Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daryl Bruce Singletary |
| Date of Birth | March 10, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Cairo, Georgia |
| Parents | Roger Singletary (USPS worker); Anita Singletary (hairdresser) |
| Siblings | Brother Kevin Singletary; extended singing cousins |
| Spouse | Holly Singletary |
| Children | Jonah & Mercer (twins, b. 2009); Nora Caroline (b. 2012); Charlotte Rose (b. 2014) |
| Genres | Neotraditional Country |
| Record Labels | Giant Records; Audium/Koch; Shanachie; E1 Music |
| Years Active | 1990–2018 |
| Date of Death | February 12, 2018 (aged 46) |
Early Life & Family
Daryl Bruce Singletary was born in Cairo, Georgia, on March 10, 1971. United States patriot Roger Singletary was his father. Professional hairstylist Anita Singletary and USPS worker. As part of a close-knit family, he sung gospel music at church with his brother Kevin and relatives. Growing up with country ballads and Appalachian gospel developed his classic, deep voice.
He married Holly Mercer Singletary as an adult. Their relationship included memorial trust stewardship after marriage. The couple became parents to twin sons Jonah and Mercer (b. 2009), daughter Nora Caroline (b. 2012), and daughter Charlotte Rose (b. 2014). The in-laws of the individual are Terry and Sandy Mercer and Tony and Kristy Rowland. Sister-in-law Melinda Singletary and niece Katherine Moennig demonstrate the family’s artistic connection.
Career Journey & Milestones
Nashville Beginnings (1990–1994)
- 1990: Relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a professional career.
- From 1991 until 1994, I performed at open-mic evenings and recording studios, establishing myself as a credible demo vocalist.
- Randy Travis recommended Giant Records after recording his demo of “An Old Pair of Shoes”.
Giant Records Era (1995–1998)
| Album Title | Release Date | Notable Singles | Chart Peaks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daryle Singletary | May 23 1995 | “I Let Her Lie” (No. 2); “Too Much Fun” (No. 4) | Album No. 44 on Top Country Albums |
| All Because of You | October 8 1996 | “Amen Kind of Love” (No. 2) | Album No. 60 |
| Ain’t It the Truth | February 24 1998 | “The Note” (No. 28 Country; No. 90 Hot 100) | Album No. 18 Country Albums |
Singletary released three studio albums produced by business veterans David Malloy, James Stroud, and Randy Travis. His genuine baritone and dedication to honky-tonk earned him three Top-5 singles and admiration from traditional country audiences.
Audium/Koch & Cover Projects (2000–2007)
- On July 11, 2000, Now and Again featured country-style covers, including Savage Garden’s “I Knew I Loved You” (No. 55).
- That’s Why I Sing This Way (April 23 2002): Covered classic tunes; title track reached No. 47.
- Straight from the Heart (February 27, 2007): Shanachie Records release honoring traditional country music.
These albums showed his respect for country music by reinterpreting modern and vintage songs.
Later Work & Collaborations (2009–2018)
| Album Title | Release Date | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Rockin’ in the Country | June 9 2009 | Lead single “Love You With the Lights On” |
| There’s Still a Little Country Left | July 28 2015 | Featured “Spilled Whiskey” |
| American Grandstand (with Rhonda Vincent) | July 7 2017 | Peaked No. 1 Bluegrass; No. 45 Country; 10,900 first‑week sales |
The 2017 duet record with bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent topped bluegrass charts, proving his versatility and relevancy.
Posthumous Release Controversy
In 2018, Platinum Records Nashville published the demo “She’s Been Cheatin’ On Us” to raise money for his family. His representatives said no such fund existed, citing posthumous disputes.
Death & Posthumous Legacy
On February 12, 2018, Daryl Singletary, 46, died abruptly at his Lebanon, Tennessee home. No cause of death was given. After his death, a “Keepin’ It Country” YouCaring campaign supported his widow and children with funeral costs.
Public Image & Social Media
| Platform | Handle | Followers / Likes | Content Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| @darylesing | 13,000 followers | Tour photos, studio sessions, family moments | |
| Official Daryle Singletary | 24,039 likes; 6,000 talking | Event announcements, fan tributes |
Singletary, a neotraditionalist, was feted for preserving honky-tonk voices. His honest talks and emotional performances bolstered his country purist reputation.
Daryl Singletary Memorial Trust & “Keepin’ It Country Jam”
The Holly Singletary Trust promotes traditional country music and funds scholarships in his memory.
| Event | Date | Funds Raised | Notable Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th Annual Jam | April 8, 2024 | $88,597.06 | Hosted at The Nashville Palace |
| 7th Annual Jam | February 11, 2025 | Sold out | Jamey Johnson, Ricochet, Rhett Akins, Tyler Farr, Dylan Marlowe, Dallas Davidson |
These events demonstrate his legacy and the community’s desire to “keep country country.”
Recent Spotlight
In July 2025, Vinyl Me, Please showcased Singletary’s vinyl LPs, including limited-edition pressings and influences from Randy Travis and George Jones, reviving interest among collectors and new admirers.
FAQ
What was Daryl Singletary’s breakout hit?
Randy Travis recorded his demo of “An Old Pair of Shoes” and it became his first Top-5 hit, “I Let Her Lie” at No. 2.
How many studio albums did he release on Giant Records?
He released three studio albums between 1995 and 1998 on Giant Records.
When and where did he pass away?
He died unexpectedly at home in Lebanon, Tennessee, on February 12, 2018, at age 46.
How many children did he have?
He and his wife Holly had four children: twins Jonah and Mercer, Nora Caroline, and Charlotte Rose.
What is the “Keepin’ It Country Jam”?
His widow organized an annual tribute event to remember his traditional sound and promote music scholarships.
Which collaborative album hit No. 1 on the Bluegrass chart?
In 2017, his duet CD with Rhonda Vincent, American Grandstand, topped the Bluegrass list.
What genres did he primarily perform?
He was known as a neotraditional country artist, emphasizing honky‑tonk and classic country styles.
What controversy followed his death?
A posthumous demo release promised to fund his family, but his representatives denied it.
