Erin Davis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Erin Davis
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| Born | September 26, 1962 |
| Occupation | Broadcaster |
| Spouse(s) | Rob Whitehead |
| Children | Lauren Davis (1991–2015) |
| Parent(s) | Don Davis Maureen Ellen Davis (nee Moore 1933–2012) |
Erin Davis is a well-known Canadian broadcaster and author. She wrote the book Mourning Has Broken: Love, Loss and Reclaiming Joy in 2019. Erin was a very popular radio host in Toronto, Ontario, for many years. She was inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2020. Before she retired on December 15, 2016, she hosted the Morning Show on 98.1 CHFI.
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What Was Erin Davis's Early Life Like?
Erin Davis was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in 1962. Her father, Don Davis, was an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Her mother was Maureen Ellen Davis. Erin had three sisters. Because her father was in the Air Force, her family moved often. She grew up in places like Ottawa, Trenton, Ontario, and even England.
From a young age, Erin loved music and singing. She often performed with her grandfather's orchestra. After high school, she decided to study Radio Broadcasting at Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario. While studying, she also hosted a radio show on CIGL-FM and played piano at a restaurant.
How Did Erin Davis Start Her Radio Career?
Erin Davis's First Radio Jobs
After finishing college, Erin was hired by CIGL-FM. Six months later, she moved to Windsor, Ontario. There, she worked at CKLW Windsor, also known as The Big Eight. She made history as the first female co-host in the Detroit radio market. Erin co-hosted the morning show at CKLW. In late 1984, she was laid off when the station changed its music style.
From Windsor, Erin moved to Toronto, Ontario. She co-hosted Good Morning Toronto at CKO Toronto. This was a big all-news radio station in Canada. This job led to a major opportunity for her. In September 1988, she was asked to join the popular morning show at CHFI. She would co-host with Don Daynard.
Erin Davis's Time at CHFI
Soon after Erin joined Don Daynard, their show, 'Don and Erin,' became the most popular morning show in Toronto. In March 1991, Erin had her daughter, Lauren Davis. The radio station set up a temporary studio in her home. This allowed Erin to broadcast the show from home just one week after Lauren was born. She continued to work from home for three months.
Don and Erin kept their show very popular until 1999. That year, Don Daynard retired. Bob Magee became Erin's new co-host. The new duo, 'Bob and Erin,' also had high ratings. However, in spring 2003, CHFI decided to change its direction. Erin was let go, and Bob Magee moved to an afternoon show. The morning show was then hosted by 'Mad Dog and Billie,' later called 'Jay and Billie.'
What Did Erin Davis Do After Leaving CHFI?
After suddenly leaving radio, Erin could not work for another radio station for a year. This was due to a rule in her contract. She used this time to try new things. In the summer of 2003, the W Network offered her a chance to create her own daily live TV talk show. That fall, she starred in W Live with Erin Davis. The show focused on women's lifestyle, health, and wellness.
That same summer, Erin was contacted by Ross Petty. He was a theater producer organizing a Christmas family pantomime in Toronto. He invited her to audition. In December, Erin made her live theater debut. She played the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at Toronto's Elgin Theatre. This month-long show happened at the same time as her daily TV show.
Erin Davis's Return to Radio at EZ-Rock
On September 7, 2004, Erin returned to Toronto radio. This was about 14 months after she left CHFI. A competing station, EZ-Rock, had an opening on their morning show. The host, Christine Cardoso, was leaving for maternity leave. EZ-Rock asked their listeners for ideas, and Erin was a popular choice. At EZ-Rock, she joined Mike Cooper to host the morning show.
Erin Davis's Return to CHFI
Erin's time at EZ-Rock ended sooner than expected in April 2005. It was announced that she would return to CHFI that September. Mike Cooper also left EZ-Rock and joined her as co-host at CHFI. After his contract rule expired in late October, they reunited at CHFI. Together, they made CHFI the top-rated station in Toronto again.
Mike Cooper retired in February 2016. Erin then introduced CHFI listeners to Darren B. Lamb, who used to work at CHUM-FM. Erin herself retired in December 2016. She and her husband now live in North Saanich, British Columbia, where they are close to family.
What Other Work Has Erin Davis Done?
Erin Davis's TV Appearances
While hosting the morning radio show, Erin also appeared on TV. She was a guest host on CFTO (now CTV Toronto) and Global. In 1998 and 1999, Erin wrote and performed a nightly commentary on CFTO News called "Just So You Know."
Later, she hosted The Erin Davis Show on Rogers Television. This lifestyle and wellness program had over 200 episodes across two seasons. It won an award as Canada’s best cable talk show in its second season. In 2003 and 2004, Erin also hosted a live one-hour TV show called "W Live with Erin Davis" on the W Network.
Erin Davis's Public Appearances and Music
Erin often appeared at public events. She worked as a host and a main speaker. She is also a talented singer. For over 10 years, she sang with an oldies band. She was featured on three CDs for the Toronto Blue Jays and Variety Club in the early 1990s. Erin has also sung national anthems at many Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Argonauts games. The home team usually won when she sang!
Erin Davis's Charity Work
Erin has helped many charitable causes. For several years, she was a co-host on the Easter Seals Telethon on CBC television. She is also very active with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. She has worked for Sheena’s Place and the Children's Wish Foundation of Canada. In 1998, she raised over $160,000 for the Children's Wish Foundation by shaving her head.
Erin has been recognized for her public service. She received the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary International. She has also been honored by the Empire Club, Variety Club, and Toastmasters International. In 2008, she created the Erin Davis Women in Media Award at Loyalist College, her old school.
What Awards and Honors Has Erin Davis Received?
Erin Davis has received many honors for her work in media, public speaking, and charity. In 2020, she was inducted into the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame. In 2002, Chatelaine magazine named her a Woman Of Influence. In 2006, she was named Woman of the Year for the Greater Toronto Area. This was after a public survey by the Consumers Choice Award. Later that year, she was also the Grand Marshal of the 2006 Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade. More recently, she received the Paul Harris Fellowship, a special honor from Rotary for outstanding public service.
What Podcasts Does Erin Davis Host?
Erin now hosts three popular podcasts.
- Drift With Erin Davis features original sleep stories that she writes and narrates.
- She co-hosts Gracefully & Frankly with her friend and former Toronto radio personality, Lisa Brandt.
- Erin also hosts the Real Time podcast for CREA, which is the Canadian Real Estate Association.
