Born
in Stockton, CA, Daniel began his musical studies at age six, studying the
art of drumming with an emphasis on reading. He quickly excelled through
the music programs of his Grammar School, Jr. High, and High Schools while
refining his technical abilities through his involvement with award-winning
Drum & Bugle Corps.
After receiving an A.A. Degree in Music, Daniel moved to Los Angeles. There, he perfected his drumming skills by studying with acclaimed performers/instructors Luis Conte, David Garibaldi, Freddie Gruber, and world-renowned instructor of orchestral snare drum technique: Murray Spivack.
Having supplied the backbone to the Gladys Knight organization for eight years, a small portion of Daniel’s performances with other artists include: Tommy Tu Tone, Jeffrey Osborne, Shanice, David Hasselhoff, Phil Upchurch, Dionne Warwick, Marilyn McCoo, Barbara Morrison, Diane Schuur, Ernie Andrews, Mavis Staples, Kevin Toney, Brownstone, For Real, Vikki Carr, Herb Alpert, and the late Nell Carter. In 2025, Daniel will be on-tour as well as recording with Kenny G.
Daniel’s discography includes recordings with JVC recording artist Roger Smith, The Stanley Clarke/George Duke Project, Latin recording artists Marisela, Homero and Manoella Torres, as well as Motown/Tabu recording artist Identity Crisis. He has also recorded station breaks for NBC and ESPN, along with jingles for Target, K-Mart, Mervyn’s, and L.A.’s Spanish radio station KLVE.
As Daniel’s career continues to flourish, he constantly explores innovative ways to bring professionalism, solid time and creativity to any musical situation.
