Though it might not always have benefitted my pocketbook, whether it’s teaching high school music or coaching soccer or doing Doctor Noize, I’ve always done things that I thought were worthwhile, things that were meaningful to me. And I learned that from my brother.
Cory Cullinan
It became clear through our chats that Danny and I had a lot more in common than we had suspected. We both had unusual childhoods for people in children’s music. Danny was raised in gang culture, saw many friends die, and was regularly in and out of prison in his youth. When I was a kid, my only sibling died of cancer, and that same year, in desperation, my father died by suicide. Danny and I both decided, at some point, that our lives were not going to be defined by the misfortunes that had occurred in our youth. After much reading, reflection, and planning, we very purposefully and proactively took roads that led in a very different direction. We arrived at children’s music as a creative outlet for similar reasons: We’re trying to relive — and perhaps re-invent — our childhoods a bit and give kids a “things are gonna be okay” feeling — something we probably wish we had a little more of.
Cory Cullinan
I knew of Danny Darko’s amazing life story, and I thought he was, in many ways, the most intriguing — and certainly the most unlikely — voice in children’s music. So, when he contacted me about producing the next Microphone Doctors album, I was happy to say yes. But I had no idea what a fantastic collaboration this would turn out to be, both musically and personally. We set to out to write, record, and mix a song a day, in a flurry of fun and creativity, and held ourselves to and accomplished that goal! We ended up having such a great time, which no doubt is reflected in the easy feeling of happiness that permeates the entire recording. My transition from producer to co-artist developed naturally as we worked together.
Cory Cullinan
A special version of Konshens & The Earth Band’s Shine— a Top 5 Hit on Sirius XM Kids Place Live from our Funk The Earth album — was performed as part of the Concert in Celebration of the 76th Anniversary of the United Nations today for UN Day. We hope it brings a shine to your day.
Doris Huang
One day in class he decided to tell us a story. When he was a sophomore at the local high school, his older brother was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer. Instead of fighting his fate or acting selfishly and demanding attention in the last few months of his life, Mr. C’s brother bravely accepted reality and continued to live his life just as fully as he had before. When his brother passed away, Mr. C vowed to live his own life to the fullest as a sort of memorial to his brother’s constancy and courage.In the midst of the mourning, Mr. C’s father, who had at one time served as mayor of his hometown, began to blame himself for his son’s disease and subsequent decease. The depression that ensued eventually drove him to suicide. He drove his car out one day and shot himself.Needless to say we students were all stunned to hear the story of Mr. C’s family. How was it that this man, who had suffered such unimaginable trauma as a teenager and who had lost half his immediate family within a year or two, was now one of the most visible and vibrant teachers on campus, one who single-handedly fashioned a revitalized music department including music history classes, a choir group, and an electronic music group that created and recorded its own CD? How was it that this man had a literally boundless store of energy and good humor? How was it that this man not only survived, but prevailed?
Sheparack
Thank for the inspiration and sharing your story!
Sonja Palmer
Thank you so much for your amazing contribution to our fundraiser. Your presence at the party and your keynote message to our guests was the perfect element to success! Thank you so much for also making time in your busy schedule.
Sonja Palmer
Thank you so much for being our Featured Speaker at Mardi Gras Night. We raised over $100,000 in one night for Bay Area school music programs! And, my dear, you played a huge role in that success. You now have an army of new fans. You were so inspiring, dynamic, funny, and got folks so jazzed about music. You are the MFM poster child and embody the fact our mission works!
Audrey Gold
Thank you for a wonderful hour learning about music, life and values. We are grateful. You helped me recognize that, yes, I need to take action and not watch by the sidelines.
Alicia Graves
Cory has honored his brother’s legacy by living his life to the fullest and enriching others along the way. The Cullinans are a beautiful example of what hope and preservation looks like.