In Los Angeles, where David Lindley was raised, his father had a substantial collection of 78 rpm records, some of which included Indian sitar music and Korean folk music.
He started playing the violin when he was three years old, but moved to the baritone ukulele in his early teens. After learning the banjo and violin later, Lindley won the Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest five times by the time he was in his late teens.
Throughout the 1960s, Lindley was a regular on the folk music scene, frequenting venues like the Troubador and the Ash Grove and listening to a variety of music, including flamenco, Russian folk music, and Indian sitar music.
After Kaleidoscope disbanded, Lindley spent a number of years performing in Terry Reid’s band in the UK. In 1972, he became a member of Jackson Browne’s band, and he stayed with them until 1980. In the 1970s, he also shared the stage with the bands of James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and Crosby-Nash.
The debut album for Lindley’s own band, El Rayo-X, which he formed in 1981, was produced by Jackson Browne. After their final show on December 31, 1989, Lindley continued to travel either alone themselves or in a pair, initially with Hani Naser and then with Wally Ingram.
He also took part in numerous studio sessions. Lindley was known for picking up several instruments throughout his career.
Is David Lindley related to Linda Ronstadt?
Yes, Linda Ronstadt’s cousin is Lindley. Ronstadt has worked as a record producer for a number of albums by artists like Jimmy Webb, Aaron Neville, and her cousin David Lindley.
Ronstadt has worked as a record producer for a number of albums by artists like Jimmy Webb, Aaron Neville, and her cousin David Lindley.