Driskell was born in Georgia in 1931. He was educated in the public schools of North Carolina and earned a BA from Howard University and a MFA from the Catholic University America in Washington, D.C.

He has received much acclaim over the years as an artist, curator, scholar, and a lecturer. Driskell is considered one of the world's leading authorities on the subject of African American Art, and has made extensive contributions to contemporary scholarship in the field. As a curator, Driskell has been a driving force behind some of the most important exhibitions of African American art. He has authored and co-authored numerous books, catalogues, and articles on African American art.

Driskell began his career in 1955. He has been on the faculty of the University of Maryland since 1977, and served as Chairman of the Department of Art from 1978 to 1983. Since, 1983, he has maintained an active career as a teacher, administrator and consultant. Mr. Driskell and his wife maintain residences in Hyattsville, Maryland, Falmouth, Maine and New York City.