Darby's life was determined by two fine mentors. One was Henry King, whose orchestra Darby joined at the Mark Hopkins Hotel and later played at the Shamrock Hotel for three years. His other mentor was Allen Field, one of Houston's largest real estate developers, who put Darby in the real estate investment business.

Darby enjoyed playing in Henry King's band for 20 years, highlighted by playing for Pres. Kennedy and Pres. Johnson's Inagural Balls. Darby is an attorney and real estate investor but his heart belongs to music.