Darby’s Bio Page 2
My father drove endlessly on his many trips around the state and I would often go with him. It was on these rides that I learned my first jazz standards. My parents didn’t play instruments but my father had and still has a great tenor voice. We would sing together as the radio faded out, that’s why I dedicated Down For You to my father. The Music Goes ‘Round was my favorite song, especially when my father would ask “Where?” and I would shout “Here!” “Where?” “Here!” endlessly. Records were played constantly, with a concentration on singers. I learned to sing to so many wonderful voices. I memorized all of Nat King Cole’s songs. Dean Martin was a favorite of my mothers and of course, I loved Frank Sinatra. I remember scat singing to myself around age 15. I have no idea why, I’m not sure I had really heard any one scat before. After college, I got a day job in Manhattan and started singing in various East Village rock and roll bands, pop bands and a hilarious disco cover band run by Colombians. Jo-Jo, Bo-Bo, and Chico where are you guys? We played in social clubs in the Bronx. It was wild. Nothing ever got too far, but I learned a lot, made many friends that I’m still playing with today, and had way too much fun.