David Joseph O'Dell

David Joseph O’Dell died peacefully at his home among family and friends, February 21st, 2024. David was born in Oak Ridge on September 5th,1955 to Mary Ruth and Lyman “Curly” O’Dell. They raised David, his sister and five brothers in a small “Cemesto” on Kentucky Ave. Mother Mary drove buses for the city school system and Curly took on several jobs, from selling cars at Rice Oldsmobile to working at Y-12.

There was never an excess of money at what came to be known by the town’s younger generation as “The O’Dell Hotel”, but that little pink house was rich with humor and creativity. Any friend of the 7 kids - who were pretty evenly spread in age across 15 years – was always welcome to drop in any time, day or night. They’d all be welcomed with a hearty smile and a funny tale. Without loads of disposable income for games or toys, each of the 6 brothers cultivated a keen eye and ear for noticing the little details of daily life overlooked by others. They would craft these into hilarious observations, expressions, impressions, obsessions, stories and even some theatrical performances, with all of those boys crowding around an old reel-to-reel tape machine to record them for posterity. David was particularly adept at this and moreover, grew into the role of family historian.

Over the years, he tirelessly curated many of these gems. Since the advent of the internet, David meticulously archived these into his website and his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thecoolmodell8156/videos

Beyond this tight-knit family unit, he also amassed, over the past 50+ years, a vast extended family of admiring friends and equally tight comrades, far too many to try to list here, but all of whom consider him their brother. This brotherhood will now continue to maintain his online treasure trove in perpetuity, to make it available for generations to come.

After graduating from Oak Ridge High School, David collaborated with a number of local musicians and founded the notable local area band Bull Rooker, playing numerous shows on the Cumberland Avenue music scene and opening for Asleep at the Wheel at UT. In 1980, David enlisted in the U.S. Army. He attained the rank of sergeant during his seven years of active duty, much of it stationed in Germany during the Cold War, working at the Grafenwoehr Training Area along the Czech border. In a warm turning point during his time in uniform, he reunited with his ORHS flame, the lovely Debbie Blumberg. The two explored Germany and much of Europe together, appreciating the essence of German and European people and culture before returning Stateside. This chapter of his life is chronicled in “Days of Fatigues”, a memoir of his Army and Germany days (see Youtube Channel). Debbie O’Dell has remained his best friend until his final day.

David picked up many important skills in the service, training as an electrician and network specialist. Upon his discharge, he pursued the latter through Pellissippi State, graduating and obtaining many IT professional competency Certifications. While he did conduct electrical and computer/network consulting post-Army, it was writing, composing, and performing music that remained David’s passion and focus. His creative musical mind and kinship with the origins and evolution of country blues music, came partly the result of his father Curly’s Appalachian roots and harmonica playing. David both wrote the music and lyrics of his songs, and as an accomplished musician, he also sang them and laid down the tracks, having mastered the electric, acoustic, steel, and slide guitar, Dobro, and mandolin. He amassed and recorded an impressive catalog, comprising hundreds of original songs – mostly Classic Country, Rockabilly, Americana/Roots, Psycho-Billy, Country Punk and some Rock and Roll and Blues. Many of these, and some of those “O’Dell family legends” recorded by David and his brothers, along with some of his poetry and artwork can be found on his Youtube Channel listed above.

David would always give a name to whatever house he lived in, no matter the duration. Upon their return from Germany, he and Debbie purchased a home in West Knoxville, he dubbed “Red Rock West”. For nearly 40 years, just like the O’Dell Hotel, it became a bastion of light, laughter, and music with drop-ins at all hours welcome. Always the ultimate host, David encouraged connection, creativity, and friendship, forming a large community there. Red Rock West also became the launching pad and recording studio for others of his post-Army bands, among them: The Tennessee Kingsnakes (who performed at Knoxville’s World’s Fair Pavilion) and the Chilly Wonders (some recordings of both bands can be found on his Youtube Channel). With his graphic art prowess and an innate knack for interior design, in Red Rock West, he created an aesthetically warm oasis and refuge for family, friends, music, and community.

David’s spirit, good cheer, and music have enriched and inspired the lives of so many. He created his own lexicon, and many of us acknowledge that much of our expressions, sayings and humor stem directly from his boundless mind – and so many of his songs play in our heads each and every day of our lives.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ruth and Lyman “Curly” O’Dell, his sister Cindy Bowden, brothers Lyman (Eddie) and Dan O’Dell. He is survived by his brothers Kerry Bowden, Tony, Richard O’Dell and his best friend for life, Debbie Blumberg O’Dell; and of course the extensive community of friends he created. A memorial service is being planned and will be posted on his Youtube Channel listed above.