Darren Warren
Darren Warren | |
|---|---|
| Born | Mayfield, Kentucky, United States |
| Genres | country |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments | Singing, guitar |
Darren Warren is an American country music singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and philanthropist from Mayfield, Kentucky. He is known for his career in country music, his work as the founder of Stor-Mor Portable Buildings, and his long-standing support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Early life
[edit]Warren was raised in Kentucky, where he worked in his father's construction business during his teenage years while pursuing a career in country music.
At age 16, Warren was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after his older brother discovered a lump under his chin. The doctor's prognosis was dire, Warren was given a 40-percent chance of survival. He underwent approximately 120 chemotherapy treatments over a period of two and a half years at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital before being declared cancer-free. In 2001, Warren was diagnosed as cancer free.[1]
"There are things that come at you that are stumbling blocks.," Warren said. "If we can take them and make them stepping stones, we can help more people and do things to change people's lives." In August 2026, Darren Warren celebrates a huge milestone: 25 years in remission from non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. "Going back to St. Jude with my guitar to meet the patients and sing songs like ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm’ might sound small to a lot of people, but to me, that's what it's all about."[2]
Music career
[edit]Following his recovery, Warren wrote the song "Miracles in Memphis," inspired by his experience as a cancer patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He performed the song at a Country Cares for St. Jude Kids event, where it received recognition from attendees, including country music superstar Randy Owen.
So far, he has shared the stage with Vince Gill, Travis Tritt, and Emerson Drive, among others. Warren has also journeyed across the country sharing his stories and his music. He is an active participant in St. Jude's Country Cares for Kids, a radiothon founded by Alabama’s Randy Owen.
Darren Warren's CD "Cowboy Up and Party Down" was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee and produced by industry veteran Doug Grau. Grau is credited with producing The Statler Brothers, as well as stand-up acts Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engvall.[3]
The title track "Cowboy Up and Party Down" (written by Richochet’s Eddie Kilgallon) was released as his first single and distributed to country music radio stations in May 2011. A poignant song Warren wrote for the album, "Go Get My Angel," deals with the loss of a young victim to cancer. Randy Owen of the Country Music Hall of Fame band Alabama is featured as a guest artist on the song. It is a fan favorite that has provided inspiration to many families struggling with grief.[2]
Warren was subsequently recognized as a "New Artist to Watch" in country music.
During the early stages of his music career, Warren and his wife adopted two sisters, later expanding their family to four children. He stepped away from music to focus on his family and business interests.
In 2026, Warren has returned to recording and releasing music with the single, "She Don't," produced by Buddy Cannon. Cannon has previously worked with artists including Kenny Chesney, Reba McEntire, and Willie Nelson. Warren has cited artists such as Merle Haggard, George Jones, Tracy Lawrence, and Joe Diffie as musical influences. Warren also released "The Good Outweighs The Bad," a song he wrote and recorded after having a conversation with a Veteran nicknamed "Sarge," just in time for America's 250th birthday.
Warren has said that the sole motivation for his music career is simple: he wants to offer hope and encouragement to young boys and girls faced with a terminal illness.[3][4]
Business career
[edit]Warren is the founder of Stor-Mor Portable Buildings, a portable building manufacturer. Under his leadership, the company expanded its operations across the United States.
Philanthropy
[edit]Warren has remained involved with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital following his recovery from cancer. Through fundraising efforts associated with Stor-Mor Portable Buildings, the company has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the hospital. In one record-setting fundraising campaign, Stor-Mor contributed more than $300,000 to support St. Jude's mission.
References
[edit]- ↑ Watts, Cindy (2012). "Darren Warren Plays St. Jude." The Tennessean. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
- ↑ Skates, Sarah (September 22, 2011). "Darren Warren Working Debut EP". Music Row. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
- ↑ "Earning His Wings" Reprinted from Promise magazine, autumn 2007. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
- ↑ Rollins, Lisa L. (August 11, 2011). "Cancer Survivor Darren Warren Gets Vocal Aid from Randy Owen". Examiner. Retrieved May 17, 2012.