James B. Davis (musician)

For other people named James Davis, see James Davis (disambiguation).

James B. Davis
Davis in a publicity photo with The Dixie Hummingbirds
Background information
Born	(1916-06-06)June 6, 1916
Died	April 17, 2007(2007-04-17) (aged 90)
Genres	Gospel
Occupation	musician
Instrument	vocals
Years active	1928–1984
Formerly of	The Dixie Hummingbirds

James Bodie Davis (June 6, 1916 – April 17, 2007) was an American gospel music singer and a founder of The Dixie Hummingbirds, one of the longest-lasting and most influential groups in gospel music.

In 1928, at age 12, he founded as the Sterling High School Quartet in Greenville, South Carolina, but took the present name the following year. The group's sound changed when Ira Tucker joined in 1938, and they recorded their first album on the Decca Records label. During a lifetime of touring and recording, he was the business leader and disciplinarian.

Highlights include singing at the 1966 Newport Folk Festival and recording with Paul Simon on his 1973 song "Loves Me Like a Rock." The Dixie Hummingbirds cover of the Paul Simon song won a 1973 Grammy Award in the soul gospel category. They also had a nomination in 2007 for best traditional gospel album, for Still Keeping It Real (MCG Records).

Davis retired in 1984. He died of a heart ailment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

External links

• Zolten, Jerry, Great God A' Mighty!:The Dixie Hummingbirds - Celebrating The Rise Of Soul Gospel Music, Oxford University Press, 2003, ISBN 0-19-515272-7.
• The Dixie Hummingbirds via Vocal Group Hall of Fame
• 1985 recording of "Jesus is Coming Soon" via State Archives of Florida