Artist:Rev. Gary DavisSong:Candy Man
Album:Heroes Of The Blues: The Very Best Of Rev. Gary Davis
Rev. Gary Davis is an influential figure in blues guitar technique. He did record in the 30s but is primarily known for his recordings in the late 50s when he was rediscovered. He was born Apr. 30, 1896 in Laurens, SC. He was the only one of eight children to survive and he became blind as an infant. His father was killed when he was 10 and Davis was raised by his paternal grandmother. He taught himself to play guitar and by the mid-1920s he moved to Durham, NC to become a full time street musician. Durham was a major hub for blues musicians like Blind Boy Fuller. He recorded in 1935 for the American Recording Company and then was discarded like a lot of other blues legends. He became an ordained minister in 1937. He moved to New York City in the 40s and performed on Harlem steetcorners until he was rediscovered in 1957. That's when he recorded Candy Man for Folkways. His music never changed much except that when he became a minister, he performed a lot more spiritual songs. Young musicians were still fascinated by his guitar technique. Ry Cooder was among those who studied with Davis. With the folk boom of the 60s, Davis became even more popular and was a big draw on the festival circuit until his death on May 6, 1972 at age 76. Shout! Factory has released a series of mid-price blues CDs and this one is a good intro to Davis' music. Here's Rev. Gary Davis performing Candy Man mid-60s. Watch those hands.
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