Esteemed Bassist Richard Davis Dies at 93
Renowned bassist Richard Davis, known for his contributions to jazz, classical, pop, and rock music, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 93. Persia Davis, his daughter, confirmed his death, stating that he had been in hospice care for the past two years, but did not disclose the location.
Davis, who was honored as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master in 2014, notably appeared on over 600 albums throughout his career. He gained recognition as a first-call player for some of jazz’s most important figures, collaborating with notable musicians such as Eric Dolphy and Andrew Hill. He was also a member of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra.
Not limited to jazz, Davis’s versatility allowed him to work with classical orchestras under the direction of Igor Stravinsky and Leonard Bernstein. He also collaborated with renowned artists such as Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Bonnie Raitt.
As a leader or co-leader, Davis released 30 albums between 1967 and 2007. His exceptional skills on the bass earned him the title of best bassist in the DownBeat magazine readers’ poll from 1968 to 1972.
Davis’s unique style was highlighted in a 1986 performance at Sweet Basil in Greenwich Village, where his band was praised for their explosive sense of dynamics and rhythmic whirlpools.
Born on April 15, 1930, in Chicago, Davis lost his mother at birth and was adopted by Robert and Elmora Johnson. His musical journey began through the records his mother collected in her native New Orleans and the hymns his adoptive father sang. Davis studied music at DuSable High School under the mentorship of Walter Dyett, who introduced him to various jazz styles. He furthered his musical education with Rudolf Fahsbender of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and obtained a bachelor’s degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music in 1952.
Davis’s career took off when he joined pianist Ahmad Jamal’s band in 1952. His collaboration with Don Shirley led to his initial recordings and a move to New York in 1954. He went on to work with singer Sarah Vaughan from 1957 to 1962.
In a 2005 interview, Davis discussed how his classical training and time with Sarah Vaughan influenced his unique bowing technique. He expanded his discography throughout the 1960s, notably appearing on records by Eric Dolphy, Andrew Hill, Tony Williams, and Booker Ervin.
Davis’s musical career extended beyond jazz; he served as the musical director for Van Morrison’s album “Astral Weeks” and contributed haunting bow work on Bruce Springsteen’s album “Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J.”
Throughout his career, Davis released numerous albums and collaborated with fellow bassists in groups such as the New York Bass Violin Choir and the New York Unit.
In 1977, Davis accepted a position as a professor of music and music history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He retired from teaching in 2016. Additionally, Davis established the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists in 1993, providing opportunities for young players to learn from professionals and perform together. He also played a pivotal role in addressing race-related issues as the founder of the Retention Action Project and the Madison chapter of the Center for the Healing of Racism.
Davis leaves behind a profound musical and societal legacy. Fellow bassist William Parker praised Davis as a musician and human being and noted his big, poetic sound full of freedom. Davis’s message to Parker, and others he mentored, was always to “be yourself.”