Bio
Growing up in Warren, Ohio with her parents and sister, 25-year-old Karli Whetstone learned early on that commitment to excellence and a passion for success are vital for reaching lifelong dreams. “My parents came from humble beginnings, but it did not stop them from making their dreams a reality. They taught me that with hard work, determination, and a belief in myself, comes success and achievement. I have always known that I would become a singer. I never believed I would be anything else, and my parents supported me in my dream from the very beginning. At the age of 15, they started taking me to Nashville. It was at that same time that I also began playing out. My early performances were at wedding receptions and lounges. My dad was my biggest supporter taking me to my shows and being one of my stagehands. These early singing experiences taught me so much. They gave me the opportunity to grow as a singer and entertainer and explore the type of artist I wanted to become.
Karli’s classical training coupled with her love of country music brings a voice that resonates power, passion, and vulnerability. She credits Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Faith Hill, and Martina McBride as her musical influences. Although these influences can be heard in her music, Karli has created a sound and style that is all her own. She has continued to refine and develop herself into a true artist who brings something new and special to country music.
Not only is Karli a gifted singer, she is also a state and national champion dancer with over 15 years of training under her belt. Karli is truly the complete performer who is no stranger to the stage. She has been performing for large audiences for more than 20 years. Karli’s early and continued exposure to the stage helped pave the way for her to be chosen as the opening act for some of country music’s leading acts which include: Taylor Swift, Phil Vassar, Neal McCoy, Jack Ingram, Joe Nichols, Tracy Byrd, and Darryl Worley to name a few. “I love singing and performing for an audience. My goal at every show is to make each person feel that passion. There is nothing better than looking into your audience and seeing that you are reaching them.”
Karli met her husband Doug Datish in the sixth grade. They began dating in the ninth grade and were married in 2008. Doug is a former Ohio State football player whose new home is with the Tennessee Titans. Although Doug’s gift is playing football, his voice can be found in Karli’s song, “Ohio.” He was recruited to perform background vocals by producer Clyde Brooks. “Doug was at the studio while we were recording the opening of “Ohio” and Clyde realized we needed a lower voice to balance out the O-H-I-O, so Doug got thrown into the vocal booth. It was a little difficult for me to concentrate. I couldn’t stop laughing as I looked at Doug in front of the microphone. It was a quite a change from his football pads and such a unique moment for us to share.”
Karli is definitely at home in the recording studio. Her first time in the studio was at the age of just 15. Since then, Karli has worked with the elite of Nashville players. Chris Leuzinger, Pat Buchanan, Richard Bennett, Jimmy Nichols, Bruce Bouton, Lonnie Wilson, Dan Dugmore, Mike Brignardello, Glen Duncan, Larry Paxton, John Jarvis, and Larry Beaird are some of the musicians that she has had the honor of recording with. Karli is especially excited to have background singers Cindy Walker Richardson, Tom Flora, John Wesley Ryles, and Dennis Wilson singing on her album.
Another one of Karli’s highlights in recording her album was recording at some of the best studios in Nashville. She also had the opportunity to work with sound engineers Peter Coleman, Mike Bradley, and Bob Bullock and vocal engineer Mark Lambert. “Having Clyde Brooks as my producer, has been a turning point in my career. I feel blessed to have met Clyde. We just clicked from the very beginning. Clyde did an amazing job putting the perfect people in place for every aspect of the recording process. I have had the incredible opportunity of singing, meeting, and working with such wonderful and talented professionals, and it has made my first album that much more special.”
Once Karli and Clyde thought they had completed the album, Karli came to Clyde with an idea. Karli had co-written a song back in Ohio with her keyboard player, Eric Wintersteller actually called, “Ohio.” It continued to get such an amazing audience response that Karli knew it just had to be a part of her album. Karli brought the song to Clyde and back into the studio they went. “Ohio will always be my home no matter how long I am away. I think it is wonderful to have a song about a place I love so much. I also love that we could talk about the Buckeyes! Anyone who lives in Ohio will tell you that there is nothing like Ohio State Football!” After adding “Ohio” and one of Karli’s favorite songs, “I’m Having a Good Day” to the album, it was finally complete.
Karli teamed with music industry pro Paul Lucks and GrassRoots Promotion’s Nancy Tunik and Jim Alderdice. Paul Lucks was instrumental in establishing the careers of Shania Twain, Toby Keith, and Billy Ray Cyrus. GrassRoots Promotion is a radio promotion and music marketing company in Nashville, Tennessee whose clients include: Faith Hill, Big & Rich, Trace Adkins, and Randy Travis. The company was able to introduce and promote Karli’s song “Ohio” to the stage, and of course to Ohio State Buckeye fans. GrassRoots Promotion completed a campaign that included: statewide radio promotion; publicity in print, television, and online outlets across Ohio; press releases; email campaigns; scheduling of performances and interviews; contests; and much more. “Ohio” played all football season at Ohio Stadium, endearing Karli to Buckeye fans everywhere.
Karli has once again partnered with Paul Lucks and GrassRoots Promotion’s to debut her first national single, “I’m Having A Good Day.” “I’m Having A Good Day” was written by, Lorna Flowers, Mary Francis, Karen Keeley, and Tom Templeman, and will be released to over 400 radio stations on February 15th. With an established fan base amongst Ohio, and Ohio State Buckeye fans, they are very excited to introduce Karli, her music, and all that she has to offer to Country Radio. They will embark on a radio tour this spring, to further introduce Karli to Country Music Fans.
Karli currently resides in Nashville with Doug and their two Maltese dogs, Windsor and Bentley. She works to further her dream of being signed to a recording contract and bringing a new voice to today’s radio. “I want to make an impact in country music, and I look forward to being a positive influence within it. My goal is to be known as a great vocalist with a show that is second to none. I am anxious to take my career to the next level and introduce country fans to my music!”
