Doug Spears

 

With sand in his blood and orange blossom honey in his soul, Doug Spears is a fifth-generation Florida native whose songs often reflect the salt air, back roads, and deep-rooted stories of the American south, particularly the Sunshine State. A modern-day troubadour's blend of musician, songwriter and storyteller, Doug Spears is an authentic acoustic folk / Americana artist with a unique style that somehow seems immediately familiar.  His songs and stories reflect not only his fifth generation Florida roots, but the experience earned through a life well lived.   His song craft is a skillful weaving of lyric portraits illuminated on stage by the "stories behind the songs" delivered with engaging warmth and humor.  For more than 35 years Doug has been a veteran favorite on the festival, listening room and house concert circuits throughout Florida and across the US.

Rooted in the Americana and folk traditions, Doug’s warm acoustic sound draws comparisons to iconic singer-songwriters like Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, and James Taylor. His music is marked by thoughtful lyrics, memorable melodies, and a natural ease on stage that invites audiences to lean in and listen. Doug’s original songs have been heard worldwide on independent radio throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe, earning him a loyal following wherever he travels.

Doug continues to tour and perform throughout Florida and the southeast U.S., appearing both as a solo artist and in collaboration with longtime friends and musical partners Ron & Bari Litschauer of West Palm Beach. He also performs periodically as Doug Spears & the Florida Cracker Collective, a special gathering that, in addition to Ron & Bari, includes Lon & Lis Williamson of Gatorbone Records in Keystone Heights, Florida—respected mainstays of the Florida folk and acoustic music community. Together, they use Doug’s original songs as the canvas for eloquent harmonies, clean and tightly crafted arrangements, and musical stagecraft refined by decades of shared experience.

Whether performing solo with just an acoustic guitar or fronting a collective of seasoned collaborators, Doug Spears delivers songs that feel both deeply personal and universally familiar—music rooted in place, shaped by time, and carried by a storyteller who knows exactly where he comes from.

Doug and his wife, Judy, make their homes in Flagler Beach, Florida, and Parsons, West Virginia.


 

Sample Recognition and Awards

Winner of the American Songwriter Magazine Lyrics Contest July / August 2007 - "Break Some Stones" and Honorable Mention Sept / Oct - “Sinner's Song;”  Honorable Mention Jan / Feb 2010 “Hemingway's Hurricane.”

Will McLean Award – 1997 Banks of the Old St. Johns;  2008 State of Dreams

Florida Times Union CD of the Year 2007 – Break Some Stones

International Acoustic Music Awards - 2010 - “Yellow Butter Moon," runner-up best new country / bluegrass song.

Quotes

". . . a rich earthiness to his playing that recalls that of Gordon Lightfoot and a gruffer James Taylor", Creative Loafing Tampa

"... an impressive combination of economical wordplay and simple, evocative melodies." Jim Abbott, The Orlando Sentinel.

". . . an amazing songwriter!" Marilyn Duncan, Soona Songs, Dallas, Tx.

"Doug Spears . . . [is] an accomplished songwriter , and . . . Truths & Lies, is burnished like an old hardwood floor. . . . With a voice reminiscent of John Denver and a full acoustic backup band, Spears has put out a folk/Americana disc that's as enjoyable for the local storytelling as it is for the musicianship." Bob Whitby - Orlando Weekly.

" . . . definitely a complete artist--voice, guitar, writing, and stage presence all blend seamlessly and comfortably" says Rocco Colello, Colello Promotions, Tampa, Fl.

“His impeccable musicianship, heartfelt songwriting and warm and entertaining stage presence are welcome at Lena's Place anytime!" Steve Wells, Lena's Place Coffeehouse, Atlanta, Ga.

"Lightfoot meets Taylor w/ the smooth vocal delivery of Gene Watson, bravo!" LeAnna Mosely, Music Moonk Music, Virginia.

“Doug’s words and music go straight to the heart and he doesn’t let up, from start to finish.” Ron Johnson, Florida Times Union

". . . it just doesn't get any better than Doug Spears. He is a poet!" Greg Abate, Who’s Next?: A Music Review e-zine, Los Angeles, CA.