Don Braswell appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2008 when one of the confirmed acts had to drop out. Mark Koopmans, who co-wrote the book with Donald, following the show in 2008 and Don’s life over the next 6 years. Don’s memoir recounts trials and tribulations from his accident in Wales that resulted in him losing his singing voice and ability to make sound at all [his vocal folds were sliced by broken glass] to his life now. He worked hard to regain his voice when he was told he may never talk or sing again and in doing so, he found his faith and strength which brought him back to sing for everyone on America’s Got Talent. This revived his career in music and in life as a result. Donald worked with Mark going over the details of what is really such a miraculous series of events. The book came out on November 3rd but can be ordered now in various ways.“Revival” is put out by Pen-L Publishing.
The book would also make a great present this season for someone who has their own struggles and needs a little boost. If you would like to order one or several for gifts, here are links to order it.
http://www.amazon.ca/Revival-Donald-III-Braswell/dp/1942428626
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revival-donald-braswell/
After the filming of the callbacks for AGT, Kristine of the Russian Bar Trio was seriously injured. This opened up a slot in the Top 40 group. The judges selected eight acts, all of which had been eliminated during the callbacks. Viewers voted from among the eight, and selected Donald Braswell II to return to the competition. Don eventually came in 4th place in the competition.
From the AGT/Wikipedia site: Donald Braswell II
• General: Former professional opera singer from San Antonio, Texas; he suffered severe damage to the soft tissues of his throat in 1995. He was told by doctors he might never speak normally again, let alone sing.
• Preliminaries, Week 5: sang “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban. The first half was booed by the audience, but in the end, they loved it.
• Las Vegas Callbacks: Sang “Lost” by Michael Bublé. Eliminated but was in the Judges wildcard
• Semifinals (Part 1): Won the Wildcard slot and returned to the competition.
• Top 40: Sang “Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. [Piers] Morgan said that America was right for bringing Braswell back. Osbourne compared Braswell to Robert Goulet, but wondered if there was a place for someone like Goulet in today’s industry. Passed through.
• Top 20: Sang “The Music of the Night” from The Phantom of the Opera. Passed through.
• Top 10: Sang “To Where You Are” by Josh Groban. Passed through.
• Top 5: Sang “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban again, this time with choral accompaniment.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America’s_Got_Talent_(season_3)