Beatitude

Donovan Taylor is using his talents to help others in need and is inviting you to do so with him.

Donovan has released his debut album entitled “Beatitude” - a 13-song musical gem inspired by themes of love, mental health, and faith - and is ready to perform his creation.  Inspired by the medieval Christian artwork found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, Donovan combines his backgrounds in indie-rock, classical and jazz to artistically convey the emotions involved in overcoming challenges with mental health.  Each song in the album shares a poetic piece of insight into Donovan’s own mental health journey.

Knowing first hand the barriers to (and importance of) access to appropriate resources when struggling with debilitating mental illness, Donovan is using this album as an opportunity to connect with others while raising awareness and support to increase mental health care access.

Continue below for more information about the project and how YOU can be involved.

The Project Preparation

  • Fundraising for The Beatitude Project was initiated Fall 2022. We share our deepest thanks to everyone who generously participated in this aspect of the project. We have completed our fundraising!

  • While not a traditional tour, Donovan Taylor and his talented friends have performed at several local NYC venues featuring the not-yet-released “Beatitude” music.

    The tour’s title is based on the New Testament story where Peter declares to a crippled man that he has no silver or gold, then states, “but such as I have give I thee”. Peter then heals the man. The title is representative of Donovan’s desire to use the gifts he has to help others heal their wounds.

    Donovan is pleased to announce a partnership with Gantry Group (www.gantrygroup.org), a nonprofit aimed at providing resources to college-aged individuals from underserved backgrounds. Donovan Taylor Music will be using proceeds from "The Beatitude Project” to support this organization in providing mental health services to first-generation students suffering with emotional/mental wounds.

  • Donovan and his talented team created a music video of "Candles", the single he will release in conjunction with his album. In addition, he has been releasing a series of videos with interviews of himself and others regarding his mental health journey and it's influence on his album. These videos are available to view on Donovan's instagram account, @donovantaylormusic.

  • "Beatitude" is released and available on all streaming platforms as well as limited physical copies. Donovan would like to share his heartfelt gratitude for the irreplaceable efforts of Robert Willes (production, Tampico Lasting Love), Tom McCormick (mixing and mastering, Big and Tall Recording). and his many talented musician friends (Robert Willes, Nick Roussaeu, Sean Hannon, Alex Ramirez, Bumbly, Tal Haslam) who played on the recordings.

    The album was released on September 6, 2024.

    A generous portion of the profits from album and merchandise sales related to the album were gifted to our partnered non-profit, Gantry Group.

  • Donovan's desire is that his album can be a gift that continues to give. In that effort, he has headed up the creation of "The Beatitude Project" live-event. With the desire for his music to inspire strength and community for those impacted by mental illness.

    He has partnered with NYC local photographer/videographer, Ty Mecham, to capture portraits and interviews of several NYC residents who share their vulnerable journeys with mental heath struggles. These videos and photos will be integrated into the live-performance.

    Donovan is taking the project on tour all across the country. Not only playing shows for the public, but also performing in prisons, homeless shelters, hospitals etc.

    1. Follow Donovan on Instagram and/or YouTube (see “Music” tab).

    2. Listen to and enjoy “Beatitude”.

    3. If we are touring in your city, attend the show!

    4. Purchase merchandise online (follow "Shop" link above).

    5. Be kind to everyone around you. Seek for opportunities to serve and lift. You never know what someone is going through on the inside.

Step 1: “Silver and Gold Have I None” Tour

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

Acts 3:6

Step 2: Music and Mental Health Social Media Videos

Step Three: The Release of “Beatitude” on September 6, 2024

“Old bridge will you give me everything I ever gave to you. I’m sorry I thought I knew you…knew you…

“Light, fill my eyes, fill my eyes…light…”

George Washington Bridge, from the “Beatitude” album

Step 4: “Else Another Light Might Go Out” U.S. Tour

The idea of “radical abundance” was sparked in Donovan’s mind one day while discussing his professional music aspirations with a mentor who encouraged him to focus less on what he could “get” and more on what he could “give”. That idea and conversation was the birth place of “the Beatitude Project”. In an act of “radical abundance”, Donovan teamed up with talented photographer, Ty Mecham, to photograph and video record several New Yorkers who courageously share their stories with mental illness. The visual art is then projected on a screen, while Donovan and his band perform live the album Beatitude in its entirety.

In the year 2026, The Beatitude Project, is going on tour across the country to cities like Salt Lake City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle and New York City.

Follow the journey.