OBITUARY
Musician Bill Davis who also went by the name of Willie James Davis, died Monday June 1, 2020 at The New Jewish Home in New York City of pneumonia at the age of 80.
Mr. Davis was born in Tyronza, Arkansas on May 14, 1940 to Jimmie and Lucille Davis. They later moved to St. Louis, MO., where Bill grew up. He was inventive and loved to tinker with old radios and bicycles repairing many for his friends. As he grew older his interest in music expanded, first playing trumpet then bass with his close friend pianist John Hicks. After graduating from Hadley Technical High School, he got a scholarship to Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. He graduated with a degree in chemistry, while still playing bass around the area. He moved to New York City and worked at Yardney Electrical Company as an electro-chemical engineer, helping to design the batteries for the Tel-Star satellite. However, his Muse continued to call him and in 1967 he quit his job and dedicated his life to music the highest art form. He began studying at the Julliard School of Music, in addition to formally studying bass with Art Davis and George Andrea. After Julliard he went on to New York University where he received a B.S. and an M.A. in music education.
Mr. Davis was a master bassist, tuba player, and cellist. He was well known for his versatility as the sideman who could blend in with the band or star as a solo performer according to what was required for the gig. He traveled the world playing music festivals in numerous countries including the Congo, Algeria, South Africa, France, England, Italy, Japan, and Siberia; as well as touring throughout North America. He was a part of groups as diverse as The Sun Ra Arkestra, Les and Larry Elgar Band, Zoot Sims Quartet, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Miriam Makeba, Mary Lou Williams Quartet, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Olantunji Orchestra, Randy Weston with Strings, Yusef Lateef, Brook Benton, Frank Foster and the Loud Minority, Count Basie Orchestra, and Barry Harris just to name a few. He recorded with many of these associations. Bill was also employed as an ethnomusicologist, arranger, composer, luthier, storyteller, and teacher. He taught music at the Brooklyn Music School for Children, Bronx Community College, Vassar College, Rutgers University and Jazz Mobile. He also had many private students whom he mentored. Throughout the late 60’s into the late 80’s he was in the orchestras of many on and off-Broadway productions including The River Niger, Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope, Eubie, and One Mo’ Time.
Bill Davis is survived by his life partner musician Victoria Carter, 3 sons, Rasul A. Davis of Santa Monica, CA. (from a former marriage), William and Malcolm Davis of New York, daughter-in-law Maya Davis and grandson Miles Davis both of New York, granddaughter Aja Davis and great granddaughter Nuri Ella both of Long Beach, CA., universal family and friends. People will be notified when a celebration of life memorial has been scheduled. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions to Jazz Mobile may be made online by logging into www.jazzmobile.org http://www.jazzmobile.org and then clicking “click here to donate” in the top right hand corner of the Jazz Mobile web page.