Dave McMurray was born and raised in the City of Detroit. He started playing sax when he was nine years old, and received a full scholarship to Cranbrook Schools, based on his artistic gifts. After graduating from Wayne State University, he began his career as a mental health worker. He soon left to pursue his dream of making a living from music. Dave has worked with BB King, The Stones, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Bonnie Raitt, Patti Smith, Bootsy Collins, Herbie Hancock, Was Not Was, Bob James, Kem, and many more. In addition, Dave had a multi-year stint with Kid Rock, recording and touring. Don Was said about Dave: "He never plays licks for the sake of playing licks. He's not trying to impress people with all he knows about music or about his dexterity over the instrument. It's all about honest expressions." Dave McMurray is a Blue Note artist. His third album for the label is entitled Grateful Deadication 2, his follow-up album to Grateful Deadication, a jazz interpretation of Grateful Dead compositions.