Buskin grew up in New York City. He graduated from Brown University in 1965 in the middle of the folk music era. After Brown, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA where he began to write his own brand of folk-rock songs. His brother is the playwright, John Buskin.

Composer

After selling five songs to Mary Travers for her album, Morning Glory, Buskin toured with her for several years as her opening act and they became lifelong friends. Some of the other artists who have recorded his songs include: Astrud Gilberto, Judy Collins, Peter, Paul & Mary, Johnny Mathis, Tom Rush, Roberta Flack, Dixie Carter, Tracy Nelson and “some guys from Toto” and the drummer from Kiss.

In addition to his folk-rock music, Buskin has written numerous advertising jingles. Among others, Buskin wrote the jingle for NBC for which he won a Clio Award in 1983. He co-wrote All Aboard America for Amtrak, and did work for Burger King, JC Penny, and the US Postal Service.

He also helped create the children's show Generation O that was seen on the WB Kid's Network. He is currently working on a play to be directed by Tony Award winner and fellow Brown graduate, James Naughton.

Performer

Buskin signed his first recording contract with Epic records in the early 1970s. He recorded two albums in Nashville and later toured with the rock group Pierce Arrow, recording two albums for Columbia Records. Here he met Robin Batteau, and the two decided to become a duo. David played guitar and piano; Robin guitar, mandolin, and electric violin. The partnership lasted until 1990. They appeared together, composing and performing throughout New England in various clubs, including The Bottom Line.

David performs with his partners, Rob Carlson and George Wurzbach in the group “Modern Man — filling the void between The Three Tenors and The Three Stooges.” “With the release of their third CD, “Assisted Living,” the somewhat musical group known as Modern Man continues its assault on the out-moded idea that only those persons not yet manifesting symptoms of senile dementia should perform in public.”

In 2005, after a thirteen-year hiatus, Buskin rejoined his former partner, Robin Batteau. They have just put the finishing touches on their long-anticipated new CD and are back on the road again. In their new album and in their performances, they continue to offer their audiences "an irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit." -Washington Post. David Buskin and Robin Batteau evoke a wide range of emotions in their audiences, from light-hearted amusement to the gentle sense of loss expressed in their beautiful ballad for the late Kate Wolf, "Never Cry Wolf."

Touching and humorous sums up the duo and the on-stage wit can surely be equated with Mark Twain and the more creative stand-up comics of this era.

Personal

Buskin resides in New York City.

Buskin received the Clio award in 1983.

Buskin is the recipient of the “Kate Wolf Award” from the World Folk Music Association in 1999.

In 2002 Modern Man was awarded Backstage's “Bistro Award” for Best Musical.”