Dave Blocker (Appling) started his career at
Arts High in Newark, New Jersey as an Art Major, where his class-mates included some famous performers known.
Larry Young Jr. (Khalid); Jeff Brown; Melba Moore;
Andy Bey; vocalist Gerri Granger; John DeAndrea of Hulla-ba-loo;Herb Middleton of Hill Street Blues, better known as Taurean Blaque; jazz drummer, Eddie Gladden; Myrna Utley-Smith of the Sweet Inspiration; jazz violinist, Eddie Drennon; singer, Honey Gordon; Marilynn Flakes and her Marilynn Flakes Singers;trumpeter, Woody Shaw; and Barbara Appling, Dave's cousin, following the footsteps of their famous cousin, Conductor,William Appling. Dave, Larry, Jeff, Tim Granger, Dave Eubanks, Florien Jenkins were busted by Mr.Wm.Pickett, choral director. They were 'doo-wopping' in the men's room singing some Orioles songs and were challenged by Dr. Seimster, the principle at that time, to:
"Either join the Operetta Club, or be suspended". They joined the production of "The Lowland Seas". Thus creating The Challengers singing group.. (The Most progressively advanced vocal group in Newark)at the time.

Love Is (you and me) solo CD

All I Need Is You
Just For The Kids
Before You
You Make Me Happy
Touch Me With Your Love
Talmadge Road
When Did This Happen?
Ebony Eyes
Inside Of me
Love Is (you and me)
Here In My Arms
Love Of Mine
Momma Said Poppa Said

Dave won a first  prize week's  engagement at Newark's famous Key Club with the Rhoda Scott Trio, whose side men were, Joe Thomas, reeds; and Bill Elliott, drums (Dionne Warwicks husband). The gig didn't take place until a year later. He was still in high school. After graduation, he subbed for
Dee Dee Bridgewater, who had become ill while working at the Key Club.

Dave and Florien were art majors, who along with Larry, and Jeff Brown, music majors, formed the vocal group, "The Challengers", and won many contests throughout New Jersey.  This was short lived, soon after graduating A.H.S.  Larry Young JR., also played organ, and was the bass singer. Jeff Brown alternated lead and background as did all of the guys, Norman Baldwin; Florien Jenkins, and Dave.  These fellows grew artistically in all phases of music from then on.
In 1962, Larry, Woody Shaw, and Billy Brooks, Savion Glover's uncle,formed a very powerful jazz group, with Larry Young on Organ; Woody Shaw, trumpet; Billy Brooks, drums and Dave, vocals. The latter went to Paris and Dave remained in Jersey as main vocalist of The Brady Hodge Orchestra and Bill and Duke Anderson Orchestra. Billy,Wood and Tyrone Washington, tenor sax, were also members of the Hodge Orchestra.

Dave later on opened for Redd Foxx, George Kirby and Jackie Mason at Dangerfields in New York. He soon worked cruise lines; the Catskills; Pocono's and Atlantic City, tutored by his late manager, Jimmy Holmes of the original Ink Spots. Brieflly, Dave was a member of the"Original Flamingos" singing group, with Jacob Carey Jr.
Before the Challengers,  Dave's first singing group was "The Echoes"; with, Joe "Red" McDonald, bass; "Baby "Jimmy Montegue, tenor; Robert Taylor, ten-bari; Norman Baldwin, baritone and David Garry, of the Omega Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Dave is a member also.