Daryl Waters

Daryl Waters is a Tony Award-winning American composer, arranger, orchestrator, and music director celebrated for his dynamic contributions to Broadway and popular music. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend genres—including jazz, gospel, R&B, funk, and classical—Waters has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of some of the most acclaimed productions on the modern stage.

Waters rose to prominence in the theatre world with his work on the groundbreaking musical Bring in ’da Noise, Bring in ’da Funk (1996), for which he served as musical director and co-orchestrator. The show’s innovative fusion of tap dance, spoken word, and music earned widespread critical acclaim and showcased Waters’ talent for musical storytelling rooted in Black American traditions.

He continued to leave his mark on Broadway with productions such as Memphis (2009), for which he won the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations alongside David Bryan. The musical’s blend of rock, soul, and gospel underscored Waters’ ability to support emotionally rich narratives through powerful, stylistically diverse arrangements.

Waters also served as music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator for the 2010 revival of The Scottsboro Boys, bringing a hauntingly complex score to life with sharp, evocative instrumentation. Other notable credits include Holler If Ya Hear Me (based on the lyrics of Tupac Shakur), Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed (2016), and Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, where he once again masterfully channeled historical musical styles for the stage.

Beyond Broadway, Waters has worked with major artists and ensembles, composed for film and television, and built a reputation as a creative leader who brings both historical insight and contemporary flair to his music.

Daryl Waters continues to be a driving force in American theatre and music, known for his artistry, versatility, and dedication to elevating Black musical forms within the fabric of modern storytelling.