Davis Daniel

Biography

Inspired by the songs of late country singer/songwriter Keith Whitley, Davis Daniel (born Robert Andrykowski) continues to build on his own legacy as a top-notch performer. His debut album, Fighting Fire With Fire, released in 1991 on Mercury/Polygram, yielded three Top Ten hits -- "Picture Me," "Still Got a Crush on You," and the title track -- and a Top Five smash, "For Crying Out Loud." He followed with an equally impressive album, Undeniable, in 1993. People Magazine called him "country's most plaintive voice since Eddy Arnold."

Daniel's subsequent career, however, was an uphill battle. Moved to Polygram's Polydor subsidiary, he had to wait three years for his third album, Davis Daniel, to be released in 1994. By then, the label was struggling financially and unable to adequately promote the album. Transferred to A&M after Polydor declared bankruptcy in early 1996, he released his first album for the label in August 1996, I Know a Place. Daniel's problems were far from over. One week after he released a single, "I'm Not Listening Anymore," A&M announced that it was folding.

One of nine children born to impoverished parents in Arlington Heights, IL, he moved to Nebraska as a youngster. Poverty continued to plague his family, who were forced to live in a three-room shack without heat. Moving with his mother and siblings to Denver, at the age of 14, following his father's death, Daniel continued to be drawn to music. Before his 18th birthday, he had begun performing in Denver nightclubs. Moving to Nashville, in the late '80s, Daniel spent several years honing his craft at songwriter showcases before signing his first record contract. Beginning in the late '90s, Daniel resided in Atlanta, GA. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide