Don Davis (record producer)
Don Davis | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | June 5, 2014 (aged 75) |
| Occupation(s) | Record producer, songwriter, guitarist, banking executive |
| Years active | 1950s–2014 |
| Known for | Producing Johnnie Taylor's hits including "Who's Making Love" and "Disco Lady"; founder of First Independence Bank |
Donald Davis (October 25, 1938 – June 5, 2014) was a multifaceted American professional known for his work as a record producer, songwriter, guitarist, and banking executive, successfully managing dual careers in the music industry and financial sector.
Biography
Originating from Detroit, Davis initiated his musical journey in the mid-1950s by establishing the Don Davis Trio shortly after completing his education at Central High School. He contributed as a session guitarist to several Detroit-based record labels such as Golden World and Ric-Tic, playing a role in early Motown classics including Barrett Strong’s "Money (That's What I Want)" and Mary Wells’ "Bye Bye Baby."
Shifting focus towards songwriting and production, Davis became affiliated with Stax Records in Memphis, where he worked to merge the distinctive sounds of Stax and Motown. His major success arrived in 1968 with Johnnie Taylor’s "Who's Making Love", which not only reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart but also climbed to number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Davis contributed guitar to this recording alongside Steve Cropper. Throughout the 1970s, he continued producing Taylor’s chart-topping tracks, including the 1971 R&B number one "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone" and the 1976 platinum-certified "Disco Lady", both of which led the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B listings.
Davis established Groovesville, a production and publishing firm that remains operational today. In 1971, he acquired Detroit’s renowned United Sound studio, a facility favored by prominent artists like George Clinton, Aretha Franklin, and Johnnie Taylor. Additionally, Davis recorded foundational tracks at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama.
In 1975, Davis founded Tortoise International, a Detroit-based label distributed by RCA, which showcased artists such as First Fire, The Rockets, and produced The Skyliners’ 1978 reunion album. Among his production credits is the 1977 hit "You Don't Have to Be a Star (To Be in My Show)" performed by Billy Davis, Jr. and Marilyn McCoo.
Alongside his musical endeavors, Davis launched First Independence Bank in 1970—the sole African American-owned commercial bank in Michigan—gradually dedicating more attention to banking while sustaining his music-related enterprises.
He lived in West Bloomfield Township, located north of Detroit, until his passing in June 2014 at age 75. Davis is survived by his spouse and three children.