In 1967, His song "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" was a #1 US,#4 UK Pop hit for Tom Jones and later, in 1976, was recorded by Elvis Presley.
He was awarded an M.B.E. (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in
the 2000 Queen's Birthday Honors List for his services to music.
Adopted the name Lonnie after his idol, blues singer Lonnie Johnson.
His 1956 (#5 US Pop) rendition of "Rock Island Line" was covered that
same year by newcomer Bobby Darin and Don Cornell. Cornell's version
reached #69 US Pop. He was introduced to the song as he had the same
American tour manager as Donnegan.
In Sept 1961, over 2 years prior to the "The British Invasion", Lonnie backed by his "Skiffle Group" had the #5 US Pop hit with "Does Your Chewing Gum Lose its Flavor On The Bedpost Overnight ? ".
His son Peter Donegan is also a singer and a musician.