Dave Powelson started playing the guitar in Wentzville, Missouri when he was seven years old. He grew up in a musical family and was surrounded by music of all kinds at an early age. Dave’s dad played the accordion, and his mom, grandmother, aunts and uncles all played fiddles and guitars. Dave and two of his brothers followed in the same family musical tradition. After a few years of lessons and practice, he started playing in local bands and writing songs.
The very first band Dave was in was a rock n’ roll trio called Choice. A few of the songs in their nine-song repertoire were Proud Mary, (Sittin On) The Dock Of The Bay, Light My Fire and Tobacco Road. Dave then joined The Silver Ballad Singers led by Bill Whyte featuring brother Mark Powelson on bass and vocals. Later the band became The Short Line Express. Members included Randy Wright on drums and vocals and Mike Herndon on bass, saxophone and vocals.
He eventually made his way to Nashville and began touring with Crystal Gayle and Barbara Mandrell. Later he joined Brenda Lee and performed around the world with her for over 25 years with stops in England, Scotland, Switzerland, South Korea and Japan.
Dave has written songs which have been recorded by Tanya Tucker, Eddy Raven, Barbara Mandrell, Wynona Judd, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kenny Rogers, Brenda Lee, Mickey Newbury and The Lonesome River Band. He has co-written songs with Eddy Raven, Brenda Lee and Michael McDonald.
Some of Dave’s musical influences include Bob Delaloye, Ray Charles, Joe Pass, Bill Evans, Don Gibson, Mickey Newbury, The Coasters, The Drifters, Chuck Berry, The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton and Carole King. Dave lives in Nashville and is currently writing and recording new music.