David Knox McDaniel

David Knox McDaniel 1948 ~ 2007 Dave McDaniel was born in 1948 in Oakland California and it was evident early in his life that he was unusual. He was not interested in sports or other typical childhood pursuits. Instead, Dave loved music and electronics. He got his first small transistor radio at about age 9 and kept it with him constantly, holding it closely to his ear so he could hear as much as possible. Then he had to know how radios work, so he took it apart. By age 12, Dave was taking apart the family television, much to the dismay of his parents. Soon thereafter, however, Dave was not only taking televisions apart, but was also putting them back together. Dave developed a reputation with neighbors and friends as "the kid who could fix your television", and the family received many calls and many TV's were repaired. Throughout his life, Dave was involved in building and fixing all kinds of electronic equipment. His early love for radio continued also and he spent much of the latter part of his life participating in amateur radio broadcasting. Although Dave had a remarkable ability with electronics, musical talent was his most amazing gift. When he began playing the stand-up bass in fourth grade, his skill was immediately obvious. He evolved to the bass guitar a few years later and played in several local bands throughout his high-school years. To those of us with untrained ears, Dave seemed to be pretty good. Little did we know how good he really was? Dave left Salt Lake at age 19 to attend North Texas State University to study music, but was there only a short time before deciding to join a band and hit the road, traveling throughout the country playing his music. During this period Dave had little contact with family, although we heard enough from him to know that it was a challenging road he was on. Then one day he called to tell us that he had been hired to play with Sonny & Cher. He stayed with Sonny & Cher and played on their television show for a number of years. Dave went on to record albums with Joe Cocker, Wayne Shorter, Olivia Newton John, Jennifer Warnes, the Don Ellis Band and played with Frank Sinatra, Johnny Paycheck and many more well known artists. He was also once featured on the cover of Guitar Player magazine. Dave was warm-hearted and was always willing to help a friend in need. He traveled the beat of a different drum, lived a courageous independent life and trusted in Christ. Dave died January 25, 2007 of heart disease and is survived by his mother Joy McDaniel; brother Jeff McDaniel; sister-in-law Sarah McDaniel and nephews Sean and Joe McDaniel. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at Liberty Park Four Corners Church (662 East 1300 South) after which friends are invited to the home of Sarah and Jeff McDaniel to remember Dave and celebrate his life.