Ral Donner was a singer with several hits in the 1960s. He had a voice similar to Elvis Presley but a style all his own. Donner died in 1984, leaving behind a musical legacy as well as sons Erik and Ral, Jr., both of whom followed in his footsteps while carving their own niches.
About a year ago I finally saw Erik perform. Last weekend, I saw Ral, Jr. for the first time. Ral, Jr. was performing at Paterno’s Pizza on the northwest side of Chicago, where I met my friends Paul and Lori Myers and a few of their friends.
Ral, Jr. started with a few hits from the 1950s and 1960s, including “The Girl of My Best Friend,” one of his dad’s biggest hits and a favorite of mine. While I heard his dad’s influence in his singing, Ral, Jr. made all the songs his own. He passed another test of mine with his rendition of Billy Joel’s “You May Be Right.” He nailed it and got the dance floor rocking.

It was a real pleasure watching him perform and talking a bit with him. I never met his father, but now I saw Ral, Jr. and his brother Erik perform. My next goal is to see the Donner brothers perform together.

Paterno’s menu is fairly standard, but the food is excellent. I had a delicious turkey burger. I also snuck a piece of the pizza the others ordered. Perfectly cooked, thin and crispy, it was fantastic.

Ral, Sr. told Ral, “Keep right on singin’, son.” More than 40 years later, Ral, Jr. is still entertaining fans, including me.

— John Wroblewski, online writer