Jesse Ed Davis facts for kids

Jesse Edwin Davis III (born September 21, 1944 – died June 22, 1988) was a very talented Native American guitarist. He was known for playing amazing guitar solos and for working with many famous musicians. Jesse was part of Taj Mahal's band and also played with music legends like Eric Clapton, John Lennon, and George Harrison. In 2018, he was honored by being added to the Native American Music Hall of Fame.

Growing Up and School

Jesse Davis was born in Norman, Oklahoma. His father, Jesse Edwin Davis II, had a mix of Comanche, Seminole, and Muscogee (Creek) heritage. His mother, Vivian Mae Saunkeah, was Kiowa. Jesse's father was a skilled painter, and his art was even shown in Oklahoma City's state capitol building.

Jesse started playing music in the late 1950s in Oklahoma City. He played with friends who later became famous musicians themselves, like John Ware and Jerry Fisher.

He finished high school in 1962 and later studied English literature at the University of Oklahoma. Even when he was older, people remembered him liking to quote famous thinkers like Socrates. By the mid-1960s, he left school to go on tour with country music star Conway Twitty.

Jesse's Music Journey

After touring, Jesse moved to California. He lived in Marina del Rey for eight years with his companion, Patti Daley. Through his friendship with Levon Helm, he met Leon Russell. Leon helped Jesse start working as a session musician, which means playing on other artists' albums.

Jesse joined Taj Mahal's band and played guitar and piano on Taj Mahal's first four albums. He was very versatile, playing different styles like slide, lead, rhythm, country, and even jazz guitar. Taj Mahal and his band were even invited to England by the famous band The Rolling Stones! They performed in a special show called The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.

In 1971, Jesse signed a deal to record his own music. His first solo album was called ¡Jesse Davis!. It featured other great musicians like Gram Parsons, Leon Russell, and Eric Clapton.

Jesse also became good friends with Gene Clark from The Byrds. He played on and helped produce Gene Clark's album White Light in 1971. He also played the electric guitar solo on Jackson Browne's hit song "Doctor, My Eyes" in 1972.

Jesse played with many other music stars. He joined George Harrison (from The Beatles) at the famous 1971 Concert for Bangladesh in Madison Square Garden. Other musicians there included Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and Eric Clapton.

He released two more solo albums: Ululu in 1972 and Keep Me Comin' in 1973. Around this time, Jesse started playing with John Lennon (also from The Beatles). He played lead guitar on Lennon's albums Walls and Bridges (1974) and Rock 'n' Roll (1975). He also played on albums for other former Beatles, like George Harrison's Extra Texture (1975) and Ringo Starr's Goodnight Vienna (1974) and Ringo's Rotogravure (1976).

In 1975, he toured with the band Faces as their second guitarist. After that, Jesse continued to be a busy session musician. He played on albums for many artists, including Rod Stewart, Steve Miller, Harry Nilsson, and Willie Nelson.

In 1985, Jesse formed a band called the Graffiti Band. They combined his music with the poetry of John Trudell, a Native American activist. Their album, "AKA Grafitti Man," was even called the "best album of the year" by Bob Dylan.

In 1987, the Graffiti Band performed with Taj Mahal. During this show, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, and John Fogerty (from Creedence Clearwater Revival) surprised everyone by joining them on stage! They played famous songs like "Proud Mary" and "Blue Suede Shoes".

Personal Life

Jesse Davis had a long relationship with Patti Daley. He later married twice, first to Tantalayo Saenz and then to Kelly Brady.

In his later years, he worked as a counselor at the American Indian Free Clinic in Long Beach.

Jesse passed away in Venice, California, on June 22, 1988, at the age of 43.

Legacy

Jesse Ed Davis's musical talent is still remembered today. In 2002, he was added to the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame.

In 2018, he was honored again by being inducted into the Native American Music Hall of Fame. His former band members played a tribute, and his cousins accepted the award for him.

See also

In Spanish: Jesse Ed Davis para niños