Willie Davis biography

Guitarist, vocalist and band leader Willie Davis was born and raised in Philadelphia, Mississippi. As a teenager, he played with a band, the Rhythm Rockers. He admired blues legends such as Albert King, B.B. King, Jimmy Reed, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. At age 21, he moved to the West Side of Chicago and joined the Soul Blasters. He also played with the Mighty Powers of Faith. He worked a day job and played blues at night at various West Side nightclubs. He recorded with Little Johnny Christian featuring the Chicago Playboys in the early 1970’s, and recorded over 10 albums with the late Willie Kent featuring the Gents. Willie played overseas with Kent, and played with other bands headed by Bonnie Lee, Larry Taylor, and Nate Turner. On the West Side, he played at the 290 Club with singer Willie D and the All Stars for three years, 2002-05, every Friday and Saturday. He also played behind Jumpin’ Willie Cobb at the Starlight, where guest stars like Artie “Blues Boy” White, the late Tyrone Davis would often stop in. Willie also heads up his own band, still known as the “All Stars”, featuring Michael “Sleepy” Riley on bass, Ronnie Graham on sax, James Carter on drums, and occasionally good friend Robert Rothman, aka Chicago Babe on vocals. They have been playing at Buddy Guy’s Legends, B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, Checkerboard Lounge, Rosa’s and the Harlem Avenue Lounge. Willie now lives in Streamwood,Il with his wife Cynthia Carodine Davis.

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