Donley was a songwriter and singer in New Orleans at rock ‘n’ roll’s dawning. He sold songs that became hits to Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis. Alas, ironically, he is best remembered for his tune, Born To Be a Loser, which came out as a b-side in 1958.

For Night Music, his 1962 tune, Please Mr. Sandman is much better for taking us all to bed. Donley, alas, chased by demons and alcohol, took his life in 1963, leaving behind just two hands full of New Orleans rock ‘n’ roll/rockabilly sides to be remembered by.