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David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle
Post Number: 365 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 81.130.211.124
| Posted on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 4:54 pm: �� | ��� |
John Lester passes the sad news from Harry Weinger of Roquel's passing. Another stalwart and pioneer who did so much for our music. More later. Roquel R.I.P. David |
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman
Post Number: 1503 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138
| Posted on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 9:39 pm: �� | ��� |
Was this the same person who used "Tyran Carlo" as a nom de plume? |
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle
Post Number: 367 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 81.130.211.124
| Posted on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 10:05 pm: �� | ��� |
That's him Bobby. His name was all over the Anna label. He was a Producer/Songwriter for them and also co-owned RO-GOR Music with BG. |
Ron Murphy (ron_murphy) 4-Laureate Username: ron_murphy
Post Number: 136 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.90.140
| Posted on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 11:18 pm: �� | ��� |
I am very sad this morning to hear about this.... Mr. Davis was one of my few idols in the music business. as long as there is music, his music will never be forgotten. |
Eli (phillysoulman) 6-Zenith Username: phillysoulman
Post Number: 1507 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 205.188.116.138
| Posted on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 11:25 pm: �� | ��� |
I believe that he also co owned Chevis Music with the Chess bros. His music was some of my earliest introduction to the world of r&b/pop music. I remember the 78 of Lonely Teardrops sitting on the shelves over at the Kae Williams record shop in Philly near my home at the time. RIP Billy!! |
Phil (phil) 4-Laureate Username: phil
Post Number: 165 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 213.36.162.240
| Posted on Friday, September 03, 2004 - 11:28 pm: �� | ��� |
I didn't know he was Lawrence Payton's cousin ! www.history-of-rock.com/four_t ops.htm |
BJL (bjl) 3-Pundit Username: bjl
Post Number: 55 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 217.205.87.151
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 12:38 am: �� | ��� |
Did you know that he co-wrote the song from the Coke commercial ("I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing") with English songwriters Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway? And 100s of other soul/r&b songs... |
Linda Di. (linda_di_fsg) 5-Doyen Username: linda_di_fsg
Post Number: 181 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 165.170.128.65
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 1:01 am: �� | ��� |
Is this the Billy Davis who used to work with Suzanne DePasse? I met her years ago in a restaurant in LA and she introduced me to a Billy Davis. |
Ron Murphy (ron_murphy) 4-Laureate Username: ron_murphy
Post Number: 137 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.90.140
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 2:06 am: �� | ��� |
there was a guitar player called Billy Davis who passed a few years ago, he did work for Motown, he was not related to Roquel "Billy" Davis. Roquel started writing in 1954 was in the the 5 Jets, the 5 Stars and started Anna records in late 1958 with Gwen Gordy after writing songs with Berry Gordy in 1957 &58. the relationship with Gwen Gordy ended in 1961 when Harvey Fuqua came on the scene and Anna Records was folded and Roquel moved to Chicago and started the Check-Mate label continuting his relationship with Chess that he set up with Anna Records, then Harvey and Gwen started the Tri-Phi/Harvey labels. Roquel worked on the Check-Mate label until late 1963 until he closed it down and stayed with Chess Records for a couple years until moving to New York working for an advertising agency writing songs for ads such as the Coke "I Want The World To Sing" ad mentioned above |
dvdmike (dvdmike) 5-Doyen Username: dvdmike
Post Number: 339 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.208.234.85
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 4:54 am: �� | ��� |
Davis was with the McCann-Erickson advertising agency. |
Ron Murphy (ron_murphy) 4-Laureate Username: ron_murphy
Post Number: 138 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.90.140
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 6:25 am: �� | ��� |
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Davie Gordon (davie_gordon) 5-Doyen Username: davie_gordon
Post Number: 192 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 80.225.151.97
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 6:51 am: �� | ��� |
