Blind John Davis (December 7, 1913 – October 12, 1985)[1] was an American blues and boogie-woogie pianist and singer.[2][3] He is best remembered for his recordings, including "A Little Every Day" and "Everybody's Boogie".[1]
Biography
Davis was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and relocated with his family to Chicago at the age of two.[4] Seven years later, he had lost his sight. In his early years Davis backed Merline Johnson, and by his mid-twenties he was a well-known and reliable accompanying pianist. Between 1937 and 1942, he recorded with Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Boy Williamson I, Tampa Red, Red Nelson,[5] Merline Johnson, and others. He also made several records of his own, singing in his lightweight voice.[2]
Having played in various recording sessions with Lonnie Johnson, Davis teamed up with him in the 1940s.[6] He recorded later on his own. His "No Mail Today" (1949) was a minor hit.[2] Most of Doctor Clayton's later recordings featured Davis on piano.[7]
He toured Europe with Broonzy in 1952, the first blues pianist to do so.[8] In later years Davis toured and recorded frequently in Europe, where he enjoyed a higher profile than in the United States.[4]
House Fire
In 1955, Davis's house in Chicago burned down. His wife died in the fire, and his collection of 1700 78-rpm records, some of them unissued, was destroyed.[9]
Death
Davis died in Chicago on October 12, 1985. He was 71.
Discography
The Incomparable Blind John Davis (1974), Oldie Blues OL 2803[10]
Alive "Live" and Well (1976), Chrischaa
Heavy Timbre: Chicago Boogie Piano (1976, re-released 2002), Sirens Records
