Fan mail address
David Gates
P.O. Box 1475
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1475
USA
Address information
(Post Office Box)
P.O. Box 1475
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1475
USA
David Gates is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the 1970s soft rock band Bread. Born on December 11, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Gates became one of the most influential figures in the soft rock genre, with a career spanning several decades. His work with Bread and as a solo artist has left an enduring mark on the music industry.
Gates began his musical journey at a young age, showing an early interest in playing the piano and guitar. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1960s, where he worked as a session musician and songwriter. Gates’ big break came in 1968 when he formed Bread with fellow musicians James Griffin, Robb Royer, and Mike Botts. The band’s signature sound was a blend of soft rock, folk, and pop, with Gates’ smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics taking center stage.
As the leader of Bread, Gates wrote and co-wrote the majority of the band’s hits, including the timeless ballads “Make It with You,” “Everything I Own,” and “If,” which became massive hits during the early 1970s. “Make It with You,” in particular, was a chart-topping success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970, and is widely regarded as one of the band’s most memorable songs. Gates’ lyrical style, often focused on love and relationships, resonated deeply with listeners, making Bread one of the most popular bands of the soft rock movement.
