Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
I am a Contemporary Christian, Bluegrass, and Neo Classic Country artist with over 40 years of industry experience creating heartfelt music. Having started this journey at ten years old on the drums and guitar with his life long friend Ron, my sound is a unique blend of acoustic melodies and soulful lyrics. My influences were developed living in my by hometown of Detroit, and later the southern country sounds of Nashville and San Antonio, My music reflects the diverse musical culture from the places I have lived and experienced. My Christian faith is a driving force behind my music and songwriting I strive to create songs that speak to fans across the musical spectrum.
When did you start performing?
I started performing at 13 years old in my hometown of Detroit, MI. By the time I graduated high school I had been performing in music variety shows, cafes, parties, pubs in Michigan.
In the early 80s I relocated to Nashville, TN and spent several years there honing my craft and musicianship. In 1986 I joined the United States Air Force Band of the Midwest at Chanute AFB, Rantoul, IL. In my career as a vocalist/guitarist in United States Air Force Bands in Illinois, Texas and Hawaii I performed for 100,000s of people during 20+ years of active duty service in the United States and throughout it’s territories.
Drawing from many influences I have performed, written, and recorded music as an independent artist as well as a vocalist/guitarist as well.
Traveling extensively in this capacity I performed for live audiences as well as many TV and Radio broadcasts. Performances included many styles from easy listening, country, Americana, blues and pop/rock and contemporary Christian with artists ranging from John Denver, James Taylor, George Strait, Hot Rize to Stephen Curtis Chapman and Phillips, Craig and Dean and many others.
My songs written over his 50 year career to include: Bluegrass of Kentucky, Walking By Faith, Halls of Love, Lonestar Above Texas, Everything to Me, He Prayed for Me and many others.
My 1999 release of “Have Your Way With Me Again” an early CD Baby.com project drew solid reviews and exposure in independent markets, throughout the U.S.
Follow up releases on Mr. Waxxy Records include; “Living My Life for the Cross”, a personal collection of contemporary Christian songs whose influences are drawn from Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Rice, and Phillips, Craig, and Dean. Additionally, current releases include: Praise the Lord for God Is Worthy and acoustic singles: Everything to Me and Ladybug to include past releases a compilation CD and EP The Halls of Love and In All My Dreams all on Mr. Waxxy Records.
My songs Halls of Love, Bluegrass of Kentucky, Our Lives Are Changing and Burned A Bridge have been recorded by 2 USAF Bands in Illinois and Texas. Additionally Walking By Faith has been recorded by Country Music Artists; Lynne and Priscilla Fulcher and Dustin Neighbors “Circle of Friends” release available on Apple Music.
Currently Darrell’s music is streamed and downloaded globally in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia to name a few.
As of 2023 Darrell has made in roads to wider audiences with a Publisher/Writer/Performer affiliation with Christian Copyright Licensing International, CCLI for his Contemporary Christian music to be licensed for performances world wide.
Highlights of Darrell’s performance career include:
Wrigley Field, Chicago IL
The Cubby Bear, Chicago, IL
Ft. Lauderdale Air and Water Show, FL
Muny Opera, St. Louis, MO
Little Opry Theater Branson, MO
Sea World, San Antonio, TX
The Annual Waikiki Hoolaulea, Honolulu, HI
World famous “Bluebird Cafe” in Nashville, TN.
Sugarloaf New York Festival
The Purple Crayon in Hastings on Hudson, NY
The Taste Budd’s Cafe in Red Hook, NY
Noble Roasters Coffee Shop, Campbell Hall, NY Circle Of Friends Coffee House, Pleasantville, NY.
Corporate Performances:
Bass Masters Champions, Peoria, IL
Six Flags San Antonio, TX
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
Taste Of Chicago
Morehead Harvest Festival-Morehead, KY
Darrell Hankins makes his home in South Texas continues to write and perform throughout the greater Texas area.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
Currently, my home town is San Antonio, TX which influences me greatly as there is such a diverse musical culture in Texas.
What performers have been your inspiration?
The list is long but my early influences include all the great singer songwriters: John Denver, James Taylor, Harry Chapin, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Emmylou Harris, as well as musical influences from my parents ranging from the Mills Brothers, CCR, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, all the great 1950s rock and roll artists.
What do you base your success on?
Consistent work on my craft and a true love of creating music that moves people closer to each other and closer to God.
What was your latest musical release?
Praise the Lord for God Is Worthy on Mr.Waxxy Records, inspired by a church sermon many years ago where the congregation would use the call and response for the Pastor saying; Praise the Lord for God is Worthy and the congregation response would be For God is Worthy Praise the Lord. That’s the chorus and the rest of song speaks to why we should Praise the Lord.
Do you have any news to share?
Yes, this latest release is a single from a larger project of 22 songs title “God and Country” a concept album of songs I have written in the last 5-7 years or so. 11 praise and worship songs in a country/rock/pop genre and 11 country songs with the problems everyone faces everyday and they form bookends of life lived by faith and grace.
How can fans find you?
Darrell Hankins
Home page of Darrell Hankins, a solo artist
You Tube: @darrellhankinsmrwaxxyrecords
Facebook: darrellhankinssongwriter
Instagram: darrellhankinssongwriter
Twitter: @songwriter8619D
Apple: music.apple.com/us/artist/darrell-hankins/336236307
Spotify:open.spotify.com/artist/0yzvjvgeKv0rZlpmgBDxgV
Amazon Music: www.amazon.com/Living-Life-Cross-Darrell-Hankins/dp/B003PNG4GS
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my story, its been a long journey that is still going. I love writing songs and performing for people and look forward to the future with continued success.