Contracted polio at age 3.
Began piano, clarinet and saxaphone lessons about age 10.
Lived in a loft in Manhattan in 1969 and joined the fusion band “Ten Wheel Drive”.
Joined “Elvin Jones Group” in 1971. Joined Miles Davis in 1973. Record first major record as leader “Lookout Farm”.
Formed the “Ellis-Liebman Band” in San Francisco in 1976.
Formed the “dave Liebman Quintet” featuring John Scofield in 1979.
Formed “Quest” with Richie Beirach in 1981.
First Saxaphone Master Class held at East Stroudsburg University, PA.
Founded the “International Association of Schools of Jazz (IASJ) in 1989.