Walter Davis (blues)
| Walter Davis | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Born |
March 1, 1911 Grenada, Mississippi, United States |
| Died | October 22, 1963 (aged 52) St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Genres | Blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, pianist, songwriter |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | Late 1920s–1953 |
| Labels | Victor, Bluebird |
| Associated acts | Henry Townsend |
Walter Davis (March 1, 1911 or 1912 – October 22, 1963) was an African-American blues singer, pianist, and songwriter who was one of the most prolific blues recording artists from the early 1930s to the early 1950s.
Davis had a rich singing voice that was as expressive as the best of the Delta blues vocalists. His best-known recording, a version of the train blues standard "Sunnyland Blues", released in 1931, is more notable for the warmth and poignancy of his singing than for his piano playing. His best-known songs included "Come Back Baby", "Ashes in My Whiskey" and "Blue Blues". Davis was sometimes billed as "Hooker Joe".
He was unrelated to the jazz pianist Walter Davis, Jr.
Davis was born on a farm in Grenada, Mississippi. He ran away from home at about 13 years of age, landing in St. Louis, Missouri. He started singing with pianist Roosevelt Sykes and guitarist Henry Townsend. Davis made his first recordings, including the successful "M&O Blues", in 1930, as a singer accompanied by Sykes on piano. A self-taught pianist, Davis increasingly accompanied himself as he became more proficient. His piano playing was described by blues historian Gérard Herzhaft as "primitive but expressive, with an irregular rhythm."
Influenced by Leroy Carr, and with a "mournful vocal tone", "reflective style and superior lyrics", Davis recorded prolifically for Victor and Bluebird, making over 150 recordings between 1930 and 1952. Many featured Townsend, or alternatively Peetie Wheatstraw, on guitar. Described as "one of the finest and most original of all blues singers and pianists", Davis had a varied repertoire, including melancholy songs (such as "Tears Came Rollin' Down", written by Townsend), humorous songs, and songs laced with double entendres (such as "Think You Need a Shot"). According to Townsend, Davis "played some of the saddest songs that was ever heard about".
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