Bill Darnel (also known as Darnell) was born on January 1, 1920, in Lorain, Ohio. Before embarking on his music career, he worked as a grocery store butcher. Darnel's professional singing career began in the late 1930s when he joined Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra. He recorded with notable musicians such as Edgar Hayes, Red Nichols, and Bob Chester before being drafted into the army in 1941. After a medical discharge in 1944, he resumed his music career, recording with Lunceford's band for Decca in 1945.

In 1948, Darnel worked with Kay Kyser's orchestra and later recorded as a solo artist on the Abbey label, where he began spelling his last name with one "l." His fortunes improved in 1949 when he signed with Coral Records, achieving moderate success. His biggest hits came with Decca in 1952, including "Lonely Wine" and "Tonight, Love."

Throughout the 1950s, Darnel recorded for various labels, including Vik, "X," Rex, London, and Jubilee, where he also took on a sales role. In 1960, he co-founded a personnel management and music publishing firm, but returned to singing by 1963. Darnel later held promotional roles at Bang and Shout Records, Diamond Records, and All Platinum and Stang, before becoming director of special projects for TK Records.

Tragically, Bill Darnel drowned off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico, on April 28, 1976. Despite his extensive contributions to music, his work remains relatively obscure, with few recordings available today.