Davis is no ordinary musician. He’s a “boogie woogie” musician who has played with President Clinton and tours the country playing “burnin’ boogie woogie piano” and sharing musical stylings inspired by greats like Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Willie Nelson Dolly Parton and Jerry Lee Lewis. He’s a highly respected and electrifying performer who is currently an integral member of The Legendary Blues Band (formerly known as the Muddy Waters Band,) and he rocks the stage all over the nation.
Davis’ travels made it possible to meet a huge range of diverse people, but perhaps nothing could have prepared him for the moment that would change his life. Despite his remarkable musical journey, Davis made a mark in an entirely different way back in 1983 when he met with a Klansman after a set he performed in an all-white lounge as reported by the Las Vegas Guardian.
According to the Guardian:
“He came up to me and said he liked my piano playing,” says Davis, “then he told me this was the first time he heard a black man play as well as Jerry Lee Lewis.” Davis, somewhat amused, explained to the man: “Jerry Lee learned to play from black blues and boogie woogie piano players and he’s a friend of mine. He told me himself where he learned to play.” At first, Davis says, the man was skeptical that Jerry Lee Lewis had been schooled by black musicians, but Davis went on to explain in more detail. “He was fascinated,” says Davis, “but he didn’t believe me. Then, he told me he was a Klansman.”
Nearly a decade later, Davis had an inspirational “itch” so great that he decided to do what most would consider is the unthinkable (if not insane). Davis actually journeyed to the Klansman’s home, like they were old friends, and requested to meet the KKK leader in Maryland. Davis was going to interview the leader and others for a book he was about to write, Klan-Destine Relationships, that would recount his life with racism and his encounters with Klan members, hoping to build a bridge between he and the white supremacist group.
A native of the state, Davis met with leader Roger Kelly and his armed bodyguard for a tense, and intense, discussion. Davis and Kelly became friends and slowly, and he would leave the Klan because of his friendship with Davis. Other KKK members would eventually do the same
Davis made a practice of collecting the hoods and robes of those who left the KKK, and doesn’t necessarily have a problem with the group’s existence. “I respect someone’s right to air their views whether they are wrong or right,” said Davis. “You have to address what’s in the person head and in their heart.”
Davis’ book, Klan-Destine Relationships, is available now. Davis also delivers lectures on race relations and has an extensive touring schedule. Check out photos of Davis over the course of his career and the hoods he’s collected below.
