Donald “Don” Steins

Donald F. Steins
August 9, 1942 – June 8, 2025

Don is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Sue Steins; his loving daughter, Donna Lynn (Geoffrey) Damon; and his cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) Damon and Emily (Gareth) Stedman. Don’s love of music was evident in everything he did, and he loved mentoring and sharing his gift with others. His memory will live on in the music he made, the lives he touched as well as his quick wit and compassion for
others.

Don began studying at CCM in 1961 after graduating from high school. In 1962, Don married his high school sweetheart, Donna Brown. A surprise came in 1964, when their daughter, Donna Lynn was born. At this point, Don decided to put his education on hold and take a job and work gigs on the weekend to make ends meet. In 1974, Don began working for Interstate Brands where he stayed for over 20 years and still played gigs on the weekend. After he was disabled from his job at Interstate Brands in 1994, Don decided to go back to school to finish his
degree. Don was a keyboardist, arranger and saxophonist who earned a Bachelor of Music degree in performance from Northern Kentucky University in 2002 while also attending the University of Kentucky where he studied saxophone and earned his Master’s degree.

While at UK pursuing his Doctorate degree, Don performed and recorded with the University of Kentucky #1 Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo & Mega-Sax ensembles. He was awarded the honor of outstanding soloist with the UK Jazz Ensemble at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival in 1999. During his time at UK, Don was chosen to be the keyboardist for the UK Jazz Band. The Jazz Band played all over Europe with their final performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

During his career, he performed extensively throughout the US, with such well-known celebrities as Manhattan Transfer, Pattie La Belle, Andy Williams, Vicki Carr, The Judds, and numerous other artists. More recently, Don appeared as a soloist with the Paul Hawthorne Quartet at the Fifth Third Bank, “It’s Commonly Jazz” Series, in Cincinnati; The “UJIMA Cinci-Bration 2000 Jazz Festival”; opening for Shirley Horn at the Crown Jewels of Jazz Concert Series at Music Hall 2000, and performing at the Cincinnati Symphony Concert Series 2002/2003.

Don continued to pursue his teaching career as a part-time faculty member for 12 years at NKU and worked with the NKU Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Don was Musical Director, Arranger, and Keyboardist for the Cincinnati Reds/Ben-Gals at Cinergy Field for two seasons and was featured as guest soloist with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. In 2021 Don was inducted into the Cincinnati Jazz Hall of Fame.

Don’s extensive musical career included being an active performer and arranger for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, The Powerhouse Boogie Band, Don Steins / Paul Hawthorne Big Band, and the Paul Hawthorne / Don Steins Jazz Trio & Quartet; and was the musical director for Kona Ice INC., he was a member of the Cincinnati Musician’s Union and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Linnemann Funeral Homes in Erlanger, Kentucky. A funeral service will follow at 12:30 PM. Burial will take place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.