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Dennis Davis Obituary
Davis was born in Manhattan. He studied with the renowned jazz drummers Max Roach and Elvis Jones. He then joined the Clark Terry Big Band in 1967. He was later drafted and served in the Vietnam War.
He met guitarist Carlos Alomar while the two were playing with the jazz-funk artist Ayers. Both Davis and Alomar were hired by Bowie in 1974 to play on the "Young Americans" album. Davis also played on all three of Bowie’s Berlin trilogy records, which included the albums "Low," "Heroes," and "Lodger." Davis also played with George Benson and Stevie Wonder.
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Visconti paid tribute to Davis on Facebook as "one of the most creative drummers I have ever worked with. … He was a disciplined jazz drummer who tore into Rock with a Jazz sensibility. Listen to the drum breaks on 'Black Out' from the 'Heroes' album. He had a conga drum as part of his setup, and he made it sound like two musicians were playing drums and congas.
“There will never be another drummer, human being, and friend like Dennis, a magical man."
57 Entries
Cassandra Mullins
January 9, 2021
I was the love of Dennis life.God bless him.Such a talented man. He is missed daily
Fred Young
February 4, 2020
Dennis and I played in a band in San Diego in the 70s. I last saw him in NYC . He was a great musician and knew every song that was out at the time. RIP
Berketa Brown
May 31, 2018
Omg! My Dennis
I dated Dennis back in 1979. He was a loving & caring man. Glad I have a big picture of you RIH Love
Condolences to his family
My family is praying for you.
Sylvia Colston
December 26, 2016
To the Davis family, my sincere condolencesto you all. During your time of grieving look to Our God and Creator to heal your brokenhearts.(Psalm 147:3)
How you can show support
tony velez
May 1, 2016
I was his young buddy in the bowie/ayers days, used watch him rehearse w/ Roy & Dennis would practice w/ George Murray at his apt in Chelsea for the bowie tour, one night he asked me to get him a pizza pie, got to his apt & he asked me for a slice while he was playing, i said, you sure? gave him the slice & he kept the SAME beat with one hand, George was cracking up & i was, oh lord !! god, do i miss Dennis, so humble & down to earth, forgot to add, funny !!
Dennis Davis at Drum Clinic in England
tony velez
May 1, 2016
f
April 13, 2016
Heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends at this difficult time.
J Evans
April 13, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Davis family. Turn to the Most High God (Psalms 83:18) for comfort and strength during this time.
SUE
April 13, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
April 13, 2016
My prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
lori nebo
April 13, 2016
RIP Dennis Davis;You were my best buddy, mentor here when I first moved here; my condolences; prayers to you and your family; rest in peace, god bless you i will keep you in my prayers everyday
Tynia Canada
April 12, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Davis family. "Let the joy of the Lord be your strength".
I reflect on the times we toured with Roy Ayers,and many other gigs together. Your smile, and your jokes that kept us laughing! You will be missed.
Tynia Canada & Family
Cindy Mendez
April 12, 2016
RIP my prayers for your family and Mr. Davis, thank you for all you've given me to hear
G. Freeman
April 12, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
April 12, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
April 12, 2016
With deepest sympathy to the Davis family during your time of grief. God is for you a refuge and strength.
VH
April 11, 2016
May God of comfort grant the family friends and all the fans the peace and comfort needed to assist them in their great loss.
L. T
April 11, 2016
My condolences to the Davis' family and friends. May you find comfort in the 'God of all comfort' during your time of sorrow.
The Carter Family
April 11, 2016
Loved! Valued! Missed! Dennis certainly made his mark in life; and for this, he will be fondly admired and remembered. May the God of all comfort provide his family and friends with the needed strength and support to endure each day without him. Our heartfelt condolences!
Wright
April 11, 2016
The music world has lost a great drummer.He is sleep in death but his music lives on.May all who knew him be strengthen by your fond memories.Our heartfelt condolences.
April 10, 2016
Dear Family of Dennis,
May the God who gives hope fill you with joy and peace by your trusting in him so that you may abound in hope.
D. Simmons
April 10, 2016
I offer sincere condolence to family and friends during this difficult time. May you rely on God as he provides comfort for those who are bereaved. (Psalm 147:3)
D F
April 10, 2016
Eccl. 7:1 A good name is better than good oil, and the day of death is better than the day of birth.
Rod
April 9, 2016
What an accomplished man he was. How many of us can say we pursued and fulfilled our dreams. His legacy as professional musician will live on. My condolences to his family. May the special peace that only God can give be with his family ~ Rom.15:33
S. A.
April 9, 2016
Mr. Davis played drums on one of my favorite Bowie songs. I, with others, hope to hear you in Paradise (Matt. 5:28, 29). Rest until you are awakened.
