Don's first-ever solo recording, "Bachbusters", was released in early 1986, appearing on Billboard Magazine's Recommended New Recordings list on January 11. On February 8, Bachbusters entered the Billboard Classical chart at #25. In April it became the #1 classical "Reader's Choice" in Digital Audio and CD Review and remained at the top of the list for six months. On July 5, 1986, Bachbusters claimed the #1 position on the Billboard Classical chart (bumping the "Amadeus" soundtrack) and held that spot for fourteen weeks. At year end, Bachbusters ranked #4 on Billboard's Top Classical CDs of 1986. A full year later, at the end of 1987, Bachbusters still held the #11 spot on Billboard's Top Classical Crossover Albums.

Don's second solo recording was released late in January 1988. "Beethoven or Bust" again met with critical acclaim and entered the Billboard charts at #7 on March 5. Two weeks later it was #2, surpassed only by "The Best of John Williams". On April 16, John Williams had to make way for Dorsey as Beethoven or Bust claimed the #1 spot on Billboard's Classical Crossover chart and held it for 24 weeks. At the end of 1988, the CD ranked #2 on Billboard's Top Classical Crossover Albums of 1988.

Released in August of 1997, Busted contains many previously unreleased tracks by Don, including the soundtrack to Epcot's nighttime spectacular "Laserphonic Fantasy." Also featured are samples of works-in-progress, several selections from the uncompleted project "Mozart's a Must," and a special bonus track: "Don Dorsey Unplugged" performed completely without the aid of electricity (which is no small feat for an electronic musician).

Don was comissioned to compose and perform an opening selection for this compilation album of major science fiction movie themes. In addition to Dorsey's "Ascent," Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra perform music from Star Trek (the movie), Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, Alien, Superman and 2001, A Space Odyssey.

Once again Don was comissioned to create an original all-electronic piece for this Cincinnati Pops album of more sci-fi movie music. Erich Kunzel conducts music from Star Treks I, II, and IV, Back to the Future, The Right Stuff, Cocoon, Space Camp, Return of the Jedi and more.

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