David Darling (musician) facts for kids

David Darling (born March 4, 1941 – died January 8, 2021) was an amazing American musician. He played the cello and wrote many beautiful songs. He was known for his unique style that mixed different types of music. In 2010, he even won a Grammy Award for his album Prayer for Compassion. David Darling played with many famous musicians like Bobby McFerrin and released many of his own albums.

David Darling's Musical Journey

David Darling was born in Elkhart, Indiana, on March 4, 1941. He loved music from a very young age. He started playing the piano when he was four years old. When he was ten, he began playing the cello. Later, in high school, he also learned the string bass.

Studying and Starting Out

David studied classical cello at Indiana State University. After he graduated, he stayed there for four more years as a teacher. He then worked as a studio musician in Nashville, Tennessee. A studio musician plays instruments for recordings but is not usually a main band member.

He was also a member of the Paul Winter Consort until 1978. The next year, he joined a chamber jazz group called Gallery with Ralph Towner. He also released his first solo album, Journal October, that same year.

A Mix of Music Styles

David Darling's music and compositions used many different styles. These included classical, jazz, Brazilian, African, and Indian music. He was very creative in blending these sounds.

He wrote and performed music for more than a dozen major movies. Some of these films include Child's Play (1988), Heat (1995), and Until the End of the World (1991). He also added music to films like Nouvelle Vague (1990) and Notre musique (2004).

In 2000, David worked with the Wulu Bunun. They are a group of Taiwanese aborigines (native people of Taiwan). This was a special collaboration that brought different cultures together through music.

In 2007, he recorded The Darling Conversations. This album featured discussions with Julie Weber about his ideas on music. In 2009, he released Prayer for Compassion. This album won a Grammy Award and was a follow-up to his earlier album, 8-String Religion.

Other Important Activities

David Darling also worked to share his love for music with others.

Music for Young People

In 1986, David joined Young Audiences. This group helps teach children about music and the arts through programs in schools. In the same year, he started Music for People. This organization helps people express themselves through musical improvisation. Improvisation means making up music on the spot. His teaching ideas are in a book called Return to Child (2008).

In May 2008, he joined a group of music teachers and performers. They offered a training program about healing with sound and music. This program took place at the New York Open Center Sound and Music School.

David Darling passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 8, 2021.

Awards and Honors

• Grammy Award, Best New Age Album, Prayer for Compassion, 2010

Discography

Albums as a Leader

• Journal October (ECM, 1979)
• Cycles (ECM, 1981)
• Cello (ECM, 1992)
• Dark Wood, (ECM, 1993)
• Eight String Religion, (Curve Blue, 1993)
• The Tao of Cello (Relaxation, 1993)
• Cello Blue, (Hearts of Space/Valley Entertainment, 2001)
• Prayer for Compassion (Curve Blue, 2009)
• Gratitude (Curve Blue, 2016)

Albums with Other Musicians

• With Peter Kater: Homage (1989), Migration (1992)
• With Ketil Bjørnstad: The Sea (ECM, 1994), The River (ECM, 1996)
• With Terje Rypdal: Eos (ECM, 1984), Skywards (ECM, 1995)
• With Ralph Towner: Old Friends, New Friends (ECM, 1979)
• With Pierre Favre: Window Steps (ECM, 1996)
• With Kevin Keller: Pendulum (1999)
• With Patrick Leonard: 96 Years (2000)
• With Terry Tempest Williams: Refuge (Curve Blue, 2002)

See also

In Spanish: David Darling para niños

• List of ambient music artists