Jesse Ed Davis

Jesse Ed Davis was a highly respected Native American guitarist and session musician whose soulful playing left a lasting mark on rock, blues, and roots music in the late 1960s and 1970s. Born in Norman, Oklahoma, and of Kiowa, Comanche, and Muscogee heritage, Davis became known for his distinctive guitar work, playing alongside legends like Taj Mahal, Leon Russell, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and John Lennon. His expressive slide guitar skills gave a unique voice to dozens of classic recordings.

As a solo artist, Davis released several albums, including Jesse Davis! (1971), Ululu (1972), and Keep Me Comin' (1973), showcasing his laid-back, blues-inflected sound. Later in his career, he collaborated with poet and activist John Trudell on the impactful AKA Grafitti Man project, blending spoken word and blues guitar into a powerful political and artistic statement. Despite personal struggles, Jesse Ed Davis remains celebrated for his artistry and his pivotal role in shaping American roots and rock music.

Genres