Born: November 29th in Pahokee, Florida.
Parents: Orville and Eleanor Sue Davis.
Sister: Elaine Davis.
We lived in Florida until I finished the second grade. We moved to Ashford, Alabama where I spent part of the third grade and we moved to Castleberry Alabama where I finished the third grade. We moved to New Brockton, Alabama and then I began my misadventures in the fourth grade. We left New Brockton and moved back to Florida (Clewiston on Lake Okeechobee).
We moved that summer to Atlanta, Georgia. I began the fifth grade in Norcross, Georgia and went to Junior High and High School at Norcross High. I remained there until graduation and then I went on the road performing and touring until I moved to New York City in 1976.
I went to New York for a two-week vacation and the next thing I knew I was in the studio and out on tour again. I have continued living in New York, writing songs and touring.
I have been making music and performing most of my life having been influenced by the church. I grew up in a church just like most kids did, but the one thing I remember most is Reverend Beavers at the Clewiston Assembly of God Church. He used to play the most beautiful Gibson guitar. That was the beginning of my love affair with the guitar. I always liked watching him strum and sing.
Of course that led me to follow the careers of Hank Williams, Porter Waggoner, Hank Snow, Buddy Holly, Elvis, the Beatles, and all of the other great players.
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I never wanted to play lead, I just felt best playing rhythm and trying to create songs. The Everly Brothers always gave me a kick. I liked love songs.
I recall that my Grandpa used to sit and play the fiddle. He was pretty fair from what I remember. He died when I was young, so I really didn't get to know him very well. There was always music going on in the house. My Mom sang in church so I was always being exposed to Gospel music and we listened to The Grand Ole Opry on the radio. I remember stopping in juke joints with my Dad and Granddad (Bud). There was always country music and Honky Tonk music being played in those places. I really got a kick out of that.
In Georgia, in fifth grade to be exact, my teacher sent me to compete in the 4H-club talent contest in our school. I sang the song "The Battle Of New Orleans" which was a big hit for Johnny Horton. I asked the teacher "Why me?". She said because I was singing in the classroom all the time and no one volunteered... so she thought I should be the one to compete. Well, the weirdest thing happened: I WON. The next thing I know she sent a note to my parents telling them that I had won and that I also had to go on to the county competition. I got to sing live on the radio in Lawrenceville, Georgia. That was when I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Make music.
I began recording in 1967 in Atlanta, Georgia. I toured and recorded with the rock group "HYDRA". We recorded two albums for Capricorn Records. It was at that time that I first met the Allman Brothers, the Marshall Tucker Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd . This was during a time when I was trying to be a rock star instead following my first love, Hank Williams and country music. I was trying to be cool.
I have performed all over the Unites States, Canada, Mexico, and many other parts of the world. I have participated in the making of twelve albums and performed on some of the smallest stages and some of the largest stages and everything in between.
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I have played in every state in the Unites States except Alaska (and I want to see what the summers are like there).
I have performed with and been on stage with artists from R&B to Blues, to Rock and Roll, and Honky Tonk music. From Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits to Mary Wells of "My Guy" fame, with "the Killer" himself - Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis. Although I enjoy performing with artists of all different genres, Honky Tonk is where my heart truly comes alive.
I am thrilled to be performing my own brand of music, "HONKY TONK WITH ATTITUDE". It's been years in the making and preparation. I feel like I am a kid getting his first chance to play in his first baseball game: excited, nervous, but definitely ready to get a solid hit.
I have also been involved working with children in the school system. I have been doing Drug Prevention work since 1984. I can't say that I enjoy being in the school system, but I do like working with the kids and showing them a positive way of life, as well as a creative way to express their feelings.
I have been through a few marriages and divorces. But those failed unions have blessed me with three great kids: Kalla, Jason Dakota, and Meredith Davis.
The last ten years in New York have really shown me what I miss the most. Just playing the music that feels right to me and expressed what I am feeling and what I have been through. My debut CD, "Howl At The Moon" is just the start of something to come. Modestly speaking, I ain't a legend yet - but wait a few years.
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