David M Sheppard, Harlem born, was raised in the Bronx. He remembers his Dad playing 78 records, mainly Jazz classics with Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson. Nancy Wilson became his favorite. Later, his attraction to jazz would prove significant as a child. David was very shy and didn't like to dance. But his cousin Debbie would often have house parties that he attended. At that point you could not get David off the floor. He could "James Brown" like no other. No one would have guessed that this once "shy kid' would go on to establish an entertainment company primarily based on the enjoyment of music and dance, hence, the 1977 launch of DMS Productions and later DMS Live Promotions.

Dave started promoting parties out of his two bedroom apartment. His parties became so popular that the demand required him to take on a partner. He collaborated with Al Blake and together they became "Gentlemen of Class." They began to promote parties at renowned venues like the Stardust Ballroom, Pegasus, Leviticus, Laffs l & II,  San Remos, Bentley's a.k.a. Chez Chic and the Savoy Manor. In 1983 Dave took a hiatus in anticipation of the birth of his first child, a daughter.

Dave considers his greatest accomplishments and true source of enjoyment to be the raising of his two children. One would think that, outside the pleasure of having children, his joy would have primarily been the life of "Party Promoting," but his additional love was martial arts. Dave holds a Black Belt second degree (Nidan) in Jujitsu. He has trained with popular masters such as Ra-Heem Allameen, Anthony X Muhammed, Master Little John Davis, Moses Powell, Master Lamar Thornton and Grand Master Bill McCloud. Simultaneously with the building of his business and family, Dave started a career as a New York City Correction Officer, and served in the Emergency Riots Unit called "ERU' for 5 of those years. In 2005 after 20 years with the Dept of Corrections he retired. Mr. Sheppard has also done some acting. He appeared in Spike Lee's film Malcolm X as a FOI. His other acting credits include: the role of Lieutenant Jones in the TV movie short, "The Poison Shooters" written and directed by NIcole E. Jefferson. Dave appeared in syndications such as Law and Order and Canterbury Law; and he also appeared in the comedic film. "Be Kind Rewind" starring greats like Danny Glover, Mia Farrow, Jack Black, Sigourney Weaver and Mos Def.  Ironically, Dave has been mistaken for the actor Richard Roundtree a.k.a. SHAFT!, In addition to his entertainment repertoire, using those passionate bass vocal cords, Dave has done voiceovers for several music videos.

Dave was bitten by the "comedy bug" in 1992 and started promoting comedy shows. His first comedy show was hosted by comedian Hamburger, featuring Rob Stapleton and Greer Barns, at the Sports Bar on Broadway in New York City.  This was a huge success, particularly since Hamburger had appeared on HBO's Def Comedy Jam. In 1994, Dave had the idea to combine jazz and comedy to broaden the demographics for his shows. As we see today, this proved to be a successful move. DMS Productions would go on to promote and produce shows at hot spots in the tri-state area that included Honeysuckle West, Jimmy's Bronx Cafe, Jimmy's Uptown, Indigo Blues, Symphony Space theater and a host of hotel ballrooms. One of his most memorable shows was held at Symphony Space theater hosted by Pat Prescott from CD101.9 radio station, featuring comedians Sheryl Underwood and TK Kirkland and the jazz band, The Benny Russell Unit. Dave had several shows at Dave and Busters in Rockland County, the Dugout in the Bronx, where he featured legendary jazz musician Norman Conners and his Starship Band.

Dave has also produced and hosted shows at City Winery featuring legendary jazz artist Roy Ayers and R&B sensation Howard Hewlett. DMS Productions/DMS Live Promotions are looking to establish an ongoing relationship with venues that understand the importance of having a safe, modern entertainment space where folks can eat and drink while seeing their favorite Jazz and R&B artists, and/or Comedians. The goal is to generate socialization among diverse communities and working professionals, music lovers and those who love to laugh will having an opportunity to witness a production that has a proven formula with a positive message.