JD Dohnal is an award-winning, Nashville-based songwriter/musician/producer who's songs have been used in major motion pictures, TV, advertising, and recorded by several artists. JD writes in a variety of styles but mainly focuses on the country market. He takes pride in coming up with clever hooks, double entendre story lines, and great melodies. JD tries to write songs that evoke some sort of emotion, or at the very least, make you smile and bob your head. Please check out his song page to get a taste of several styles of music he has written: country, rock, pop, adult contemporary, etc.
Latest News
2024 Yearly Update
Last year will be tough to beat, but I'm hoping for the best! My song "She's Not You" was a Grand Prize winner in The John Lennon Songwriting Contest, and my song "Falling" (co-written with Dave Tough) was the theme song for the movie "Take Me To Banue". (The same song was in the Seth Rogen movie "Observe and Report", but it's featured much more prominently in this film.) My band "Top Tier" had our biggest year yet in 2023. We traveled pretty extensively and played in some states we hadn't performed in previously. I saw and enjoyed parts of the country and cool towns that I hadn't experienced before. Cheers to you all for a great 2024! - JD
Bio for JD Dohnal
JD Dohnal is a Nashville-based songwriter/musician/producer.
"Jammin" JD was born and raised in the frozen tundra of Green Bay, WI and then headed to Minneapolis, MN where he was a guitar major at Music Tech of Minneapolis (now named McNally Smith School of Music). After being featured on two compilation CDs that showcased some of the state's top writers, he moved to Nashville, TN so he could truly pursue songwriting.
JD writes in a variety of styles, has won many awards, has had his songs used in film, TV, advertising, and recorded by various artists. Below are some of his highlights:
* His song "Falling" being used in the 2009 Warner Bros movie "Observe and Report" and as the theme song in the 2023 movie "Take Me To Banue".
* His song "Christmas Cheer" being used for the Disney movie "Noelle" in 2019 and "NCIS: Los Angeles" on CBS
* His song "Hillbilly Hollywood" being used on the ABC show "Nashville".
* His song "Back To Her Roots" being featured for the hit show "CSI".
* His song "Thank God For The Weekend" being used numerous times for NBC's "Access Hollywood", "Sunday Night Football", and about 20 other shows and networks.
* His song "Hillbilly Hollywood" being used for "Limitless" on CBS
* His music has aired on ABC, NBC, CBS, HBO, SHOWTIME, CINEMAX, ESPN, MTV, SPIKE, DISNEY, USA NETWORK, ANIMAL PLANET, FOX, NEWS, GOLF CHANNEL, TLC, OUTDOOR CHANNEL, and many other networks.
* His songs are played throughout Europe as in-store music at countless restaurants and retailers.
* Had songs used in ads by major companies such at Beachbody and Talenti Gelato.
* Had songs recorded by artists in Australia, Germany, Canada, and the United States.
* Has done work-for-hire songwriting/production projects for Killer Tracks/Universal Music Group in Los Angeles.
* Has non-exclusive publishing contracts with publishers in Nashville, Los Angeles, England, Canada, and elsewhere.
* Grand Prize winner in the 2022 John Lennon Songwriting Contest (country category) with "She's Not You".
* Finalist winner in the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest (rock category) with "It's Not Over".
* Grand Prize winner in the 2009 John Lennon Songwriting Contest (country category) with "Beatles Without John".
* Grand Prize winner in the 2008 USA Songwriting Competition (country category) with "Month of Mondays".
* Grand Prize winner in the 2004 Nashville Song Search.
* Winner in the 2009 International Songwriting Contest, and the 2010 Indie International Songwriting contest.
When JD's not writing lyrics on napkins, singing into his iPhone, or cheering for the Packers, JD loves to be on stage. He's been on the same bill as such notable acts as The Cars, Rick Springfield, Craig Morgan, Ambrosia, Daryle Singletary, and John Ford Coley. He is the founder/bassist/manager of "Top Tier" -- a top-notch private events band that performs throughout the United States. He takes his music seriously, but not himself. He was born to be on stage, and is known for his high-energy, crazy, and often humorous stage antics. Whether it's dancing on a tabletop, doing the pogo while rockin' out, or facilitating the famous "bass limbo", JD is always sure to entertain.