James "Thunderbird" Davis facts for kids

James Louis Huston, known to many as James "Thunderbird" Davis (born November 10, 1938 – died January 24, 1992), was an American Texas blues and electric blues musician. He was a talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. In the early 1960s, he recorded several songs for Duke Records. His song "Blue Monday" (1963) became quite popular. After a long break, his music career started again in 1989 with his album Check Out Time. James "Thunderbird" Davis passed away in 1992 at the age of 53 while performing on stage.

Biography

Early Life and Music Beginnings

James Davis was born in Prichard, Alabama, United States. When he was young, he sang gospel music in Alabama. In 1957, he met a famous musician named Guitar Slim. Davis began opening shows for Slim and also played in his band. Guitar Slim gave James the nickname "Thunderbird" after an event that happened. After Guitar Slim passed away in 1959, Davis continued to play music. He worked with bands led by Nappy Brown and Lloyd Lambert.

Recording with Duke Records

In 1961, James Davis signed a recording contract with Don Robey's Duke Records. This record company was located in Houston. At first, Robey used Davis to record demo songs for another artist, Bobby Bland. Later, Davis recorded his own songs, which were released as singles. His songs "Blue Monday" (1963) and "Your Turn to Cry" (1964) received good reviews from music critics. However, these songs did not become big hits across the country, mostly staying popular in the Deep South.

Davis left Duke Records in 1966. He kept performing, sometimes opening for well-known artists like Joe Tex, O. V. Wright, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King. Even with these performances, he didn't get the widespread recognition he hoped for. Because of this, he stepped away from the music world for nearly twenty years.

A Comeback in Music

In 1988, Hammond Scott, who helped start Black Top Records, found James Davis in Houma, Louisiana. Many people thought Davis had passed away. This discovery led to Davis recording his first album, Check Out Time, in 1989. The album included new versions of songs by artists like Bobby Bland and James Carr. It also featured some of Davis's own songs, including some he wrote back in the 1960s.

The album had a fantastic backing band. This band included guitarists Anson Funderburgh and Clarence Hollimon, and saxophonist Grady Gaines. They were known as the Black Top All-Stars. A new recording of his song "Your Turn to Cry" reminded fans of his earlier work from 1964. Billboard magazine called Check Out Time the "blues comeback of the year."

In 1990, Davis was a guest singer on several songs for the Hubert Sumlin album Healing Feeling.

Later Years and Passing

In January 1992, James Davis was planning to record his second album. However, he collapsed while performing on stage at the Blues Saloon in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He passed away from a heart attack. He was 53 years old.

Discography

Singles

Albums

See also

• List of Texas blues musicians
• List of electric blues musicians