Will Davis

American jazz pianist/composer born February 17, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, died March 24, 1984 in Detroit, Michigan.

Do NOT confuse with pianist Wild Bill Davis.

Davis was raised in Chicago; his father was a clarinetist. The young man studied music initially with a private teacher in Virginia, then entered the Detroit Conservatory. He began gigging with bandleaders such as Snookum Russell and Paul Bascomb, becoming associated with new jazz directions through performances and recordings with trumpeter Howard McGhee. During the second half of the '40s, Davis was part of a scene of Detroit jazz players including important vibraphonist Milt Jackson, brilliant tenor saxophonist Wardell Gray, and perilously choppy saxophonist Sonny Stitt. Davis' own trio backed out-of-town stars such as Lester Young, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis, the latter no family relation. While some of his associates were known for dazzling complexity, pianist Davis apparently never missed a chance to insert a funky touch. Later freelanced in New York City during 'the 50s, when he also recorded with Kenny Burrell.

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