Michael Davis (bassist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Davis
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Davis in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Born | June 5, 1943 |
| Died | February 17, 2012 (aged 68) Chico, California |
| Genres | Rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, producer |
Michael Davis (born June 5, 1943 – died February 17, 2012) was a talented American musician. He played bass guitar, sang, wrote songs, and produced music. He is most famous for being a member of the band MC5.
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Joining the MC5 Band
Michael Davis became the bass player for the band MC5 in 1964. He joined after leaving his art studies at Wayne State University. The band's singer, Rob Tyner, and guitarist, Wayne Kramer, liked his playing style.
Davis played on all three of the band's first albums. This included their very first album, Kick Out the Jams. He stayed with the MC5 until 1972.
Playing with Destroy All Monsters
After leaving MC5, Davis joined another band called Destroy All Monsters. His friend Ron Asheton from the band The Stooges encouraged him to join.
Davis played with Destroy All Monsters for seven years. During this time, he wrote several popular punk songs. These included "Nobody Knows," "Meet the Creeper," and "Fast City." The band recorded music and toured in the United Kingdom.
New Bands and MC5 Reunion
After Destroy All Monsters, Davis moved to Tucson, Arizona. There, he played in a band called Blood Orange. Later, he joined Rich Hopkins and Luminarios. He recorded several albums with them.
In 2003, Davis reunited with other surviving members of MC5. They played a show in London. This led to a big world tour, visiting 200 cities. They also went back to the studio to write new songs.
Helping Music Education
In 2006, Michael Davis was in a serious motorcycle accident. After this, he and his wife, Angela Davis, started a non-profit group. It was called The Music Is Revolution Foundation.
This foundation helps support music education in public schools. Many volunteers worked with Davis. They helped raise money and awareness. They wanted to show how music education can help students. It can improve thinking skills and test scores. It can also help more students stay in school. Music can inspire young people to learn about other cultures. It helps them understand the world and express themselves.
Producing Music
Michael Davis also worked as a music producer. He helped other bands create their albums. He produced and played on The Mother's Anger's first album. He also produced the first album for the band Dollhouse, called Rock N Soul Circus.
Art and Painting
Even after his time with MC5, Davis continued to explore art. He spent time in the desert and traveled the world with bands. This inspired him to return to painting. He studied art at different schools.
In 2006, he worked with artist Chris Kro. They designed skateboard decks and T-shirts. In 2007, he worked with artist Shepard Fairey. They created special MC5-themed merchandise.
His paintings were also used as album covers. In 2009, his painting "White Panther/Big World" was on an MC5 album. In 2011, his painting "Black To Comm Sk8r Boys" was the cover for a live performance album. This painting inspired a series of other artworks.
His Passing
Michael Davis passed away on February 17, 2012. He was 68 years old. He was married and had children.
