David Soul - Early Life

Early Life

Soul was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States, as David Richard Solberg. His mother was a teacher and his father, Dr. Richard Solberg, was a Lutheran minister, Professor of History and Political Science and Director of Higher Education for the American Lutheran Church. Dr Solberg was also Senior Representative for Lutheran World Relief during the reconstruction of Germany after World War II from 1949 until 1956. Because of this, the family moved frequently while Soul was growing up.

Soul attended Augustana College, University of the Americas in Mexico City and the University of Minnesota. At 19, he turned down a professional baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox in order to study political science. While in Mexico, inspired by students who taught him to play the guitar, Soul changed his direction and decided to follow his passion for music. His first appearance upon returning from Mexico to the States was in a club in Minneapolis, The 10 O'Clock Scholar.