Real name: Darol Ashley Rice

Clarinetist, Woodwind player, and Band Leader. Born March 16, 1917 Galva, IA Died: May 20, 1979 Sacramento, CA. Darol was the Bass Clarinetist on Ernie Ford's 1955 classic recording of "Sixteen Tons". He was a Clarinetist in music in some U.S. westerns, often uncredited. Appeared with the Republic Rhythm Riders (an in-house-band created by Republic Pictures) and Roy Rogers Riders. Also associated often with Cliffie Stone, Herman the Hermit, and Stuart Hamblen. Later in his life, Darol worked for RCA Victor as manager of sacred recordings (1960) and West Coast A&R.