The Needhams are comprised of David Needham, son Dave Needham, his sister Diane, and her husband Steve, and now the third generation—Dave’s daughter Arianna.

David, father of Dave & Diane, has been a musician for over 7 decades, and spent his earliest years in music playing country and gospel styles with his wife, Eileen. Both David & Eileen were born in Massachusetts—David in Ashburnham, Eileen in Fall River. David graduated from Fitchburg High and subsequently, joined the country band Rusty and the Rainbow Valley Rangers. He later joined Eileen in NY state with the Genesee Valley Sweethearts which became the Country Skylarks. Eileen currently works with The Needhams behind the scenes in sound support and product. 

In 1971, the couple’s faith in Christ drew them to Country Gospel music. They were joined by their children Dave and Diane in the 1980’s. The family band toured regionally for years before Dave moved on to become a member of the Dixie Melody Boys as a vocalist and bassist in 1994.  While there, Dave was nominated for the Singing News Horizon Individual Award and garnered respect for his songwriting. His return to family harmony marks the beginning of TheNeedhams as they are today. Dave owns and manages the group, playing bass guitar, singing and continuing as a writer and producer for The Needhams and other artists.

Diane began singing at age of 2 in a LeRoy, NY, theater. Later, adding Diane as the drummer to Dave’s bass guitar rounded out the family band with their parents David and Eileen both playing guitars. Diane attended Roberts Wesleyan University in North Chili, New York, and married drummer Steve Mummert, joining his band, the Mummerts. During this period, Diane honed her songwriting skills and played guitar and, occasionally, drums with Steve’s group until the couple joined The Needhams in 2000. Diane was a staff writer for a number of years for both the US Gospel News and sgmradio.com for the Life on the Road features, and is currently the host of the Eternal Broadcasting’sradio program “Heart of the Song.” 

Steve Mummert is a Pennsylvania native who began drumming for his family’s group at the age of 12. His parents invited him to add his voice to their group when he turned 18, and their band toured the Mid-Atlantic region extensively. He met Diane at a music conference in 1992 and their whirlwind romance gave her his last name and added her to his family by the middle of 1993. They continued in Steve’s band for 6 more years. Then, in late 1999, Steve approached Dave about joining The Needhams, and now Steve is the road manager for the band as well as drummer and vocalist.

The Needhams are enjoying their third generation on stage with Dave’s daughter Arianna lending her sweet soprano voice. Arianna graduated in May 2024 and joined the family after that milestone, planning to spend a gap year on the road before heading to college for music production and business.

The Needhams were the 2017 SGNY Artist of the Year and have made over 3600 appearances, traveling over 1.4 million miles in the last 26 years; most notably the Gibson Bluegrass Showcase, the Stardust Theatre, the Opryland Hotel, the National Quartet Convention, Bill Monroe Music Park, numerous fairs, theaters, Bible conferences, and Royal Caribbean Cruise ships.

Ultimately, it is The Needhams’ goal to glorify God, share the Gospel, and encourage fellow believers with their music.