Geater Davis facts for kids

Vernon "Geater" Davis (born January 29, 1946 – died September 29, 1984) was an American singer and songwriter. He was known for his powerful and emotional voice. Many people described his singing as a mix of sweetness and a rough, "sandpaper grit" sound. Geater Davis was a talented artist who made rhythm and blues (R&B), soul, and blues music.

Geater Davis: His Life and Music

Geater Davis was born in Kountze, Texas, on January 29, 1946. He was the youngest of five children in his family. In the late 1960s, a record producer named Allen Orange heard Geater sing. Orange was so impressed that he arranged for Geater to record music in Birmingham, Alabama. He even started his own record label, called House of Orange, just to release Geater's songs.

Early Success and Classic Songs

Geater's first song, "Sweet Woman's Love," came out in 1970. It became a hit, reaching number 45 on the Billboard R&B chart. This chart lists the most popular rhythm and blues songs. Even though his next songs, like "I Can Hold My Own," weren't as big hits, he recorded an album also called Sweet Woman's Love. This album is now considered a classic example of "deep soul" music. Deep soul is a style of soul music known for its strong, emotional singing. Geater often wrote or helped write his own songs.

Recording with Different Labels

After the House of Orange label closed in 1972, Geater Davis continued to record music. He worked with other labels like Luna and 77. Some of his songs, such as "I'm Gonna Change," were recorded at famous places like FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. In 1973, his song "Your Heart Is So Cold" reached number 64 on the R&B chart.

Musical Style and Comparisons

During his career, Geater Davis was often compared to another famous blues singer, Bobby Blue Bland. This was because they both had similar voices and singing styles. However, Geater's voice was often described as heavier and darker. Also, Geater played the guitar in the studio and during live shows, which Bobby Blue Bland did not do. Even though his records didn't always sell a lot, Geater toured a lot. He performed on the "chitlin circuit," which was a network of venues that were safe and welcoming for African American performers during a time of segregation.

Later Years and Legacy

Geater Davis recorded for the Ace label in the mid-1970s. Later, he even released some disco songs when the House of Orange label started up again. In 1981, he joined the MT label, where he released more songs and an album called Better Days.

Sadly, Geater Davis passed away from a heart attack in Dallas, Texas, in 1984. He was 38 years old. As a way to honor his friend, Bobby Blue Bland re-recorded two of Geater's popular songs in 1985: "Sweet Woman's Love" and "I've Just Got To Know."

Years later, in 1998, a collection of Geater's recordings called Sadder Shades of Blue: The Southern Soul Sessions 1971–76 was released. Another collection of his music, I'll Play The Blues For You: The Legendary House Of Orange Sessions, came out in 2008. These albums help new fans discover his amazing music.

Geater Davis: Albums and Singles

Geater Davis released many songs, called singles, and a few albums during his career. Here are some of his main releases:

Albums

• Sweet Woman's Love (released in 1971)
• Better Days (released in 1983)