David Harley

is a traditional songwriter and performer whose eclectic mix of genres takes the listener on a journey thru the evolution of modern popular music. From growing up in the Bay Area in the 60s, he was exposed to a multitude of world-class musical influences in “The Golden Age” of Folk, Rock, Pop, R&B, Blues and American Roots music that are evident in his diverse and extensive catalog of material. But, like other great musical alchemists, it is his ability to borrow and synthesize the stuff that made these musical genres classics into his own unique and original interpretations and compositions that sets him apart.

We invite you to share in an adventure of discovery of a strong “new” voice in the music world that is rooted firmly in the glory of our shared musical past and partake in the celebration of the sounds of our times that is the music of David Harley.

A Bit of History

David first came to the attention of the local music scene performing original music in venues throughout the bay area and writing songs for and collaborating with other aspiring artists like Lyndsey Bucking and Stevie Nicks.

Dave Harley! My favorite songwriter…
~ Stevie Nicks, back stage at Day on the Green Concert,
1976, Oakland CA (after seeing Dave for the first time in many years)

By the mid-70s he was scouted by ABC Records whose roster included Steely Dan and Tom Petty. But alas, the signing with ABC was thwarted by the acquisition and restructuring of the company by MCA Records. But like most truly inspired musicians, he continued to create his art despite the inevitable setbacks and to write and record some great music over the years with some of the Bay Area’s best musicians.

Best songwriter in the Bay Area
Bob Ohlsson, production and mastering engineer, Motown Records,
after hearing Dave’s song Rising Son in the early 1970s