Actors - Dennis Davis

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	Actors - Dennis Davis

Dennis Davis is a studio musician who worked closely with David Bowie as a part of his regular ensemble, on a number of Bowie's albums released in the 1970s.

Dennis Davis was born on August 28 in Manhattan, New York to Alice and "Sugarfoot" Davis. His family also included two sisters, Denise and Danna, and his brother Butch. It was Dennis' Uncle who turned Dennis on to drums and percussion at an early age, and Dennis would soon play throughout his school years and would learn through the tutelage of his drum teacher, George Scott beginning from the age of 8. Dennis would have the privilege of studying with legendary drummers Max Roach and Elvin Jones. Dennis even managed to win the legendary Apollo Theater’s amateur night prize an amazing 4 times! Dennis began playing with the Clark Terry Big Band in 1967 until he was called for duty in the Vietnam War (he was wounded during his tour of duty). He would play in the United States Navy drum and bugle corps during that time, further honing his skills. Upon the end of his tenure in Vietnam, Dennis quickly landed some major gigs, including his first tour and album with Jazz Vibraphonist extraordinaire Roy Ayers. Dennis would soon hook up with David Bowie for Bowie's "Young Americans" album, the album that would give Dennis the opportunity to play not only with Bowie, but also with John Lennon. Whirlwind World tours playing with Bowie would soon follow, and Dennis was a huge part of Bowie's legendary "Berlin Trio" of albums (Low, Heroes, Lodger) that were considered Bowie's most brilliant and creative works. Stints with George Benson would follow before Dennis hooked up with Stevie Wonder in 1979 for studio and live work. A funny story about this is that when Stevie called Dennis for the gig, Dennis had no idea he was talking to Stevie Wonder, as Wonder used his real name (Steveland Morris) when making the initial call. Imagine Dennis' delight when he realized who Steveland Morris actually was! Dennis continued a great working relationship with Roy Ayers throughout the years, and in 1991, Dennis joined up with Roy's band full time for studio work and tours, a position that Dennis still proudly holds today. Between multiple world tours and albums with Roy, Dennis has quietly began piecing his own album together over the last few years, and this spring, Dennis finally put the finishing touches on his first official solo album, entitled "The Groovemaster". Dennis still lives in his native New York City, still busy with local gigs and other studio work. Dennis album is proudly dedicated to his four children, Darien, Naoto, Erika, and Kaito.

Source:

© 2006

Discography

Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
(1980)
Lodger
(1979)
"Heroes"
(1977)
Low
1977)
Station to Station
(1976)
Young Americans
(1975)

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