Darrell Banks

Darrell Banks was a Detroit based soul singer, born on July 25, 1937 in Mansfield, Ohio. He released several singles and albums with various record labels throughout his career. Banks worked with notable producers such as Don Davis and George Clinton. Tragically, he was shot and killed by an off-duty policeman during a dispute with his girlfriend in 1970. Despite his untimely death, Banks left behind a legacy of soulful music that continues to resonate with fans today.

One of Banks' most famous songs, "Open The Door To Your Heart," which he co-wrote with fellow musician Donnie Elbert, gained significant popularity. In fact, collectors were willing to bid thousands of pounds for a copy of the original London Records pressing in an online auction held in the UK.

Although Darrell Banks faced challenges during his lifetime and lay in an unmarked grave for many years after his death, his devoted fans from around the world came together to honor him. In 2004, they funded a Memorial Bench placed on his grave so that visitors can pay their respects to this talented artist who touched so many lives through his music.