Soulful DetroitArchives - July 2004 � Roquel "Billy" Davis Previous Next

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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Was this the same person who used "Tyran Carlo" as a nom de plume?
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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!!
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I didn't know he was Lawrence Payton's cousin !
www.history-of-rock.com/four_t ops.htm
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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...
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Davis was with the McCann-Erickson advertising agency.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

label



label
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am very sad to read about Billy Davis' passing. He was a good man.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

a beautiful post Davie, thank you..... it's all true.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I understand Billy Davis service will be held on Thursday in New York City. What another great lost.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

What can one say. One of the great producers!
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

We will feature Roquel one day on SoulfulDetroit.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

thrillers
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does anyone know how he died?
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Ah, somebody found it: http://www.detnews.com/2004/ev ents/0409/07/d01-263201.htm
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Wow...another great pioneer gone...
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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.
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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 !!!
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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

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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: ��Edit PostDelete Post���Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

my pleasure phil

still have my chess 45 by them titled
why ca t I be your ma
chess1950

good mooooo-verrrrrrrrrrrr

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