David M. Bailey

The son of Presbyterian missionaries in Beirut, Lebanon, David M. Bailey studied classical guitar and started writing songs at the early age of 13. He moved throughout Europe as an adolescent and made his first studio recording while living in Germany. He was a veteran of touring by the time he returned to the United States for college and formed the folk duo Bailey & Deasy. After college, however, Bailey took a ten-year hiatus from his musical career to work in corporate America. In 1996, however, he was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and told that he had only a year to live. This diagnosis inspired him to return to playing music and he self-released his debut, Peace, the following year. The tragic news jump-started his solo career and inspired him to compose much more substantial, spiritually conscious songwriting. Over the next four years, he wrote, recorded, and toured in support of four solo albums, including Love the Time (1998), One More Day (1999), Peace (2000), and Life (2000). Over this period of time, he made a name for himself in the national singer/songwriter and folk scene, and with each release, his critical acclaim and fan base increased. A 1999 Kerrville NewFolk finalist, David M. Bailey has performed on CBS, Fox, and NPR stations across the Untied States. He has also been featured in U.S. News & World Report, Coping, Presbyterians Today, Songwriter's Monthly, and American Songwriter.