In a parallel universe Billy Davis never met Berry Gordy - Jackie Wilson's solo career didn't take off - Barrett Strong's "Money" wasn't released - The Voice Masters didn't get to record for Anna so David Ruffin went back to being a gosple singer - the Originals never formed Davis didn't join Chess as A&R man so we didn't get hits from Fontella Bass, the Dells and Little Milton Chess Records went bankrupt in '64 - I'd have never heard the Four Tops - I wouldn't be a member of this forum - in fact this forum wouldn't exist. Billy's contrinution's have been overlooked too often because he turned his back on the record business when he went into advertising - but in truth his being there back in the fifties has affected us all more than we probably realise. That's the man we lost - RIP Billy and thanks for everything you've meant to me both directly and indirectly. Davie |
Satipe (satipe) 3-Pundit Username: satipe
Post Number: 52 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 66.185.84.74
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 8:15 am: �� | ��� |
I am very sad to read about Billy Davis' passing. He was a good man. |
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle
Post Number: 368 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 62.252.128.19
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 8:28 am: �� | ��� |
Many thanks to Sis for reminding me about this article in the Freep. http://www.freep.com/motownat4 0/archives/042483mo.htm The final sentence says it all. |
Ron Murphy (ron_murphy) 4-Laureate Username: ron_murphy
Post Number: 139 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.42.90.140
| Posted on Saturday, September 04, 2004 - 9:53 am: �� | ��� |
a beautiful post Davie, thank you..... it's all true. |
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don
Post Number: 747 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.174.61
| Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 12:15 am: �� | ��� |
Davie, I know where your coming from cause if it hadn't been for a Tyran Carlo a/k/a Roquel Billy Davis, all The Gordy Family labels wouldn't have been if it we're not been for Mr. Davis. Give respect and credit where it is due. My Condolences to The Davis Family. Don Chicago |
Don (don) 6-Zenith Username: don
Post Number: 748 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.75.174.61
| Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 12:29 am: �� | ��� |
The history of Motown at times do irritates me too by giving a chosen few for starting it all. Plus I always thought Motown was too overblown for and over the hype. If it be as it may, I'd say they ought to give credit and reconition we're it is due. This is only IMHO. Don |
mel(andthensome) (mel) 6-Zenith Username: mel
Post Number: 524 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.129.172
| Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 6:28 am: �� | ��� |
R.I.P. Mr.B.Davies a great master of his trade who like so more will be greatly missed but who will stay with us through his superb work......... mel |
LC (larro) 1-Arriviste Username: larro
Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 68.39.229.51
| Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 10:53 am: �� | ��� |
I understand Billy Davis service will be held on Thursday in New York City. What another great lost. |
Robb_K (robb_k) 6-Zenith Username: robb_k
Post Number: 509 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 217.232.131.244
| Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 6:06 pm: �� | ��� |
What can one say. One of the great producers! |
David Meikle (david_meikle) 5-Doyen Username: david_meikle
Post Number: 369 Registered: 3-2004 Posted From: 62.252.128.19
| Posted on Sunday, September 05, 2004 - 7:19 pm: �� | ��� |
We will feature Roquel one day on SoulfulDetroit. |
Soul Sister (soul_sister) 6-Zenith Username: soul_sister
Post Number: 1502 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.43.165.74
| Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 8:35 am: �� | ��� |
As many probably already know he worked with Alonzo Tucker & Jackie Wilson. So sorry to hear of his passing. R.I.P and keep making good music with Alonzo & Jackie in soul heaven Billy! You were talented and genuine. S.S. |
C Bell/Eric (c_belleric) 2-Debutant Username: c_belleric
Post Number: 16 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.165.159.109
| Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 2:39 pm: �� | ��� |
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C Bell/Eric (c_belleric) 2-Debutant Username: c_belleric
Post Number: 17 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 4.165.159.109
| Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 2:46 pm: �� | ��� |
It's sad to hear about the passing of Billy "Roguel" Davis. I remember looking at my Dad's ANNA records and wondered who this guy was. The scan that I put up must be one of his earliest efforts that he collaborated with Joe Von Battle. If you ever get a chance to hear "The Drunkard" it really is a taste of the lyrical genius this guy possessed. R.I.P. |
BJL (bjl) 3-Pundit Username: bjl
Post Number: 57 Registered: 5-2004 Posted From: 217.205.87.151
| Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 6:27 pm: �� | ��� |
There's a pretty good obituary in today's issue of the UK newspaper "The Independent" - you can read it here http://news.independent.co.uk/ people/obituaries/story.jsp?st ory=558990 |
dvdmike (dvdmike) 5-Doyen Username: dvdmike
Post Number: 350 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 65.208.234.85
| Posted on Tuesday, September 07, 2004 - 8:10 pm: �� | ��� |
Does anyone know how he died? |
Sue (sue) 5-Doyen Username: sue
Post Number: 175 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.34.51.20
| Posted on Wednesday, September 08, 2004 - 1:14 am: �� | ��� |
I had an obit in Saturday's paper, which I can't find online for some reason. I've raised heck with the authorities so it should be findable soon. Billy's funeral is this Thursday in Detroit, at Corinthian Baptist Church, 1725 Caniff, Hamtramck. |
Sue (sue) 5-Doyen Username: sue
Post Number: 176 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 12.34.51.20
| Posted on Wednesday, September 08, 2004 - 1:33 am: �� | ��� |
Ah, somebody found it: http://www.detnews.com/2004/ev ents/0409/07/d01-263201.htm |
Lady Mystique (ladymystique)
6-Zenith Username: ladymystique
Post Number: 661 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 216.37.228.103
| Posted on Wednesday, September 08, 2004 - 11:55 am: �� | ��� |
Wow...another great pioneer gone... |
Kevin Goins - KevGo (kevgo) 5-Doyen Username: kevgo
Post Number: 177 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.33.151.131
| Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 9:46 am: �� | ��� |
Folks: I had the honor of knowing Roquel Billy Davis during my years in NYC. His office was on West 48th Street while mine was on West 49th. Roquel & I met on many occasions to discuss his career, the music he wrote/produced and the artists he worked with. Not only did Roquel have his own production company but he had complete ownership of Chevis Music Publishing ("Rescue Me", "We're Gonna Make It") and made sure the writers got their royalties on time. A great man I will miss terribly. Kevin Goins - KevGo |
mike s (mike_s) 4-Laureate Username: mike_s
Post Number: 146 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 195.93.33.7
| Posted on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 7:14 pm: �� | ��� |
Billy was a giant. Probably the great thing about him was that you could trust that a record was good if it had his name on the label. Think of the wonderful songs and productions he was behind from Chess during his time in charge of A and R there. A shrewd man too by having his own publishing company, good to know he and the writers benefited from their work. |
Kevin Goins - KevGo (kevgo) 5-Doyen Username: kevgo
Post Number: 180 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 64.33.151.219
| Posted on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 4:30 pm: �� | ��� |
David Meikle: When you folks do decide to feature Roquel Billy Davis on a "webisode" please let me know. He and I met and talked om many occasions during my tenure in NYC and he shared some valuable insight on his career from his early songwriting career to the Anna /Checkmate period and beyond. Mike S - you are right as rain regarding Roquel's ownership of Chevis Music. I will share this with all here - when Roquel was hired by McCann/Erikson in 1968, Leonard Chess gave Roquel his share of Chevis Music and told Billy that if things didn't work out in the advertising world that he could come back to Chess Records. Leonard Chess died a year later in 1969 - right when Roquel was writing and producing successful jingles for Coca-Cola (many of which I have on CD and they sound great!). Kevin Goins - KevGo |
mel(andthensome) (mel) 6-Zenith Username: mel
Post Number: 873 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.240.97
| Posted on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 2:16 am: �� | ��� |
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Phil (phil) 5-Doyen Username: phil
Post Number: 176 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 213.36.162.101
| Posted on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 6:09 am: �� | ��� |
Mel, thank you for all your beautiful scans ! I didn't know the Knight Brothers, I ordered their CD, "Temptation", after having read its review in ITB, and it's just fantastic ! Sometimes they remind me the Impressions, sometimes Sam & Dave, they're always great !!! |
mel(andthensome) (mel) 6-Zenith Username: mel
Post Number: 874 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.133.46
| Posted on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 7:23 am: �� | ��� |
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mel(andthensome) (mel) 6-Zenith Username: mel
Post Number: 875 Registered: 4-2004 Posted From: 81.154.133.46
| Posted on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 7:27 am: �� | ��� |
my pleasure phil still have my chess 45 by them titled why ca t I be your ma chess1950 good mooooo-verrrrrrrrrrrr |