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Artist
David Coverdale
12+ albums
hard rockclassic rockblues rockrockDeep Purple family
about
David Coverdale (born 22 September 1951) is an English retired singer and songwriter best known as the founder and lead singer of Whitesnake. He was also the lead singer of Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976. Coverdale was born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Riding of Yorkshire, England, to Thomas Joseph Coverdale and Winnifred May (Roberts) Coverdale. He developed an interest in music at an early age, influenced particularly by his maternal family, and learned to play guitar and piano while also pursuing drawing. He later noted that he discovered his vocal ability during childhood, describing his voice as powerful and naturally projected. He began his career performing with local bands, including Vintage 67, The Government, and Fabulosa Brothers. In 1973, after leaving art college and working as a salesman, he responded to an advertisement in Melody Maker seeking a new vocalist for Deep Purple following the departure of Ian Gillan. After auditioning, he joined the band alongside bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes. Deep Purple released "Burn" in February 1974, which achieved gold certification in the United States. The band followed it with "Stormbringer" in December 1974, incorporating stronger funk and soul influences. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left the group in 1975, after which Coverdale supported the recruitment of Tommy Bolin as his replacement. Deep Purple disbanded in 1976 following internal disagreements, and Coverdale departed shortly before the breakup was officially
