Rev. Gary Davis

Musician

Forfans of blues, fingerstyle guitarists, students of gospel and ragtime music
1 Reviews 0 Definitions 2 Charts

The Profile

American blues and gospel singer-guitarist and preacher noted for virtuosic fingerpicking, 12-string guitar work, harmonica and gospel repertoire; recorded from the mid-1930s and is widely influential in fingerstyle blues.

Began to lose his sight in the first weeks of life; first recordings date to 1935; Say No to the Devil was recorded in 1961 for Bluesville/Prestige. His music blends ragtime, country and gospel blues and he performed as a street musician and preacher.

A detailed, admiring review highlights Reverend Gary Davis's early blindness, his 1935 recordings, and his 1961 Bluesville album Say No to the Devil. The reviewer emphasizes Davis's virtuosic fingerpicking, 12-string work, harmonica skills and authoritative singing.

Notable Quotes

❝ Gary Davis began to lose his sight in the first weeks of life, very early he became interested in music and by the age of 7 he built his first guitar from a household pan and in addition learned banjo and harmonica.