Tribute performance to Little Sammy Davis on his induction into the Blues Hall of Fame®.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
by Susan O'kane
Musician friends and blues fans packed Brian’s Backyard BBQ in
Middletown, New York, for an afternoon of musical celebration to pay
tribute to blues harmonica legend, Little Sammy Davis, on his induction
into the Blues Hall of Fame as a “Great Master Blues Artist”.
l to r, (top row) Papa John Mole, Brad Scribner, Fred Scribner, John Bendy
(middle) Joe Louis Walker, Rhett Tyler, Roxy Perry, Bobby Kyle, Bob Fusco
(bottom) Pete Hop, Little Sammy Davis, Brian Remaly, Dave Keyes
Born
November 28, 1928 in a one-room shack in Winona, Mississippi, Davis began
playing harmonica at the age of eight. The harmonica became his key to
a journey across the country and into the world of blues music. During
his career, Davis played with the likes of blues legends, Pine Top Perkins,
Albert King, Earl Hooker, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Ike Turner.
His travels took him to Poughkeepsie, New York, where, after the death
of his wife, he took a long hiatus from music. After some time, his career
found resurgence as he became a member of the band, Midnight Slim and
the Strangers (with guitarist, Fred Scribner). In 1996, Davis released
his first full-length album, “I Ain't Lyin” (Delmark Records),
which was nominated for a W. C. Handy Award.
The idea of a tribute performance to mark Davis’ Blues
Hall of Fame induction developed as Davis’ close friends realized
that due to his declining health, the time was now to honor and celebrate
the man and the musical gifts he so generously shared with everyone throughout
his lifelong career. Brian Remaley, venue owner and event manager, arranged
to have the 83-year old Davis, transported for the day’s festivities
from the nursing home where he resides. Plans quickly took shape with
the collaboration of drummer, Papa John Mole, acting as music coordinator,
and vocalist / harp player, Roxy Perry, as event producer and promoter,
Mole and Perry also both being long-time friends and colleagues of Davis.
Videographer, Oscar Rivera, was on hand to record the momentous event.
click
to view video from the event
