David Singer — From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall

In this unforgettable episode of Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, host Greg Hanna sits down with world-renowned clarinetist, professor, and Grammy-winning principal with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra — David Singer. From cab driver to the White House. From dodging bullets in Bolivia to teaching the next generation. From Carnegie Hall to climbing fences at shipyards — David’s life is a true symphony of experience, passion, and resilience. Now an acclaimed author of From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall, David shares his fascinating journey through decades of performance, travel, unexpected detours, and unshakable perseverance. [00:00] – David recalls his most unlikely path to becoming an author and why writing his book became a way to honor his wild and inspiring journey. [00:01:15] – The surreal story of performing for President Jimmy Carter at the White House… then returning to New York that same night to drive a cab. [00:02:30] – Performing again for President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, and their Hollywood friends — in the last peaceful days before 9/11 changed everything. [00:04:00] – David’s 36-year career with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, a revolutionary group without a conductor, and how they rose from playing free library concerts to becoming global ambassadors of music. [00:06:00] – Touring the world with Orpheus: performing in Vietnam, Bolivia, and Calcutta, facing language barriers, cultural differences, and even security threats — all while bringing classical music to unexpected places. [00:08:00] – Stories from the road, including collaborations with legends like Branford Marsalis, Yehudi Menuhin, Yo-Yo Ma, and Itzhak Perlman — and how those moments impacted David and his family. [00:11:00] – How he documented his legacy, gathered memorabilia, and preserved memories through pictures, press clippings, postcards, and performances — and how those pieces helped him earn his professorship. [00:13:00] – The real highs and lows behind the music: rejection, sacrifice, losing love, rebuilding, and making peace with unexpected outcomes — including one emotional reunion 50 years later. [00:16:00] – His transition from cab driver and welding rod salesman to building the children's music program Music Magic, combining education, performance, and creativity to transform young lives. [00:18:00] – David's hilarious (and touching) experience writing music with kids — including a classic line: "My mama don’t allow me to go in her bra drawer!" [00:19:00] – Why finding your purpose isn’t just about doing what you love — but doing what you love and what you’re good at. [00:21:00] – The baseball dream he let go of — and the wisdom he gained when he chose music instead. From Cab Driver to Carnegie Hall by David Singer Available now on: Amazon Barnes & Noble SingerClarinet.com This moving memoir is filled with laughter, adventure, heartbreak, resilience, and inspiration — a must-read for musicians, dreamers, and anyone who’s ever questioned the path they’re on. David Singer is a Grammy-winning clarinetist, educator, former professor at Montclair State University, and longtime principal with the legendary Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. A world traveler, collaborator with music greats, and now an author, David’s life is a testament to the power of persistence, humility, and following your passion wherever it takes you. Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto is hosted by Greg Hanna and brings intimate, insightful conversations with world-class performers, artists, creators, and thinkers. Set against the cozy ambiance of the Grotto, this show offers rare, authentic access to the stories behind the spotlight. 🔑 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:📚 About the Book:👤 About David Singer:📢 About Celebrity Interviews Live from The Grotto: