Dave Lenahan was born in Buffalo, NY and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, during the golden era of rock music — a time that shaped his unique sound, which he describes as a fusion of Cleveland rock and Americana. A seasoned singer-songwriter now based in Nashville, Lenahan blends storytelling, melody, and lived experience into a musical journey grounded in heart and heritage.

Inspired early by artists like Michael Stanley, Dan Fogelberg, James Taylor, and The Eagles, Lenahan began playing guitar at age 11 and spent years honing his skills in church choirs and worship bands. After a four-decade career in radio — always under his real name — he dove headfirst into songwriting, eventually becoming the Cincinnati coordinator for NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). Since then, he’s co-written hundreds of songs and shared stages with fellow indie and Americana artists in venues like The Bluebird Café, The Listening Room, and songwriter festivals nationwide.

His 2023 debut album Or Something Like That… introduced his warm, rootsy style to a wider audience. That project paved the way for Absalom, his upcoming concept album centered around a forgotten 19th-century cemetery near his home. With help from the Gleaves family, fellow songwriters, and historical researchers, Lenahan helped clear the site and uncover over 70 graves — a labor of love that inspired the haunting title track “Absalom” and the single “Father of Peace.” Both songs were recorded with Cedric Israel and Time Jumpers’ Joe Spivey, and each became a Top 10 finalist in the World Songwriting Awards.

Additional songs for Absalom — including “Die On This Barstool,” “First,” “Faces in the Glow,” and “Baby I’m Gone” — were recorded in San Diego with Grammy-winning producer Alan Sanderson (The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John). The project features collaborations with respected co-writers like Jessica Nixon, Taylin Rae, Norm McDonald, and longtime friend Greg Althammer. “Baby I’m Gone,” previously cut twice by Chancey Williams, is now a Lenahan fan favorite and a frequent show-closer.

His work has accumulated more than 1 million Spotify streams, including Pamela Hopkins’ viral cut “Squirrel Train,” which hit #1 on Australia’s OZCMR chart. As the host of The Songwriter Connection podcast — winner of the 2024 Elite Music Award for Podcast of the Year — Lenahan spotlights rising and established songwriters with authenticity and humor. He writes nearly 100 songs annually, performs in over 100 songwriter rounds and shows, and maintains an unwavering commitment to mentorship, community, and the craft.

With Absalom on the way, Lenahan continues to explore new musical ground while staying rooted in the kind of honest, human storytelling that drew him to songwriting in the first place.