J. Darrell Crawford taught and supervised public school music for 35 years. He was the director of the Modesto Chorale and directed the Messiah, Elijah, The Creation and other works with the community chorus. He has also directed various church choirs for over 25 years. His compositions have been performed for local audiences.

Crawford is a graduate of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He received his Master of Music in piano and composition there in 1956. Currently retired, Crawford still stays active in music as the assistant director of the Grass Valley Male Voice Choir and as director of the Senior Choir at Peace Lutheran Church.