Born in Oakland, California, David grew up just East of San Francisco. Through his fascination for drums, he began playing music at age 10. His parents bought him his first drumset in high school and the rest, as they say, is history.

By age (17) David began his professional career by 1966, the Vietnam War brought uncertainty. Upon waiting for his draft into the Army, his future changed when it was suggested he enlist in the United States Air Force and become a member of the 724th United States Air Force Band. After his discharge from military service, he returned to his home in the San Francisco Bay Area and in the summer of 1970 David joined Tower of Power

It was in this setting that David became one of the most influential drummers of his generation and became known as an innovator in funk drumming.

His syncopated funk grooves with Tower of Power earned David Garibaldi an enduring reputation as one of the world's great innovative drummers. On classic T.O.P. tracks including "?Oakland Stroke", "Squib Cakes" and "Walkin" Up Hip Street" David's well-oiled melding of jazz, R & B, and straight-up funk influences resulted in a new kind of groove drumming... that was uniquely David Garibaldi.

He has since appeared in a variety of studio and live settings including work for television and film. His credits include work with artists including: Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Larry Carlton, Mickey Hart's Planet Drum, Jermaine Jackson, Ray Obiedo, the Buddy Rich Orchestra, Boz Scaggs, Talking Drum,s, Gino Vanelli, Deniece Williams, the Yellowjackets and Wishful Thinking.

Over the last couple of years David has been working with 'Doc' Kupka as the drummer in 'Doc's' special project, The Strokeland Superband.

In January 1998, David Garibaldi rejoined Tower of Power and continues touring with them.

David is still in pursuit of new directions, with his drum/percussion unit Talking Drums and collaboration with former Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart. His video, "Tower of Groove" offers a visual slice of what has made this San Francisco-based drummer one of the key voices in modern drumming.

David is also a member of the famous TALKING DRUMS with Jesus Diaz and Michael Spiro. With their original compositions they have created a new language in sound that is best described as the place where Afro-Cuban, Brasilian, Funk Rhythms converge. Only these three artists could have produced this style because of the diversity of knowledge, experience and talent that they share. Talking Drums has been touring internationally and has released a critically acclaimed instructional/performance video and book (Warner Bros. Publication) that documents its unique sound.