Richard Davis Day

April 15, 1930 – September 6, 2023

Summertime

Double bassist Richard Davis was born April 15, 1930, in Chicago Illinois.

Like so many great musicians, he received his teenage training from Walter Dyett at DuSable High School.

After moving to New York to continue his jazz career, Sarah Vaughan brought him on in 1957.

In the 60s, Davis worked with Jaki Byard, Eric Dolphy, Booker Ervin, Andrew Hill, and Elvin Jones and was a member of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra.

Davis has been a professor at the University of Wisconsin邦adison since 1977 and won the NEA Jazz Masters award in 2014.

Following his first musical experience singing in a trio with his brothers, Richard Davis began playing a double bass as a high school in Chicago.

From 1960 to 1972 he also performed with “Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra.”

Richard Davis is featured performing at the “Highlights in Jazz Tribute to Charlie Parker.” in 1972.

Personnel:

Ted Dunbar, guitar
Richard Davis, bass