April 9, 2016
John 17:3 states, 'To have everlasting life we must learn to know God and whom He has sent Jesus Christ '
M Scott
April 9, 2016
My deepest condolences to Dennis Davis family and friends my God grant them comfort during this time of sorrow he will surely be missed.
April 8, 2016
May God be with you during this most difficult time. You have my deepest Sympathy & Condolences.
-SJ
Verge Brinson
April 8, 2016
The death of a love one is painful, We all need comfort that soothes our heart, our minds, our physical and spiritual health. May the God of comfort, and tender mercies give you the Dennis Davis family and friends the help and strength to get through this difficit time
2Cornithians 1:3-4 and Psalms 46:1
April 8, 2016
To the Davis Family:
Please accept my condolences as you mourn the loss of Dennis. Dennis played some wonderful music for some wonderful performers. I enjoyed their music.
As with all of us, it is very devastating when we lose a loved one in death. When I think about my loved ones that are no longer with me, I try to remember some of the wonderful things we did together. It helps me to cope with life day by day. Therefore, this message is intended to encourage you to think of such times as well. I am sure Dennis would want you to do just that.
At times, such as these, I am often reminded of the promises of our God and Creator. He promises that all types of sorrows will be things of the past. I am convinced that we can believe this--Titus 1:2.
Chicago, ILL
April 8, 2016
My heart goes out to you all at this time of deep sorrow. May the peace of God be with you.
April 8, 2016
I hope to hear Mr. Davis play in Paradise.
C. Wilson
April 8, 2016
My condolences to the family of Dennis Davis. Always cherishes the memories. And, remember that the drawing close to God gives us comfort and peace at this time.
April 8, 2016
My condolence to the family. May God give you all the strength to cope with your loss. May fond memories keep him alive in your hearts always.
JULIE ROSARIO
April 8, 2016
REST IN PEACE DENNIS MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOUR SOUL AND YOUR LOVE ONES.
April 8, 2016
So sorry to read about the passing of
Dennis Davis. May the God of all comfort
be with you at this time of your grief.
Gilberto Garcia
April 8, 2016
Rest in peace...God bless your family.
April 8, 2016
Beloveds, I am truly saddened to hear the news about Dennis Davis' passing. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. I hope to meet in in Paradise. (Luke23:43)
April 8, 2016
My deepest sympathy
A warm smile, a helping hand, a kind gesture, a loving touch
May these memories fondle your soul [Ps 94:19]
AC CHARLOTTE NC
Adrian Barnette
April 8, 2016
We'll miss you !
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
April 8, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
April 8, 2016
May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
C.J. Owens
April 8, 2016
May the family of Mr. Davis be assured that the God of all comfort promises hope at Hosea 13:14. He knows your pain of heart and cares for you.
mickie williams
April 8, 2016
Oh my lord, We just saw him in San Francisco "Yoshi's" about a year or so ago, with the fabulous Mr. Roy Ayers!. He just had raw talent...Rest in peace my brother and deepest condolences to the family.
Ladyj-California
Don
April 8, 2016
My condolences to your family. Mr Davis made the music come alive! He will be missed.~Jeremiah 29:11
Jessa
April 8, 2016
Dennis will surely be missed. In times like these John 5:28 and 29 gives us real hope.
Cowana Parker
April 8, 2016
The world has lost a Great Drummer. Rest in Peace Brother Dennis.... :)
Karen Davis
April 8, 2016
Condolences and prayers to family and friends. RIP
Joe M
April 8, 2016
As Tony Visconti commented, Dennis was an outstanding drummer and a very unique talent. I remember when I obtained the "Station to Station" album, I said, "Who is this guy? He's great." A few weeks later, I saw Dennis in Cleveland with the Thin White Duke tour. Great. Four or five years later I saw Dennis Davis touring with David Bowie again. Dennis was out long before the show began, visiting with some people in the crowd. He wore like a golf cap, except with a huge, over-sized brim. I said, "That is a very cool guy."
April 7, 2016
Another great musician taken from us. Rest in peace,sir.
Jane Dowling
April 7, 2016
God bless you and your loved ones ~ Rest in peace.
angela smith
April 7, 2016
Dennis Davis you are going to be miss, rest in peace. God Bless you.
LC
April 7, 2016
My heart is with the family in your time of sorrow. (Matt. 11:28-30
E Campbell
April 7, 2016
May the God of peace grant you comfort at this sad time.
April 7, 2016
Peace be with the family. What a loss this is.
Elaine
Scott Chamberland
April 7, 2016
Rest in Peace
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