Del Suggs

Del Suggs embodies a rare blend of artistic talent, intellectual rigor, and profound community engagement, distinguishing himself as a truly multifaceted professional. He is not merely a singer/songwriter and guitarist, but also a highly acclaimed speaker, a prolific author, and a dedicated public servant. His career, spanning over four decades, showcases a remarkable versatility that has left an indelible mark across the music industry, higher education, and various philanthropic endeavors

Del is an ASCAP award-winning songwriter, and released five albums of his own songs. He is recognized as one of the pioneers of a musical genre known as “Trop Rock” (tropical rock).

The book “Trop Rock Songs: Stories and Tales” by Andy Forsyth devotes a full chapter to Del and his music. His songs are frequently covered by other Trop Rock artists. Del  has been a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (the Grammy Awards) since 1992, and helped to found the the Florida Chapter along with Emilio Estefan, Tom Morris, Howard Alpert, Don Tweedy, and Nancy Mraz.  

Del has cultivated a remarkably impactful career as a speaker, educator, and leadership development expert, primarily in Higher Education. He was voted “Campus Speaker of the Year” for 2025 by the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities (APCA). In 2024, he received their Lifetime Achievement Award for his career in higher ed. In 2021, Del was inducted into the National Campus Entertainment Hall of Fame. In addition, he has authored two books on leadership development, college event production, and over 80 published journal articles.

Suggs has shared the stage with such notable artists as Gamble Rogers, Townes Van Zandt, Jonathan Edwards, Guy Clark, John Hammond, John McEuen, Peter Rowan, Mac McAnnally, Roy Bookbinder, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Kristen Merlin (“The Voice”), and many, many others.

Performing Songwriter magazine described Suggs music as "Jimmy Buffett jamming with the Indigo Girls and James Taylor."