David Parmley

Ask any bluegrass fan to list their top 5 singers and rhythm guitar players, and there’s a very strong likelihood David Parmley’s name will be on it. He is a masterful, nuanced, vocalist and interpreter of both traditional and contemporary bluegrass, and an industry mainstay for over 40 years. David was born in southern California, February 1st, 1959, and raised on a musical diet of first-generation bluegrass. He developed an early interest in the artform and was singing perfect harmony parts by the age of 8. Under the guidance and encouragement of his father, journeyman banjoist, Don Parmley, David honed his skills, and co-founded his first professional band, the Bluegrass Cardinals, who released its first commercial recording, all before he was old enough to hold a valid driver’s license. By 1976 the Bluegrass Cardinals were well on their way to establishing their mark as a top tier act and David’s emotive voice was attracting international acclaim. In their legendary career, the Bluegrass Cardinals released 18 full-length recordings, and David collaborated on 2 successful solo projects.