David Leland Elliott is best known as the eldest son of music legend Dionne Warwick.
He built his own path through music, law enforcement, and fitness rather than chasing the spotlight his mother helped create.
Who is David Leland Elliott?
David Leland Elliott is an American musician, songwriter, and drummer. He is the first son of singer and actress Dionne Warwick and actor William “Bill” Elliott.
Dionne built her name on albums like Presenting Dionne Warwick, Soulful, and No Night So Long. David grew up watching that career unfold from close range.
He has stayed largely out of the public eye compared to his mother. Even so, his own credits in music and film have quietly added up over the decades.
David Leland Elliott Early Life
David Leland Elliott
David Leland Elliott was born on January 18, 1969, in East Orange, New Jersey. His parents had married in 1966 and divorced briefly in May 1967 before remarrying that August in Milan, Italy.
They later separated in 1975 and finalized their divorce that December in Los Angeles. David was raised primarily around his mother’s touring and recording schedule.
As of 2026, David Leland Elliott is 57 years old. His father, William Elliott, was born on June 4, 1934, in Baltimore, and died on September 30, 1983, in Los Angeles.
Life being a Celebrity Kid
David’s younger brother, Damon Elliott, was born on March 21, 1973. Damon went on to become a Grammy-nominated record producer, working with artists including Beyoncé and Pink.
His maternal grandparents were Mancel Warrick and Lee Drinkard, who once managed the gospel group the Drinkard Singers. Through his mother’s side, David is also a first cousin once removed of Whitney Houston, and his aunt was singer Dee Dee Warwick.
Details about David’s formal education have never been made public. He has instead let his career choices speak for his background.
David Leland Elliott Career
David has worked across music, acting, and law enforcement. He is a songwriter and drummer who has periodically toured with his mother, playing drums in her touring band.
In 1993, he co-wrote the song “Here and Now” with Terry Steele for Luther Vandross, released on the album Friends Can Be Lovers. That songwriting credit earned him a Grammy nomination.
Away from music, David served as a police officer with the Whittier Police Department in Whittier, California. He later became a certified personal trainer and a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
David’s Stardom
David also has acting credits to his name. He made his film debut playing singer Sam Cooke in Ali (2001), then appeared in First Daughter (2004).
He also featured in the 2021 documentary Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over, which chronicled his mother’s career. These roles gave audiences a rare on-screen look at Dionne’s family life.
His work has never followed one single lane. Between music, film, and fitness, David has built several small but steady careers rather than one dominant spotlight.
David Leland Elliott Wife
David married Luana Elliott on June 11, 2011. Luana is a NASM-certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist, health coach, and life coach.
The couple met through their shared interest in fitness. Their marriage has lasted well over a decade, and they often work alongside each other on training and wellness content.
David and Luana share a daughter named Lealand Elliott. Before marrying Luana, David was in a relationship with a nurse named Lisa Gressett.
A Step forward in his versatility
David and Lisa share a daughter, Cheyenne Elliott, who was raised primarily by her mother. Cheyenne became a singer in her own right and performed with her grandmother Dionne at age nine.
She sang “That’s What Friends Are For” at the Coney Island Summer Concert Series in Brooklyn, in front of roughly 10,000 people. David remains close with both of his daughters despite their different upbringings.
He has also stayed involved in Cheyenne’s musical development over the years. That mix of family and music continues to define much of his personal life.
David Leland Elliott Net Worth
David Leland Elliott’s estimated net worth is $300,000 as of 2026. His income has come from songwriting royalties, drumming and touring work, his years as a police officer, and his current personal training business.
His mother Dionne Warwick filed for bankruptcy on March 21, 2013, after disputes with tax officials over unpaid federal and state taxes. That financial chapter belonged to Dionne’s estate rather than David’s own finances.
David has kept most of his earnings and assets private. He has never disclosed a detailed breakdown of his income sources publicly.
Physical Appearance
David Leland Elliott has not confirmed his exact height or weight publicly. Photos suggest he stands above average height, consistent with an athletic, fitness-focused build.
He has black hair and dark eyes. His background in personal training and scuba instruction points to a lifestyle built around physical fitness.
He rarely shares personal details beyond what relates to his training work. That reserved approach fits his overall preference for privacy.
Bottom Line
David Leland Elliott has spent decades balancing music, acting, law enforcement, and fitness. He co-wrote a Grammy-nominated song and appeared in major films, all while working as a police officer for years.
He remains close to his mother Dionne Warwick and continues supporting her legacy. His daughters Cheyenne and Lealand carry that family connection into their own lives.
David has chosen a quieter path than his famous mother. His story shows that a stable, varied career can matter just as much as fame.
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