Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport was an influential American boogie-woogie pianist and vocalist hailed for his contributions to the development of the blues genre. Born on April 23, 1894, in Anniston, Alabama, Davenport started his music career as a pianist in minstrel shows before serving in World War I. After the war, he focused on his music and became known for incorporating elements of ragtime into his boogie-woogie piano style. His nickname, "Cow Cow," was derived from his most famous composition, "Cow Cow Blues," which became a blues standard due to its catchy theme and its innovative use of the piano's lower register to mimic the chugging of a train—an indication of how Davenport's work foreshadowed the rhythmic drive of rock 'n' roll.

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Cow Cow Davenport recorded a slew of tracks that showcased his robust playing and distinctive voice. While his recording sessions slowed down during the Great Depression, he experienced a revival in the 1940s, reflecting the resurgence of interest in boogie-woogie. Despite health issues in his later years, Davenport continued to perform and record when possible. His career, marked by its numerous recordings captured on various volumes such as "Cow Cow Davenport Vol. 1 (1925-1929)" and "Charles 'Cow Cow' Davenport 1926-1938," highlighted his role as both a solo artist and a talented accompanist to other prominent blues musicians. Davenport's legacy persists in the blues community as an inspiration to pianists and enthusiasts who continue to celebrate his innovation and rhythmic prowess. He passed away on December 3, 1955, leaving behind a body of work that remains pivotal to the genre's history.

Genres

Barrelhouse Piano

Boogie-woogie

Piano Blues

Latest Release

Cow Cow Blues

Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport

Album - 35 Tracks - Released April 16, 2015