DONNIE REIS

Donnie is one half of the country music duo, War Hippies. The duo first struck a chord with the release last year of their debut single, Killin’ It. The official music video premiered on The Country Network and took the No. 1 spot on the Top 40 Chart, remaining in the Top 5 for more than 20 weeks. It was also the top featured video on CMT.com. War Hippies’ second single, The Hangman, also charted on TCN’s Top 40 Chart and won a Telly Award in 2023 for Craft Videography/Cinematography. Both singles have landed in top positions on the official VEVO True Country playlist and garnered over 2M video views. Their self-titled debut album was released world-wide in October 2022; in its first week, the album reached No. 8 on the iTunes Country chart and No. 30 across all genres. 

Reis is a world-renowned violinist who has spent two decades touring performing violin/fiddle, keys and guitars, and composed hit songs for a variety of artists as well as film and TV projects. 

The pair’s throwback country feel, unique stories and positive message resonates with both fans and fellow artists alike – Randy Travis joined War Hippies on stage for their debut headlining performance and Tritt, along with Chris Janson, added the duo to their 2022 ‘Can’t Miss Tour.'

Donnie is Owner and Executive Producer at Twelve 3 South, Nashville, TN. Donnie began producing artists between tours out of his first studio in Tipp City, OH in 2013.  As production demands increased, Donnie designed, built, and opened his new studio in Nashville, TN in 2017.

Donnie has performed around the world on various tours, the 45th Presidential Inauguration and Inaugural Balls, and even had the honor of standing in for the late Charlie Daniels with The Charlie Daniels Band at Bridgestone Arena.

Donnie launched his own violin line, The Donnie Reis Collection, in 2017. Sweetwater carries his touring pro model. 

In 2023, Donnie started War Hippies Gives, a philanthropic program with Sweetwater that provides stringed instruments and education to kids that otherwise wouldn't have access.

Despite receiving a full music scholarship to Miami University, after completing his Sophomore year, Donnie chose not to pursue a career in classical music. Instead, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the National Guard, while returning to college his Junior year. After seeing the attack on America, September 11th, 2001, his unit began preparations for its call to active duty. He deployed in combat for a year at the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004-2005. He was honorably discharged in 2009.

Since then, Donnie has visited bases all over the world on multiple MWR tours with orders from the Department of the Navy to entertain troops and connect with fellow warriors.

"War Hippies" by War Hippies

#8 iTunes Country Chart

#30 iTunes Chart All Genres

Top 24 Songs of 2022 (all genres) - American Songwriter - Make It Out Alive

"Remember This" by Home Free

Billboard Charts:
#2 Country Album Sales
#2 Independent Albums
#4 Top Country Albums
#44 Billboard Top 200
#8 Top Album Sales
#8 Top Current Albums
#9 Digital Albums

"That's Why We Celebrate" by Straight No Chaser

Billboard Charts:
#23 Adult Contemporary

"Money Tree" by Caroline Glaser

Billboard Chart:
#6 Hot Singles Sales
iTunes Chart:
#2 Singer/Songwriter

"Great and Mighty" by Byron Cage

Billboard Charts:
#1 and #3 Top Gospel Album
#2 and #5 Christian/Gospel Album

#3 Compilation Album
#8 Hot Gospel Songs
#8 Gospel Airplay

#43 Top Album Sales
#155 Billboard Top 200

"Champion" by Tye Tribbett

Billboard Charts:
#1 Top Gospel Album
#23 Gospel Digital Song
#60 Billboard Top 200