David Briggs
March 16, 1943
1999 Inductee

David Briggs played his first recording session at 14. Since that time he has added keyboards to recordings of a Who's Who in pop and country music.

Briggs' first session was for James Joiner, and it was while working for Joiner's Tune Records that he met Jerry Carrigan, Norbert Putman and Terry Thompson. The four combined to form the original rhythm section at Rick Hall's Fame Studio, cutting hits on Arthur Alexander, Jimmy Hughes, Tommy Roe, The Tams and others.

Briggs was signed as an artist and songwriter to Decca Records in 1962, and two years later moved to Nashville. His big break came in 1965 when Floyd Cramer was late to a session with Elvis and Briggs was asked to play. Briggs went on the road with Elvis in 1975 and toured with his band until a few months before his death in 1977.

In the late 60s, Briggs and Putman opened Quadrafonic Studios and worked with many of the biggest names in pop music. He sold the studio in 1976, and opened his present facility, House of David.

In addition to his session work, Briggs has recorded hundreds of commercials for such clients as Burger King, McDonald's, Chevrolet, Coors, Budweiser, Coke, 7-Up, Dr. Pepper, Sears, K-Mart, Dolly Madison, Nestles, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Miller Beer and even the NBC theme song.

As a musical director he is credited with "This Country's Rockin'" a 10 hour HBO special; most of the "CMA Awards Shows"; CBS "Hall of Fame Special"; "The 65th Anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry"; and a 2½ hour TV special "Minnie Pearl Tribute".