2014 was an important year for Catawba College student Darryl Bell, and definitely one he will never forget. A transfer student from Chowan University, Bell originally intending on graduating with a degree in psychology switched his major to Popular Music and took the Artist Development Program by storm! Within a matter of months he had acquired a manager, a band, and a string of adoring friends and admirers in and around the Catawba campus. Try as you may but there is just no stopping the power of the soulful R&B crooner known as Darryl Bell and his group of talented musicians affectionately titled Team Black.

Bell was born in Shelby, North Carolina serving as the middle child to an older sister, a younger brother, and his two loving parents. Growing up in a family of singers, Bell’s parents required their children to sing which he is grateful for saying, “I’m glad that it was one of my requirements to life is to make music in every way I can.” That was a behavior he would carry on into many areas of his life including school where he excelled but, some teachers did not quite appreciate his singing in the middle of class! It is very clear that for Darryl Bell, faith and music play an important (and nearly essential) role in his life and he plans to remain true to that.

During his time at his previous school, Bell found difficulty in finding opportunities to perform. He tried forming a band on campus however, those plans fell through but that did not stop him, Darryl began looking into different schools that would help him cultivate his musical talents and that’s when he found Catawba College. Known for their acclaimed popular music program, Bell quickly jumped on board transferring to Catawba last fall. In that time he had realized his true calling was to be a musician, advocate, and humanitarian aiding others through music, prayer, and service.

His manager, Julia McRae also finds great purpose in working with Darryl saying, “My artist is extremely talented and it is such a joy to work with someone who has such a drive and a passion for what he does. It is really refreshing to have somebody who is interested in doing real authentic neo-soul music.” Bell is not only thankful to his family and friends but his fans as well for coming out to his shows and supporting him along his journey.

In his free time, Darryl enjoys writing and composing music, hanging out with his friends and growing stronger in his faith through prayer and worship. “I write a lot of love music and since God is love, that makes my love for music come to life,” he said about the role faith plays within his career. His favorite genres of music are (of course) gospel, urban, and neo-soul with artists such as Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia Barrino, and Ledisi being among his favorites to listen to. As well, I asked Bell what he would like to impart to students looking into the popular music program available at Catawba to which he responded, “Follow your heart. Whatever you want to do in life, you should go after because God gives us talent for a reason.”

Darryl Bell is truly one of the best the ADP program has to offer and if you would like to see so for yourself, please come out to his shows. His first concert will be in Hoke Hall on October 2 and on October 16, come check him out at the Literary Book Post!