R.I.P. - John E. Davis (31 Aug 1947 - 27 Jan 2023)

We are belatedly hearing news that Philly disco producer, arranger, conductor, bandleader, songwriter, TV score composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist John Edward Davis died on 27 Jan 2023 aged 75. 

To the mainstream he may be best known for the 1977 disco hit "Up Jumped The Devil" by The John Davis Monster Orchestra who also had a minor UK  pop hit (#70) with "Ain't That Enough For You" in 1979. He should not be confused with another artist of the same name who was also active in Philadelphia and a member of MFSB around the same time.

Davis graduated from Frankfort High School in PA then enlisted in the US Naval Academy with the Naval Academy Band. After leaving the Navy he went on to graduate with honours from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts in 1973.

He was a member of Philadelphia International's session group MFSB during its hey-day in the late 1960s and early to mid-1970s, appearing on many Philadelphia International recordings.

In 1975 he formed The John Davis Monster Orchestra which was predominantly a studio band which included Bobby Eli, The Sweethearts (Barbara Ingram & Carla Benson & Yvette Benton) and Don Renaldo Strings & Horns amongst others. They released four albums between 1976-79. The first album is mainly disco versions of many standards. They were awarded Billboard Magazine Award as best disco orchestra in 1979 and 1980.

In 1981, John relocated with his family to Los Angeles, CA, where he met producer Aaron Spelling and began a long career of scoring many well-known television shows. John won an ASCAP award for seven seasons of having written the most music for a television series. He won an ASCAP award and gold album award for his Beverly Hills 90210 theme song. 

He has performed as a musician on albums by The Stylistics, William DeVaughn, Carol Douglas, Arthur Prysock, Touch Of Class, Grace Jones, Silver Convention, Ashford & Simpson, First Choice, Teddy Pendergrass, Shanice, Diana Ross, George Clinton

In addition he has also been involved in many hit records in a production/ arrangement capacity such as William DeVaughn "Be Thankful For What You Got" album, Three Degrees "Get Your Love Back" / "I Like Being A Woman". He has worked with Teddy Penergrass (TP / This One's For You album), Diana Ross (It's My House / The Boss), Phyllis Hyman, Ashford & Simpson (Is It Still Good To You / Stay Free albums), Collins & Collins (self titled album), Kool & The Gang, Scherrie Payne, Arthur Prysock, Touch Of Class, Carol Douglas, Benny Troy, Barbara & The Tabulations, Doris Troy, Grace Jones, Silver Convention and so many others.

Some of the recordings he has been involved with in some capacity either writing, arranging, producing or performing which have had exposure on the UK rare soul scene include:

 

Billy Harner - "What About The Children"

Rosey Jones - "Have Love Will Travel"

Charen Cotton - "A Little Bit Of Love"

Philly Devotions - "I Just Can't Say Goodbye" / "Hurt So Bad"

High & Mighty - "You Gave Me A Brand New Start"

Spice - "Sweet Norma Jones"

The Philadelphia Society - "100 South Of Broadway"

William DeVaughn - "Give The Little Man A Great Big Hand" / "Blood Is Thicker Than Water"

Ann Byers / Prince Johnny Robinson - "This/That Man/Girl Is Rated X"

Tapestry - "Life Is What You Make It"

Touch Of Class - "I'm In Heaven" / "I Just Can't Say Goodbye"

Arthur Prysock - "When Love Is New" / "All My Life"

Vaneese & Carolyn - "Let Me In" / "I'm Losing You"

Ray Dahrouge - "I Can See Him Makin' Love To You, Baby"

Collins & Collins - "Top Of The Stairs" / "You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good" 

... and many more.

So whilst, his disco output many not be to many soul lovers' taste, he has contributed to much music emanating from the city of brotherly love and beyond.

Here's just a selection:

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