Today we’d like to introduce you to David Lee.
David, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a professional Singer/Songwriter. Born in Wichita Falls Tx. but spent most of my early childhood in Mesquite Tx, where my great Grandpa had been mayor and a builder. After graduation from Lampasas Tx. I found my way back to Dallas and in a band playing country music in the early 90’s bar scene.
After about four years tired of playing cover songs for over-served party animals I decided to try a move to Nashville at 24 with my new wife Stacie. I spent 24 years in Nashville and thankfully it treated me well.
After about three years there working as a hotel maintenance man, I landed a publishing contract and for the next 21 years, I was a staff writer for Broadvision music, BMG Music, Universal Music publishing and Ten Ten music.
I had songs recorded and billboard hits by many of our most loved country stars.
Some of my career highlights include briefly:
A trip to the Grammy’s and a nomination for song of the year for a song titled “I Need You” recorded by Tim Mcgraw and Faith Hill, 3 Billboard number-one singles, several top 10 and top 40 hits, multiple BMI millionaire awards, Canadian Song of the year Award.
2 NSAI awards for a song I wished I’d written and Billboard recently named my song ’19 Something” recorded by “Mark Wills” country Music’s number 17 song of all time. 1 spot behind “Luckenbach Texas” MY FAVORITE!
I probably most proud of my song “Letters From Home” recorded by John Michael Montgomery, It was life-changing.
In 2015 I moved back home to Texas after the Songwriting industry was decimated by technology and I am back performing solo and with a band.
Currently, most folks in Texas know me as the guy who wrote for Cody Johnson as I had a hand in many of the songs people know him by.
I continue to write and record and live the troubadour life that has been my path since I was a child.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting out was a bit of a struggle, but young ignorance is bliss.
I’d say in all the years in the business I didn’t notice a big struggle until tech companies began devaluing our music by stealing it and giving it away. The real writing community in Nashville is dying.
Once the Government and the people gave power to these companies the job of being a writer became for most people impossible. The money just isn’t there anymore to make it a sustainable long term career. I feel blessed to have had a long career, Sadly I just don’t see it being a reality for many today.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
My current business is really back to basics coming back here, I am faced with returning to the old model.
I am doing solo acoustic events and Band shows all over Texas but I am quickly finding much of what we call the music business in Texas is antiquated and nonexistent.
Nothing much has changed since 1980’s hauling gear, setting up tearing down, the respect and the pay.
But the crowds have changed, these days People only pay to see music that’s promoted and known.
They have so much competing for their time, people don’t go see new music unless it’s getting big press online. As far as my shows go, I am fortunate that I have hits to play that people recognize and I have some respect from other musicians who afford me the ability to play in front of their people sometimes.
We play many styles of original music in the course of a set with my band, Blues, rock, Country mostly.
I am a Songwriter and just starting this new part of my lifelong musical journey has been the challenge of my life. The best part of my business is encouraging and directing artists and singing songs for the folks.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If only I had known the business would die, I would’ve saved more money and probably came back to Texas sooner to get the artist thing rolling. But honestly, it has been an extraordinary ride.
Contact Info:
- Website: Davidleemusic.com
- Email: Hornsonthehood@gmail.com
- Facebook: davidleeandJars
Image Credit:
Rae Trent
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