local Chapters of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), Margaret Douroux’s New Song Workshops, Phillip Carter’s New Music Seminar (2023), and The Hampton University Minister’s Conference (2024).

In 1981, Donald co-founded The Eternal Life Singers alongside Catherine Rachal to further his mission of spreading the gospel through music.

A dedicated member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) under Bishop Albert Jamison, Sr., Donald has contributed significantly to the organization, including playing organ on Stan Lee’s Magnify the Lord and having several of his songs accepted at the national level—starting with God is Watching You (1982) and most recently In a Manger (2022). Donald has also served as an Electronic Piano instructor within the Academic Division and played a key role in modernizing GMWA’s music distribution by transitioning from individual sheet music to comprehensive booklets.

Beyond GMWA, Donald is a longtime member of Musicians in Action (M.I.A.), founded by Jacque and Gerald Malone, and was honored with The Music Ministry Award (1994). He also pioneered the first Computer/Synthesizer Sequencing clinic for M.I.A.

Donald’s ecumenical calling has led him to serve in multiple denominations, including Baptist, Church of God in Christ, Apostolic, United Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Foursquare, Church of God, Church of the Living God, A.M.E., and Presbyterian congregations.

His extensive experience in gospel music and ministry has led to invitations to speak on panels and participate in documentary projects, including Dr. Margaret Douroux’s “Songversation” at the California African American Museum, PBS KCET’s Artbound series on The Evolution of Gospel Music in Los Angeles, and the post-screening panel for PBS’s This is Our Story, This is Our Song.

At just 13 years old, Donald began playing piano for his home church, Carver Baptist Church. By 15, he had transitioned to the organ, and his youth choir was featured on a local mortuary’s monthly radio broadcast. At 17, he played for the Greater Temple of God Baptist Church, one of the most prominent gospel radio broadcasts in Los Angeles. His radio presence expanded to include Greater New Unity Baptist Church, Paradise Baptist Church, and guest performances at churches such as Greater St. Paul COGIC, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, New Temple Baptist Church, and Southern Missionary Baptist Church.

After gaining recognition through his radio performances, Donald was invited by Samuel Spann, Minister of Music at the renowned Victory Baptist Church, to serve as their organist for a nationally recognized broadcast aired just before James Cleveland’s program each Sunday morning. This opportunity cemented Donald’s reputation as a sought-after musician in gospel music.

Throughout his career, Donald has served as Minister of Music at First United Methodist Church of Compton, Calvary United Methodist Church, and Vermont Square United Methodist Church. He also played for Hooper Avenue and Faith Community Foursquare Churches during their early morning services.

Donald’s contributions extend into gospel recordings, having played and recorded with several distinguished groups and choirs. He worked on The Stan Lee Ensemble's Tomorrow album, contributed to four albums with The Voices of Watts Choir, and recorded with Rodena Preston & The Voices of Deliverance on their Rejoice album. His song I’ve Got to Make It was featured on that project. One of his most cherished recordings was First Church of God Christian School’sSalvation and Glory, where he played organ as his sons, Donald Jr. and Derek, sang in the 400-voice Student Mass Choir.

Donald has also been featured in several internet radio interviews, including:

• The Accelerated Radio Network, hosted by Crystal Glass

• WESL Satellite Radio (weslradio.com), broadcasting in over 125 countries, hosted by Chuck Spearman

• WVTC Detroit Radio (The Sande Rose Show), hosted by Sande Rose

As an entrepreneur, Donald founded Real Gospel Music, the first online platform offering instructional videos and books on playing gospel music. He later established Real Gospel Universal, LLC, which oversees various facets of his music ministry and business ventures.

In addition to his music career, Donald dedicated 48 years of service as a Court Manager and Court Administrator for the Los Angeles Superior Court, retiring in July 2019. Following his retirement, he turned his full attention to his passion for gospel music and ministry.

In September 2019, Donald launched Donald Webber & God’s Promise, a gospel choir dedicated to singing and recording the songs God has placed on his heart. Since its formation, the group has released two projects:

• He’s Perfect (a Christmas album, available on all streaming platforms)

• He’s in My Life (currently in post-production, set for release in 2025)

Additionally, the group has released three singles:

• My Lord Got Up, He’s Alive

• Where Is God?

• Is This The One?

A fourth single, It’s Time to Come Back to Church, is set for release in March 2025.

Through a lifetime dedicated to faith, music, and service, Donald Webber continues to be a powerful force in gospel music, mentoring future generations, spreading the message of Christ, and creating a lasting impact in the world of gospel ministry.