Darick Campbell
November 12, 1966 – May 11, 2020
Darick Campbell, born in Rochester, New York, was the third son of Charles and Naomi Campbell and a lifelong musical force within the Sacred Steel tradition. From an early age, he was drawn to the powerful sound of the House of God Church, eagerly watching and learning from the Sacred Steel greats long before he ever took the stage.
Early Years & Musical Foundation
Darick’s first passion was the drums. Known for his natural rhythm and precision, he became the most accomplished drummer in the Campbell family—following the path paved by his brother, Chuck Campbell, who served as lead drummer for the House of God Church’s General Assembly in the 1970s.
By the 1980s, Darick rose to become the lead drummer for the General Assembly. His sound blended traditional gospel power with influences from world-class percussionists such as Billy Cobham, Stewart Copeland, Steve Gadd, and Lenny White. His talent and professionalism made him a favorite among Sacred Steel legends, opening the door to the next chapter of his musical journey.
Master of the Lap Steel
While excelling as a drummer, Darick’s relationships with steel guitar icons—including Henry Nelson, Maurice “Ted” Beard, and Calvin Cooke—exposed him to the inner secrets of the Sacred Steel tradition. Their mentorship helped unlock his extraordinary gift on the lap steel guitar.
By the late 1980s, Darick had become a standout player in his own right, performing regularly at the General Assembly and solidifying his place among the greats of the Sacred Steel world.
Campbell Brothers Era
In 1997, Darick joined Chuck Campbell, Phil Campbell, Carlton Campbell, and powerhouse vocalist Katie Jackson to record Pass Me Not, the Campbell Brothers’ debut album on Arhoolie Records. The project gained national and international acclaim, launching tours across the United States and around the world—including appearances at Jazz à Luzerne in Switzerland and the Berlin Jazz Festival.
In 2014, the Campbell Brothers were commissioned by Lincoln Center and Duke University to create a Sacred Steel interpretation of John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme in honor of its 50th anniversary. They were later inducted into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame in 2018, alongside Steve Gadd and Tony Levin.
The group has released five albums and performed in more than 25 countries, including Japan, France, England, Spain, Colombia, Morocco, Tunisia, Barbados, and China. The Campbell Brothers’ legacy is also honored at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, where their music is featured in the Gospel music exhibits.
Collaborations & Recognition
Darick’s artistry carried him far beyond the church walls. He was widely celebrated for his expressive tone—often described as soulful, ethereal, and unmistakably his own. He appeared on numerous recordings and collaborated with artists such as Eric Bibb, Rob Savoy, and performed as part of the acclaimed Sacred Steel supergroup The Slide Brothers.
He also participated in the legendary Jimi Hendrix Experience Tour, performing alongside iconic musicians including Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, Ernie Isley, Bootsy Collins, Billy Cox, Joe Satriani, Vernon Reid, and others—many of whom were captivated by his unique sound.
Throughout his career, Darick played with a wide array of musical giants, including The Allman Brothers, B.B. King, John Medeski, Sonny Landreth, Robben Ford, Dr. Bobby Jones, Maria Muldaur, Mavis Staples, and The Mighty Clouds of Joy.
In 2019, Darick and his family—Chuck, Phillip, Danette Campbell Bell, and Carlton Campbell—became the first family to be inducted into the Monroe Community College Alumni Hall of Fame, representing inductees 100 through 105 out of over 500,000 graduates.
A Lasting Legacy
Darick Campbell passed away on May 11, 2020, leaving an extraordinary musical legacy that continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide. His masterful expression, deep spirituality, and warm presence remain immortal through the Campbell Brothers’ recordings, performances, and the Sacred Steel tradition he helped elevate onto the world stage.
