Dr. Donald L. Bailey received his Bachelor of Music Education summa cum laude and his Master of Arts in Vocal Performance from Eastern New Mexico University. He earned his Doctorate of Arts in Conducting at the University of Northern Colorado, and then continued to pursue post-graduate studies at Indiana University, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and Westminster Choir College.

Dr. Bailey served as the Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University from 1993 until his retirement in 2008. Prior to that, he held similar positions at Arizona State University, Texas Tech University, Houghton College in New York, and Eastern New Mexico University receiving teaching excellence awards at both ASU and Houghton.

During his distinguished career, his choirs were invited performers at three national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, five Texas Music Educators Association conferences, as well as invitations to the New York State School Music Association, the Arizona Music Educators Association, and the Music Educators National Conference.

A gifted composer, Dr. Bailey's music is available through Alliance Music Publications and Gentry Publications. His compositions will continue to be enjoyed by choirs for generations to come. Dr. Bailey's most cherished recognition, however, was receiving the Texas Choirmaster award from the Texas Choral Directors Association - an honor so prestigious, it has only been awarded a few times to directors who "exhibited unparalleled leadership in the choral field."

He is survived by his beloved wife Karen, his sister, his brother, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Donald Bailey's life and legacy was held on May 9, 2026.