Daniel was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He began playing mandolin at age 4, on his dad’s 1957 Martin Mandolin. Daniel learned to play guitar at age 6 on a D-28 Martin guitar. At age 7, he began playing piano and various other instruments. His dad, Burton Sampson, who plays the banjo, was the first to introduce him to bluegrass music. Daniel credits other bluegrass influences such as John Duffey, Doyle Lawson, Bill Monroe, J.D. Crowe, Tony Rice and Jimmy Martin. Daniel won his first talent contest when he was in second grade, singing and playing the mandolin. The song was Somebody Touched Me. During his teen years, Daniel and his family moved to Alabama. After moving to Alabama, Daniel began playing with Picking for Jesus, along with his dad, Burton Sampson, Terry Roberson and Gary Simpson. After a short stint away from music, Daniel received a call from a dear friend and mentor, Rual Yarbrough, who asked him to join a group called Bluegrass Disciples, along with Rual, Steve Martin, and Gary Simpson. Prior to playing with Sunday Tradition, Daniel played mandolin and sang in a group called Full Circle. Other members of this band included Freddy Craig, Ronnie Craig, Gene Middlebrooks, and Tim Carter. Thanks to Freddy for allowing me to play and sing with Full Circle. What a great Christian friend!
