Biography
Darla Z began her on stage musical career in 2005 opening in concert for Willie Nelson. Since 2005, Darla Z has performed and headlined in Las Vegas numerous times, worked with and has opened in concert for the legendary Mr. Las Vegas, Wayne Newton.
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Darla Z has written and starred in three nationally released Public Television Specials, including “Darla Z’s Christmas ‘Round the World,” which aired throughout the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands three years in a row. Darla Z has performed many successful benefit concerts for numerous non profit organizations, as well as Darla’s many appearances in concert. She is renowned for writing beautiful songs-both music and lyrics.
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Darla Z has appeared in concert with the legendary Gap Band. Darla Z has recorded in Las Vegas original songs she co-wrote with the Gap Band’s founder, the legendary Ronnie Wilson (co-writer of “Uptown Funk”).
Darla Z is a member of the Songwriter’s Guild of America.
Darla and her husband Bill first began working in the entertainment industry by
promoting and producing concerts nationwide with many artists including Frank Sinatra, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Billy Idol, Rosanne Barr, Merle Haggard, Red Buttons, the Bangles, Cutting Crew, Julio Iglesias, The Firm, Run DMC, and the Beastie Boys.
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“To All the Gabbys in the World”
Released June of 2023, “To All the Gabbys in the World” Darla Z wrote this song to bring awareness to the ongoing epidemic of domestic abuse and to motivate and inspire abused women to leave their horrible situations and start a new life. Among the many International awards already received to date, Darla was awarded Best International Singer for the year 2023 by Rome Movie Awards and Sweet Democracy Film Awards Cannes, France, Best International Singer, Best American Song, and Best Music Video by 8 & Halfilm Awards, Rome. As of May, 2024, “To All the Gabbys in the World” has received over 45 International awards from IMDB festivals.
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“Please Help Me Forgive”
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Released March, 2024, “Please Help Me Forgive” has received multiple International Awards, including Best Short Film, Best Music video, Best Song by Christian Film Festival, Best Music Video, Best Song by New York Tri-State International Festival, Best Music award, Best Talent Award in Music by Great Message
International Film Festival, Best Original Song by Global Film Festival Awards, Best Song by Global Music Awards (Bronze), Selections with nominations to be announced include Bridge Fest (Canada), Accolade Global Film Competition (Filmmaker), Best Christian/Inspirational by International New York Film Festival.
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“A Love Like This”
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Darla Z’s newest release, a country and western ballad called “A Love Like This,” written, arranged, produced and performed by Darla Z on guitar and vocals was released May 31, 2024.
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Darla Z was recently featured and interviewed by Bold Journey Magazine May 3, 2024. The interview in its entirety can be found at: https://boldjourney.com/meet-darla-zuhdi/
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Speaking Engagements/lectures
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Darla Zuhdi is the author of four published children’s books in a series called the Cat Detectives for kids aged 7 and up. Finding Your Dream, the first in the series, is recommended and endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States. Darla Zuhdi toured extensively when promoting her Cat Detectives Series and conducting book signings, speaking at libraries throughout the U.S. and schools.
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Other Interests/Recognitions
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In 2023, Darla Z was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Women in Oklahoma City” by OKC Friday.
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In 2018, Darla Z was named one of the “50 Women of the Year” by the Journal Record.
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In 2015, Darla Z was chosen by the Oklahoma History Center and Patti Page’s family to perform Patti Page’s most beloved songs in numerous concerts throughout Oklahoma.
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In 2015, Darla Z was named “Woman of the Year” by Women of the South.
- Darla Zuhdi is also a board member of the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum.
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Official Sites:
Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DarlaZ
Official Web Site:: www.darlaz.com
Official FaceBook Page: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDar