Darrell Banks

Soul Singer Known for Open the Door to Your Heart

Detroit based soul singer, born July 25, 1937 in Mansfield, Ohio, died February 24, 1970 in Detroit, Michigan. Darrell Banks released two singles with Revilot Records in 1966, three singles and a full album with ATCO Records, then later two singles and a full album with Stax which were produced by Don Davis (2). He was shot and killed by off-duty policeman Aaron Bullock during a dispute with Banks' girlfriend, Marjorie Bozeman. An article regarding his death was published in the Michigan Chronicle on March 7, 1970. He lay in an unmarked grave for 34 years.Then on the 17th of July 2004 a Memorial Bench was placed on his grave, paid for by fans from across the World.So that his grave can now be found by his army of fans if they are ever in the area. "Open The Door To Your Heart" one of his great songs was penned by himself and fellow Eastside Bufflo friend Donnie Elbert and In December 2014 collectors were bidding many thousands of pounds for a copy of "Open the Door to Your Heart" in an online auction held in the UK, the London Records pressing of the record was thought to be the only copy in circulation. It had previously been thought that all the original versions had been destroyed when rival label EMI won the rights to release the song. It eventually sold for in excess of £14,000 (US$23,000).