SAN DIEGO — A children's musician who was once a career criminal is offering inspiration to his young fans.
In this Zevely Zone, I attended a Halloween Concert at San Diego's Central Library.
"We do the Halloween Hustle," sang children's musician, Danny Darko. The performing artist from the Microphone Doctors has a rap sheet longer than his playlist. He was incarcerated 27 times.
"That is correct. It's an alarming amount," said Danny.
He grew up in San Diego and became a thief to support a drug habit. His press release states he is a career criminal.
"It's hard to keep that a secret these days because I think if anyone Googles me," said Danny.
They'd see his criminal history followed by a great comeback story.
"The juice, the juice, the juice is in the box, the juice, the juice is in the box," sang Danny to his adoring young fans.
With a hundred songs to choose from and fifteen different costumes, Danny's show is filled with bubbles he hopes will never burst.
There were 200 people in his rehab program; he's one of two who isn't either back in jail or dead.
"I've dedicated my life to inspiring others through musical entertainment that instills hope, happiness and imagination. As a recovered addict and ex-con, I've had the honor of publicly speaking about my experiences that miraculously led to where I am today," said Danny.
"Danny's story is very inspirational. We are thrilled that we can feature him," said Jenny Parsons.
She manages the Children's Library at San Diego's Central Library. I asked her if she's ever had a parent say they are uncomfortable with Danny's background.
"No. No one has at all," said Jenny.
The librarian says when people surround themselves with books, they naturally support all different types of stories.
"People come here from all over the city, and it's a place where people can interact with people from all different backgrounds and circumstances," said Jenny.
Danny had been unable to find a job for years and didn't think he could become a children's musician. I asked him how many tattoos he had on his body.
"I don't even have a how many," said Danny.
But he can count how many years ago, he took his life back.
"I have been sober for 18 years as of September 28, 2005," said Danny. "The change that my life has experienced is surreal to me. I mean I slept in some of the winter shelters, I was homeless for almost ten years, so the people you see outside. I was one of those people."
The Josie Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, recently nominated Danny for Best Children's Entertainer, which means he could be nominated for a Grammy.
Even better than awards are his tiny fans, who are learning that you should never judge a book by its cover. I told Danny it's good that society believes in second chances. "Or a 27th chance, ha, ha, ha, of a 27th chance in some instances," laughed Danny.
"Spooky spaghetti. Spooky spaghetti," sang Danny as the kids went wild. "It's the gift that keeps giving," said Danny. The Microphone Doctors have performed fifty shows this year. For information about Danny's new album and next performance, click here.