David Cortello cut his musical teeth in the bars and churches of New Orleans, where the city's rich sonic tapestry shaped his eclectic sound. Blending rock, soul, Americana, jazz, country, classical, blues, and the unmistakable grooves of NOLA, his music and playing defy easy categorization and speak to a lifetime steeped in diverse traditions.

Though guitar was his first love, Cortello’s versatility led him to perform in various bands as a bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist. A prolific writer from an early age, he penned scores of songs in his teens and eventually deepened his craft through formal training, earning both an MM and PhD in music composition.

After a wide-ranging musical journey—from smoky bars to academic halls—he returned to his roots in songwriting and guitar playing. Over the years, he's opened for acts like Earl Thomas Conley, Kool and The Gang, Tom Jones, and Three Dog Night.

Cortello released his debut album Invisible Man as a songwriter and took first place in the Blackberry Festival Singer-Songwriter Contest. He’s been featured in the Singer-Songwriter Series at Tucker’s Barn and Roots in the Round in Statesville, NC, continuing to build a reputation as a thoughtful, soulful voice in the Americana and roots music scene.