Carl Davis R.I.P.

[jsmith]

I've heard from a friend that Chicago's 'Mr. Soul Music' Carl Davis passed away early today.
Anyone know more of the details ?

[theboyfromxtown]

I saw that news on Facebook and thought I would check here. Many of us were in touch with him recently about his book.

[milven]

Carl Davis, music producer of “The Chicago Sound” dies at 77
By DAVE HOEKSTRA August 9, 2012 2:56PM

Chicago soul music of the 1960s was a happy sound for hard times.

Carl Davis was the architect of what became known as “The Chicago Sound.”

The iconic music producer died Thursday morning at his home in Summerville, S.C. He was 77 years old. Mr. Davis had been suffering from lung disease.

Mr. Davis started his career as one of the first African-American A&R Directors and produced numerous hit songs for the Columbia Records subsidiary Okeh Records. His first multi-million song was Gene Chandler’s 1962 smash “Duke of Earl.” His follow up production efforts inlcuded Jackie Wilson’s 1967 hit “[[“Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher,” Major Lance’s “Monkey Time,” recorded in 1963 and the Chi-Lites 1972 ballad “Oh Girl.” Several years ago Mr. Davis was included in the History Makers, the non-profit Chicago archive.

Mr. Davis and his wife Dedra Davis relocared from Chicago to South Carolina in 2009.

Funeral services are pending.


http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/14366413-421/carl-davis-music-producer-of-the-chicago-sound-dies-at-77.html

[soulster]

Wow! Another music legend passes on. R.I.P.!

[drewschultz88]

I think anyone would be proud just to have a song like Higher and Higher to their name...but all those hits he was involved with, not to mention the lesser known jams. What a loss, RIP to Mr. Davis!

[mark speck]

Just saw the note on Facebook and had to come here...what a major loss to soul music and music in general. RIP, Carl, and thank you... :[[

Best,

Mark

[daddyacey]

Just heard of this on the radio. A great loss to the music world . Mr. Davis wrote and or produced some of the greatest tracks out of Chicago. My condolences to his family and fans across the globe. R.I.P. and Thank You Mr. Davis.

[MIKEW-UK]

UPDATED OBITUARY http://www.suntimes.com/news/obituaries/14373356-418/soul-music-producer-carl-davis-architect-of-the-chicago-sound-dies-at-77.html

Carl's amazing contribution to soul cannot be summarised in any single obituary. He composed, arranged, produced, managed, and created an entire sound synonymous with an American city - see this discogs listing of his body of work - and his book is a great read....
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Carl+Davis#p=1&t=Credits_All

I rated Brunswick absolutely on an equal footing with Motown

[heikki]

Hi!

To really understand and appreciate Carl's impact on music, please read his book
http://www.soulexpress.net/deep3_2011.htm#carldavis

Best regards
Heikki

[mr_june]

The Chicago Sun-Times had just about a full page story on Carl's death and it was out side of the obituary section. WGN News had a story also. I finished reading his book a few months ago. With all the talk about doing something in memory of what use to be Chicago's Record Row, Carl's name has been front and center around town recently. God Bless.

[MIKEW-UK]

More recognition on CarL's massive contribution....
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/17/arts/music/carl-davis-chicago-music-impresario-dies-at-77.html?_r=1&ref=arts [[http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/17/arts/music/carl-davis-chicago-music-impresario-dies-at-77.html?_r=1&ref=arts)

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19294328

Carl was a giant on the soul music scene...... so sad he was forced to close down in 1980's"when soul music went out of fashion".... I guess we are all out of fashion and proud of it :[[

[manny]

R.I.P. Carl Davis. With you, the symphonic soul, the incredible Chi-sound string section, lives trough the first half of the 80's, when the synthesizers and drum machines were the usual in the soul / funk scene. One of the last symphonic soul masterpiece, "You & Me" by The Chi-lites, is one of my faves as many other 60's and 70's Chicago soul gems you have done. Thanks for so much good mellow music and rest in peace.