Bio


Since early childhood, music has been David's inspiration. His mother, the late Lessie Pankey relates that as an infant he would get excited each time he saw a piano. She would put him on her lap so he could stroke the keys! Mrs. Pankey was a wonderful pianist who was David's first teacher. She continued giving him musical tips as well as playing for family & friends until her death in April 2009.

Once the family bought a piano, he played non-stop. He had great support, since his mother and father always knew that his talent would take him far. She taught him Methodist church hymns. To this day David injects a little "gospel flair" in his jazz as a tribute to his mother.

Pankey spent much of his adult life as an employee of BellSouth Advertising & Publishing Corporation. He retired as Regional Manager in 2002 after returning to Charlotte from Atlanta, Georgia.

Now, David has realized his dream as a jazz pianist. His limited edition CD release "Out of the Box" received rave reviews in 2003/2004.

Since then, he credits more than 100 performances, including concerts and jazz festivals. Other venues include performances for the prestigious Quail Hollow Club and it's members, Charlotte City Club, Queens University Learning Society, HeartBright Foundation, Myers Park Country Club, Auntie Karen Foundation and many others on a recurring basis.

David's inspiration continues to be his music, however; his predominant inspiration in addition to his mother is his wife Jeanette, who provides great support and is the catalyst for his musical creativity.

Latest Performances


June 06, 2020
7 PM
Middle C Jazz (Trio Event)
300 S. Brevard St Charlotte, NC
August 27, 2020
7 PM
Middle C Jazz (Trio Event)
300 S. Brevard St Charlotte, NC
October 24, 2020
2-3:30 pm Doors open at 1
Allison Creek Presbyterian Church
5780 Allison Creek Rd., York, SC
June 19, 2021
Allison Creek Presbyterian Church
5780 Allison Creek Rd York, SC
June 26, 2021
Duo with Jeff Holland
Gaston Country Club (Private Event)
January 29, 2022
5:30 pm-8 PM
Concert-537 Gallery, Camden, SC (Tom Hildred-Bass, Donnie Marshall-Drums)
537 East Dekalb St.-Historic Camden, South Carolina
June 03, 2022
Private
Trio-Dr.Yele Aluko Private Event
Charlotte City Club (Private Event)
August 20, 2022
7pm-9:30 pm
Concert-537 Gallery-Trio & Special Guest Guitarist Herb Stephens
537 East Dekalb St.-Historic Camden, South Carolina
November 12, 2022
7:30-10 pm
Concert-537 Gallery-Trio & Special Guest Guitarist Herb Stephens
537 East Dekalb St.-Historic Camden, South Carolina
March 31, 2023
12 Noon
Dr. Joe Woody Birthday Gala
Quail Hollow Club (Private Event)
March 31, 2023
12 Noon
Dr. Joe Woody Birthday Gala
Quail Hollow Club (Private Event)
July 18, 2023
7:15 pm-10 pm
Birthday Gala for James Austin-David Pankey Trio w/guest Galvin Crisp
537 East Dekalb St.-Historic Camden, South Carolina (Private Event)
October 02, 2023
6 pm-8:30 pm
Guest Performance-Cajun Queen, W/Jeff Holland-Bass & Andy Anderson-Drums
1800 E 7th Street, Charlotte
December 16, 2023
7 pm
Ballantyne Resort-Trio W/special guest saxophonist Galvin Crisp
10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway (Private Event)
April 20, 2024
7:00 pm-9:30 pm
Trio plus saxophonist Galvin Crisp
537 East Dekalb St.-Historic Camden, South Carolina
April 23, 2024
5:30 pm-8:30 pm
Guest Performance-Cajun Queen, W/Jeff Holland-Bass & Andy Anderson-Drums
1800 E 7th Street, Charlotte