Singer · Songwriter · Keyboardist · Percussionist
David Grinney
"You Have My Praise"
Biography
David was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin. He started playing piano around age 5 and took lessons for several years. After struggling with reading music he stopped formal lessons, but kept playing — learning to play by ear from an older brother. His love for music grew as he began playing songs he heard on the radio, which eventually led to composing original pieces on the piano.
In grade school David also took up drums, starting with a snare drum and improvising a "kitchen set" from pots and pans. Over time he accumulated a real drum kit and began playing in bands — which would often practice at his home. He still has his original Ludwig drum set. Throughout junior high and high school David played drums in bands while continuing to develop his ear and compose on piano.
After graduating high school, David attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he lived year-round and kept playing by purchasing old upright pianos to continue composing. He graduated with a degree in Political Science in the 1970s, then returned to the U of A Music School to study composition and basic theory — though he eventually had to leave after three semesters due to the ongoing difficulty with reading music.
That didn't stop David from playing and composing. He obtained his Real Estate license in the late 1970s, started a career, got married, and began raising a family. During this season, his Christian faith became central to his life, and he made a commitment to use his music to honor God — writing songs rooted in his faith in Christ and in the principles of Scripture.
David played in several praise and worship bands and continued writing original Contemporary Christian Music. In the summer of 1997 he attended The Seminar in the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado with his family — studying contemporary Christian music from top songwriters and musicians, many from Nashville, and entering his original compositions in the songwriting competition. He returned for four more summers (1997–2001) to continue growing in the craft.
David continued to play in praise and worship bands at his church, helping lead the High School Praise and Worship Band and the College and Career Group worship band. He has also played for the men's ministry and the Celebrate Recovery Ministry over the years.
After years of dreaming about recording a CD, David finally took the plunge. Between 2005 and 2006 he traveled several times to Fresno, California to record with his friend Rafael Carmany, owner of Cobalt Radio-Active Productions. David and Rafa had played in Christian bands together for years and had done various recordings for radio and demos, so they worked together naturally. The credits and captions in the Photos section detail Rafa's tremendous contributions to the album.
Since releasing "You Have My Praise," songs from the CD have played on over 50 radio stations in 15 states, as well as on stations in England, Australia, Guam, and — via Alaskan radio stations — can be heard in Russia. The CD is also available on numerous internet music stores.
The Recording
The Studio
Recorded at Cobalt Radio-Active Productions in Fresno, CA with producer Rafael Carmany — a longtime friend and collaborator who had worked with David on Christian bands, radio recordings, and demos over the years.
The Musicians
A talented group of musicians brought each arrangement to life. Their contributions are detailed in the credits and captions in the Photos section of the site and on the CD cover itself.
The Reach
Songs from the album have aired on over 50 radio stations across 15 U.S. states, plus stations in England, Australia, Guam, and Russia (via Alaskan broadcasts). The CD is available on multiple internet music stores.