Donto, born in 1968, was raised by his renowned mother, Etta, amidst her struggles with addiction. As Etta battled her demons in and out of rehab, Donto’s upbringing was marked by a transient lifestyle, moving between motels and even sleeping in cars while living with his grandmother, who lacked a stable home.

Donto’s upbringing was marked by secrecy about his mother’s addictions. Returning to live with her in South Los Angeles at 9, they faced financial struggles. Despite hardships, Donto accompanied his mom on tours, even guarding her privacy from Mick Jagger at 12. Their move to Riverside, California, in the 1990s coincided with Etta’s career peak, managed by De Leon.

Donto, alongside his brother Sametto, (both born to different fathers)  joined her band, showcasing their musical talents. While details about Donto’s education are scarce, his expertise likely stems from hands-on experience and mentorship in the music industry.

Donto James has forged a multifaceted career in music, renowned as a skilled drummer performing alongside his mother, Etta James. His prowess extends to music production and engineering, earning him Grammy recognition for albums like “Let’s Roll” and “Blues to the Bone.” Alongside stage performances with Etta and other artists, Donto’s versatility and talent have earned him respect in the blues music scene.

Additionally, Donto’s role in making legal decisions for his mother, as granted power of attorney, highlights his deep familial commitment. Despite his prominence, Donto maintains privacy regarding his personal life, as he prefers to keep that aspect of his life out of the public eye.