Reverend Gary Davis, also known as Blind Gary Davis, was an American blues and gospel singer who was renowned for his dexterity and unique fingerpicking guitar style. Born on April 30, 1896, in Laurens County, South Carolina, he became blind as an infant. Despite this challenge, his musical talent blossomed early on, and his profound spirituality led him to become an ordained minister in the 1930s. His music, deeply rooted in the traditions of the African-American South, often wove together blues rhythms with gospel fervor, showcasing his exceptional multi-voice technique on the guitar.

Rev. Gary Davis was influential during the American folk music revival of the 1950s and 60s, where his skills were not just limited to masterful solo performances but extended to teaching a generation of budding guitarists. His discography includes a wealth of recordings that capture the power and soul of his live performances, such as "Live at Gerde's Folk City" and the iconic "At Newport." The posthumously released collections, "Demons & Angels: The Ultimate Collection," parts 1 to 3, give a comprehensive look at his impact on American vernacular music, showing his range from the raucous "You Got to Move" to the reflective "Let Us Get Together." Davis passed away on May 5, 1972, but his legacy endures through the many students he taught and the timeless recordings that continue to inspire and captivate fans and musicians alike.

Genres

Acoustic Blues

Country Blues

Gospel Blues

Piedmont Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Mance Lipscomb

Blind Boy Fuller

Blind Willie McTell

Furry Lewis

Bukka White

Blind Lemon Jefferson

Sleepy John Estes

Big Bill Broonzy

Tampa Red

Lonnie Johnson

Charley Patton

Skip James

Latest Release

American Street Songs

Rev. Gary Davis

Album - 15 Tracks - Released May 17, 2024