"He played a good old break-down like you've never heard a beak-down played before. He made you feel like you were part of 'Faded Love' and Cheatin' Heart' and topped it off with 'Rose of San Antone'." - Bob Campbell
Merle David, born in Clarendon, Texas Feb. 17, 1936 is the son-of-a-fiddler. He played his first tune at the age of 5 and won his first fiddle contest when he was 8. Growing up in the same area as Bob Wills, Bill Mack and Roger Miller, Merle has learned to master the fiddle sounds from one end to the other. He has found the beautiful combination of violin tones that most fiddlers are still looking for. After all, variety is what Merle's fiddlin' is all about- twelve different styles of fiddlin' which include classical, western swing, blue grass, country rock, hornpipe, bagpipe, waltz breakdown, boogie, soul, jazz, and cajun. He had also mastered the art of trick fiddlin' which has been seen by thousands through out his career.
Merle David has played for such greats as Hank Thompson, Charlie Adams, Billy Walker, Bob Wills, Tex Ritter, Joe Stampley, Dickie Lee, Charlie Walker, Susan Ray, Leon Rausch, Ray Price, Leon McCuliff, Mel Tellis, The Hee Haw Show and a number of other lesser lights in the country western music world. Back in the early 70's he played fiddle on Hank Thompsons album "Back In The Swing Of Things". He had accoplished as well the guitar, mandolin and the peddle steel guitar. He could play pretty much anything that made music.
He released two albums through out his career as a musician. One was titled "Merle David" which was done back in the early 70's and another one was recorded in the early 80's titled "The Country Jazz Moods Of Merle David". Both were done in the Fort Worth area.
Merle had made Odessa, Tx his home base for many years which he was a featured artist that played with the Odessa-Midland Symphony Orchestra. He had played in numerous night clubs and lounges through out West Texas and the Texas Panhandle from Odessa to Fort Worth and from all over the country as well. He was known as a musician's musician.
I can remember seeing my dad play at the Golden Egg, VFW, The Moose Lodge, The Stardust, The Carousel. All of course are clubs here in Odessa, TX. Some still here others long gone. Of course dad had done a lot in his career before I even came long. I wish I new more of the dates and time frame with whom and where he played. I also recall when dad played at The New West in Fort Worth back in 1980 with Tommy Allsup. There is really not much live music here in Odessa any more.
Merle spent the last few years of his life in Buffalo, Ok were he passed away in March of 2002. Remaining is his daughter Karren and his son Bill (me) both whom live in Odessa. He has 3 brothers, Jarrett David (deceased), Ray David in Clarendon,TX and Eldon David in Crosby, TX and 2 sisters, Rita Gonzolaz and Jewell Millan who live in Amarillo, TX.
Merle David has played for such greats as Hank Thompson, Charlie Adams, Billy Walker, Bob Wills, Tex Ritter, Joe Stampley, Dickie Lee, Charlie Walker, Susan Ray, Leon Rausch, Ray Price, Leon McCuliff, Mel Tellis, The Hee Haw Show and a number of other lesser lights in the country western music world. Back in the early 70's he played fiddle on Hank Thompsons album "Back In The Swing Of Things". He had accoplished as well the guitar, mandolin and the peddle steel guitar. He could play pretty much anything that made music.
He released two albums through out his career as a musician. One was titled "Merle David" which was done back in the early 70's and another one was recorded in the early 80's titled "The Country Jazz Moods Of Merle David". Both were done in the Fort Worth area.
Merle had made Odessa, Tx his home base for many years which he was a featured artist that played with the Odessa-Midland Symphony Orchestra. He had played in numerous night clubs and lounges through out West Texas and the Texas Panhandle from Odessa to Fort Worth and from all over the country as well. He was known as a musician's musician.
I can remember seeing my dad play at the Golden Egg, VFW, The Moose Lodge, The Stardust, The Carousel. All of course are clubs here in Odessa, TX. Some still here others long gone. Of course dad had done a lot in his career before I even came long. I wish I new more of the dates and time frame with whom and where he played. I also recall when dad played at The New West in Fort Worth back in 1980 with Tommy Allsup. There is really not much live music here in Odessa any more.
Merle spent the last few years of his life in Buffalo, Ok were he passed away in March of 2002. Remaining is his daughter Karren and his son Bill (me) both whom live in Odessa. He has 3 brothers, Jarrett David (deceased), Ray David in Clarendon,TX and Eldon David in Crosby, TX and 2 sisters, Rita Gonzolaz and Jewell Millan who live in Amarillo, TX.
Merle had a artical write up in Fiddler Magazine in 99/00. Here is the info if you would like to try to get a copy.
Article Title: Merle David: Legendary West Texas fiddler
Author: Carr, Joe
Periodical Title: Fiddler Magazine
Volume: 6#4
Page: 32-33
Language: English
Date: Winter 1999/2000
Name: David, Merle
Item ID: 28745
Author: Carr, Joe
Periodical Title: Fiddler Magazine
Volume: 6#4
Page: 32-33
Language: English
Date: Winter 1999/2000
Name: David, Merle
Item ID: 28745
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