Meet Chris Daniels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Daniels.

Chris Daniels is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, educator, business owner, and former Executive Director for multiple non-profits in Colorado including The Colorado Music Hall of Fame and Swallow Hill Music. Chris Daniels was a co-nominee for a Grammy Award in 2013, inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, he is an award-winning educator (three awards for excellence from the College of Arts & Media at CU Denver and Arapahoe Community College, non-profit executive who won awards for excellence, released more than 20 albums, produced albums for the likes of Hazel Miller, Andy Sydow, etc.) and toured Europe 21 times.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always struggles. In 2010, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. I had a 5% to 25% chance of survival but was blessed to receive a bone marrow transplant via stem-cells from my sister Jane. That was a struggle … one of many.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Chris Daniels & The Kings has been around since 1984 – for 36 years. We have won multiple awards, put out 15 albums and toured Europe 21 times. We have been the backup band for Garth Brooks (three years ago today) as well as Al Kooper, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, John Oats to name only a few.

As an Assistant Professor, I have taught for 16 years and have won two awards for excellence from CU Denver and one from Arapahoe Community College.

As Executive Director for Swallow Hill Music, I won awards for Excellence form the Governor and the Mayor of Denver. (1995-2000) As Executive Director of The Colorado Music Hall of Fame I was able to help induct more than 40 artists, individuals and business adding diversity and community participation.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Wow — everybody — first my band The Kings, Freddi Gowdy my partner lead singer, all the staff at CU Denver, the Board and staff of Swallow Hill, my sister Jane … and on and on!! I am the lucky person who got to do these things BECAUSE of their efforts — they should ALL be the focus of the story – not me.

Contact Info:

• Address: Chris Daniels, 2171 Pinon Circle, Erie, CO 80516
• Website: www.chrisdaniels.com
• Phone: 303-320-7599
• Email: cwd444
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisdanielsdenver/

Image Credit:
Randy Amen

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