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Darden Bourne's Biography:

Born in the heart of Blues country, Jackson Mississippi, Darden came into this world in 1955. Spent his early years in North Alabama playing guitar in local rock band Smokin'. Dropped out of college to tour the south, playing bars, frat parties and collecting guitars. In addition to the gigs, Smokin' recorded some original material in both Atlanta and Muscle Shoals and spent some time recording commercial jingles in Birmingham. Eventually Smokin' broke up when Darden went back to finish school at the University of Alabama. After University Darden hung up his guitars and took a job with Shell Oil in Chicago. It was in Chicago that Darden met his future wife, Terri Bourne. They moved to Houston, Texas got married and this is where Darden met Dan and Gregg.

 When Darden, Dan and Gregg realized they all had previously played in bands Darden dusted off an old guitar and they formed the DarDans. Phil was soon added to the line up and they spent the next year playing rock and roll.  However they soon had to take a break as both Darden and Dan were transferred by their respective companies to London, UK. The expatriate assignments were unrelated but while in London Darden and Dan managed to periodically get together to play along with a few other local musicians. Now that the original DarDans, plus new addition Blair, are back in Houston and together again you can look for more gigs and original recordings from the band.

 Darden has two boys, Trey and Blake. Both show some musical interest along with sports and computer games.

Darden performs with Smokin'                                                                      Smokin' - before the gig!!!             

Smokin' - Early promotion photograph                                        Darden performing with his band in London