DAVID MAYFIELD

Biography

David Mayfield is an American guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and Grammy-nominated producer, renowned for his dynamic stage presence and eclectic approach to Americana and bluegrass music. Born on January 20, 1983, in Kent, Ohio, Mayfield was immersed in music from an early age, touring with his family’s bluegrass band, One Way Rider, alongside his parents and his younger sister, Jessica Lea Mayfield. Living much of his childhood on the road, even in one of Bill Monroe’s old tour buses, he quickly developed his instrumental skills, particularly on bass, guitar, and mandolin, earning national awards as a teenager for his dexterity.

Mayfield’s career evolved as he played with notable bluegrass and Americana acts such as The Larkins, Hit & Run Bluegrass, and Dave Evans, before joining Cadillac Sky, where he contributed as a songwriter and performer. After Cadillac Sky’s dissolution, he launched The David Mayfield Parade, a project that blended bluegrass roots with pop and indie folk influences, and gained acclaim for its energetic live shows and heartfelt songwriting. Mayfield has collaborated with prominent artists like The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, and The Black Keys, and his work is characterized by a blend of sincerity, humor, and showmanship. In recent years, he has returned to his bluegrass roots, recording new material in Nashville and continuing to tour widely, cementing his reputation as both a skilled musician and a compelling entertainer.

Fun Facts

• David Mayfield lived on the road as a child, including time spent in one of Bill Monroe’s old tour buses.
• He funded his second album, 'Good Man Down,' through a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $30,000.
• Mayfield is known for his offbeat sense of humor and energetic, vaudeville-inspired live performances.
• He has been described as 'the wild man of Americana' and is recognized for blending music and comedy on stage.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• David & Valerie Mayfield - Parents and bandleaders of the family bluegrass band One Way Rider; taught David foundational bluegrass and performance skills. (Touring and performing in One Way Rider) [1980s–2000s]
• Bill Monroe (indirect influence) - Bluegrass pioneer whose legacy and touring bus were part of Mayfield’s early life, shaping his connection to traditional bluegrass. (None directly, but influence through family band’s bluegrass tradition) [Childhood]
• Randy Newman, Simon & Garfunkel - Inspired Mayfield to begin writing his own songs, influencing his lyrical and melodic style. (Songwriting inspiration for The David Mayfield Parade) [Late 2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Jessica Lea Mayfield - Sister and frequent collaborator; David played in her band and appeared with her on national television. (Performances including The Late Show with David Letterman) [2000s–present]
• Cadillac Sky - Band member, songwriter, and performer; toured and recorded with the group. (Cadillac Sky albums, including work produced by Dan Auerbach) [2008–2010]
• The Avett Brothers - Touring and recording collaborator; Seth Avett encouraged Mayfield to pursue his own music. (Touring, encouragement for The David Mayfield Parade) [2010s]
• Mumford & Sons - Touring partner during Cadillac Sky era. (Joint tours with Cadillac Sky) [2010]
• The Black Keys - Recording collaborator during the Cadillac Sky period. (Cadillac Sky album produced by Dan Auerbach) [2009–2010]
• Alison Brown - Producer and banjo player for Mayfield’s return-to-bluegrass project at Compass Studios. (Upcoming bluegrass album) [2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Jessica Lea Mayfield - David taught his younger sister guitar and mentored her early musical development. (Jessica Lea Mayfield’s early recordings and performances) [1990s–2000s]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Firefly's (Transformnations)

External Links

• Spotify