Local StoriesDecember 10, 2021

Life & Work with BMI Nashville Singer-Songwriter Darryl Markette

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl Markette. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Breedlove Sponsored Artist / BMI Nashville registered singer-songwriter recording artist Darryl Markette has been rocking the Chicago live music scene for more than a decade with an extensive original catalog while covering everything from classic rock and blues to outlaw country.

Darryl and his band MARKETTE have performed multiple times on live television WGN-TV as well as live on The Mancow Show Chicago’s WPWR-TV-50. Darryl has headlined some of Chicago’s most prestigious live music venues such as The House Of Blues & Joe’s Weed St. Darryl performs singer-songwriter rounds in Nashville TN & most recently an all-original set at the infamous Whisky A GoGo in West Hollywood CA.

Darryl’s singles “Rain On Thee, Never Break Heart, Dog Gone Alone & Country Song” have been in rotation at BIG 95.5 FM Chicago’s Country. Darryl’s music is available for download anywhere music is streamed & sold. Darryl Markette on iTunes & Spotify etc.

I fell into music by accident 14 years ago when a childhood friend gave me his old guitar & told me, “Darryl you can really sing. Just teach yourself guitar & you never know what might happen.” That simple encouragement changed my life forever. I had recently lost my career of 17 years, was going through a divorce, my dog had just died and I was in the process of losing my home. I never even held a guitar before so it was nearly impossible to figure out how to play a song and sing along to it. So, I started writing my own songs and within a week I was playing every late-night open mic within 100 miles with my 3 chord songs. In the last 14 years, I’ve been blessed to have played iconic stages like The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville & The Whisky A GoGo twice in 2012 & 2019. I’ve performed live on WGN-TV national television 4 times to an audience of 15 million people. I performed live on “Shock Jock” Mancow Muller’s The Mancow TV & Radio Show, headlined Chicago’s national stages The House Of Blues & Joes Weed St. I’ve played basement bars, rooftop shows and just about every local festival, bar, brewpub, backyard BBQ, weddings & far too many funerals of childhood friends. I am grateful to have opened up for national acts like The Gin Blossoms & performed with some of the finest brotherhood of musicians Chicago has to offer.

I am a BMI Nashville registered singer-songwriter and created my own publishing company and most recently a Breedlove Guitar Sponsored Artist

Darryl Markette

Darryl Markette Music ✞✞✞ is available globally on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Google Music, Amazon Music, SoundCloud with over 1 million views on YouTube. In 2019 / 2020 four of my songs were in rotation on Big 95.5 FM. No agent, no manager, no label, no marketing team, no silver spoon, no big break, just me and my guitar. I write the songs. I record them. I publish them. I book the shows and more importantly I’ve made my dream happen. If you have a dream, then pursue It. Be relentless, be an example to your child that dreams can and will come true if you never give up. My Mom took this picture of my Son and I on the hometown fest amphitheater stage back in 2012. Never take no for an answer. Believe in your dream and eventually, everyone else will too.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Chicago is known for Blues but the suburban live music scene is known for cover bands and most recently tribute bands. Being an original artist can be a bit of a struggle at times especially when booking live shows. I fell into music late in life so I am happy to pay my dues to the musicians before me. My goal as a songwriter was always just to get my music on FM radio and I am proud to say I have done that. Performing on live television four times was a thrill that I will never forget but nothing will ever compare to hearing my songs on FM radio in my truck and I am forever grateful for BIG 95.5FM for playing my music.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a health and fitness professional with Life Time in Schaumburg Illinois. I am thankful to be with a great company on a winning team whom I consider my family who have helped me reach the elite performer status within Life Time.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

I am first and foremost a proud father to my Son. My focus is what’s next for him as he pursues his life dream.

In short: I am the classic “Jack of all trades master of none.” I can replace a toilet, rebuild a carburetor or replace a hard drive on a computer. I am the original MacGyver.

Contact Info:

Email: [email protected]
Website: http://dmarkette.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrylmarkettemusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarrylMarketteMusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmarkette
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/dmarkette
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/dmarkette

Image Credits
Steve Neilson
Eminjayin Productions
Roger Ulman
Digital Proof Media
WGN-TV

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