Northern James Calloway ( January 22 , 1948 -- January 9 , 1990 ) was an American actor , voice artist , singer and comedian , of African descent best known for playing David on `` Sesame Street '' from 1971 through 1989 .
Northern James Calloway ( January 22 , 1948 - January 9 , 1990 ) was an American actor , voice artist , and comedian . He is best known for playing David on `` Sesame Street '' from 1971 through 1989 .