April 15, 1930 – September 6, 2023

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Bassist Richard Davis passed away on Sept. 6, 2023 at the age of 93.

He was born on Apr. 15, 1930 in Chicago and actually began his career as a vocalist, singing the bass parts in his family’s vocal trio.

Once he began playing string bass as a teenager, it was quickly obvious that he was a brilliant player.

Davis studied bass with classical masters and probably would have been a classical player if it were not for the racial situation at the time although he did perform with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.

He made his recording debut with the Ahmad Jamal Trio in 1954, worked in a duo with pianist Don Shirley during 1954-56, performed with the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, and during 1957-60 toured and recorded with Sarah Vaughan.

He also appeared on many recordings during that period including with Charlie Ventura, Willis Jackson, Jimmy Jones, Dinah Washington, Ronnell Bright, Kenny Burrell, and Thad Jones.

In the 1960s, Davis worked and recorded with Eric Dolphy, and seemed to be everywhere; his superb technique, creative improvising and versatility were always welcome.

He appeared on recordings by Jimmy Forrest, John Lewis, Sonny Stitt, Orchestra USA, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Ben Webster, Andrew Hill, Charles Lloyd, Booker Ervin, Tony Williams, Johnny Hartman, Maynard Ferguson, Elvin Jones and countless others in addition to being a member of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra during 1966-72

In the 1970s, Davis did a lot of studio work including playing on rock albums, but he was probably prouder of working with such classical music giants as Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein, and Leopold Stokowski.

In 1977 he moved to Wisconsin where he became a professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison, a position that he held for many years; he had a lower profile in the jazz world but enjoyed a more secure lifestyle.

Richard Davis’ last recording dates were in 2007, ending with a duet set with pianist Junior Mance, his final of 18 albums as a leader.

Here is an 84-year old Richard Davis in 2014 (after being named as a NEA Jazz Master) playing an improvised bass solo.

-Scott Yanow

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