Biography:
Photo by Dr. Mike Ancona	Born and raised on the mean streets of Miami, Florida, Darrell's musical experience began with his uncle bringing a 1969 Gibson SG by his house in early childhood. Later his formal study of guitar and piano lead him to Dade Community College in 1987 as a music major. In college Darrell explored all styles of traditional and contemporary music studying under the tutelage of world renown instructor Vincent Bredice. In college Darrell first teamed up with George Caldwell performing at Gospel and Jazz shows. After attending Dade C.C. Darrell toured Europe with the Joey Gilmore Band supporting the Soul Rhythm & Blues tour based out of Ichiban Records in Atlanta, GA. During most of the 1990's Darrell played in a variety of bands that toured the east coast and southern Florida. In 2003 George Caldwell called about a position open in the Joey Gilmore Band playing piano and guitar.
	Early on in the band Darrell played mostly guitar but eventually he took over playing both instruments simultaneously. In January 2005 the Joey Gilmore band was a finalist in the International Blues Challenge with Darrell on lead guitar. In February 2006 the band was the winner of the International Blues Challenge with the title of best unsigned Blues Band in the world. Darrell was nominated for the prestigious Albert King Award in the finals competition. He toured the USA with the Joey Gilmore Band up until the summer 2006. In August 2006 Darrell decided to take his career to the next level and the Darrell Raines Band was formed.  myspace.com/darrellrainesband

Chronological Highlights:

2008 Release of “Moanin’ Time In Arkansas” on Bluzpik Rekerdz
2007 Touring southeast fronting the Darrell Raines Band
2006 Winner of International Blues Challenge and nominated for the Albert King Award
2005 Finalist at International Blues Challenge
2005 Recorded on Joey Gilmore CD "Ghosts of Mississippi"
2004 Rejoin Joey Gilmore Band
2003 Played guitar on a CD of Creole Gospel songs also in 2003 Recorded on the Lawbreakers CD
1999 J.J. and the Connections (R & B, Funk and Blues) Carnival Cruise lines
1997-1998 Joey Gilmore Band traveling around Southeast
1996 Joey Gilmore Band ( Ichiban Revue) throughout Europe.
1995 Formed the Island Boys playing the Delaware shore at the Rustic Rudder as a house band
1994 Played with the Gary Delamore Calypso Band
1992 Gary Delamore Band
1993 Miracle Lights (Gospel Group)
1992 Special Touch behind Bobby Stringer (R & B and Soul Blues)
1991 Joined Special Touch Band
1989 First professional gig in house band at Penrods on the Beach in Daytona

Opened for Etta James, Lucky Peterson, Ollie Nightingale, Kool and the Gang, Little Charlie and the Nightcats, Johnny Taylor, Clark Sisters, William Brothers( Lee Williams) and many others

Festival Performances:
South Florida International Blues Festival at Nova Southeastern University
Riverwalk Festival, Fort Lauderdale
Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise
Mississippi Valley Festival, Iowa

 

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