Tyrone Davis Dead at 66
Chicago soul great suffers complications from stroke
 Singer Tyrone Davis passed away on February 9th in Chicago following complications from a stroke. The soul great was 66. Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Davis made his musical mark in Chicago. While holding down a day job (which at one point included serving as guitarist Freddy King's valet), Tyrone sang in West Side clubs at night. He was spotted by R&B performer Harold Burrage, who landed Davis a record deal. Though the handful of singles released by "Tyrone (The Wonder Boy)" went nowhere sales-wise, they did help Davis find a spot on the more prestigious Dakar Records label, then recording such stars as Jackie Wilson and Gene Chandler. Tyrone's first single for the label, 1968's "Can I Change My Mind," was an immediate hit, soaring to #1 on the R&B chart and #5 on the Pop chart on the strength of his pleading bluesy vocal. It was merely the first in a long line of hits, its success eclipsed two years later by "Turn Back The Hands Of Time." The #1 R&B/#3 Pop smash earned Davis an appearance on American Bandstand and would become Tyrone's signature song, selling more than a million copies. With the 1973 hit "There It Is," Davis began collaborating with songwriter/producer Leo Graham. Another "Turning Point" occurred in 1975, when Davis' single of that name topped the R&B chart and jump-started a move to major label Columbia Records, which Tyrone called home for the rest of the decade. The '80s and '90s saw Tyrone and Graham craft records for several smaller labels as the singer's popularity on the chitlin' circuit remained strong. Tyrone was promoting his most recent release when he fell ill late last year. The cream of Tyrone Davis' output was gathered on the 2002 Rhino CD The Best Of Tyrone Davis.
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ALTHOUGH TYRONE DAVIS WAS THE BARITONE MASTER OF THE BLUES AND OFTEN NOT MENTIONED IN ALL THE SPOTLIGHTED FEATURES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY HE TRULY WAS AND STILL IS THE BEST OF THE BEST. REST IN PEACE "WONDER BOY"
It is a shame when such a great artis like tyrone davis can pass away with no publicity......he gave so much and got so little from the music industry in the end......another soul great jonnie taylor is overlooked by the music industry after such a long and fantastic career......Dr. Ken Johnson, Dallas, TX
i think he blessed because he made all the songs and people justlove him and he shall be miss!!!!!
I LOVE Tyrone, always have and always will.I have been a fan for 30 years. Does anyone know who produced/arranged his hits and who played the killer bass on so many of his big records?
I am so sorry to hear of Mr Davis' passing. I feel these very talented and much loved singers/legends should have more coverage when they pass on. They contributed a lot to the music industry and for them to pass on, virtually unnoticed and forgotten in a matter of minutes, so to speak, is a shame.
I use to follow Mr Davis' music in the 70's and 80's. My sincere condolences to Mr Davis' family and the entire music industry and his fans. A great legend has passed on. He will be missed always.
Thanks
M Diggs, Texas
TYRONE DAVIS A TRUE LEGEND WILL BE TRULY
MISSED. AND TO THE FAMILY STAY STRONG IN
THE LORD.
I DON'T SEE ANYTHING ABOUT THE FAMILY LIFE OF THE LEDGENARY TYRONE DAVIS WAS HE MARRIED? DID HE HAVE CHILDREN'S HOW WAS HIS LIFE AS A CHILD? DID HE HAVE BROTHER'S OR SISTER? WAS HE ADOPTED? ETC,,THESE ARE QUESTIONS FAN'S LIKE MYSELF WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. THANKS
im,so sorry, that tyrone davis, pass,when i heard a bout he pass,brought tears too my eyes,i really miss tyrone davis ,going too his concerts,but it hurts so much now there is no more concert,from tyrone davis,i really cared so much about him,im his number one fan,he is deeply miss,i will alway care about him. love you tyrone davis,i will continue too listing too your beautiful music, sign sharon lowe.rest in peace.
The song you made me beautiful
is the one of the most wonderful song
ever written
I just learned of Tyrone's passing. It's a sad day.
I had the pleasure of working with Tyrone many years ago... recording and mixng for the "Man Of Stone" record. It was an honor. Though I never had the chance to meet him again or work with him again... I thought of him many times. He was one of the true genuis singers and what I like to call "The Real Deal". That man could sing!
Some people belive that we come back to this Earth and live again. Tyrone.. if you do.. you come back as a singer now... cause we'll be missing you for sure!
Rest in Peace. Though I'll surely shed tears for you, I'll always remember hearing you sing in person for the first time and how you lit up the room and I'll smile about that.
I know you'll be missed by many. You take care Tyrone... Where ever you are, let there be love with you.
Commodor
TYRONE WAS TRUELY MISSED BY ME AND OTHERS INCLUDING THE OTHERS IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS I WILL ALWAYS LOVE TYRONE DAVIS!I THINK THAT HIS NUMBER 1 HIT WAS SO GOOD TO BE HOME AND BE HONEST WITH ME
so glad I saw him in jackson tn.'boutthree years ago. He was hot and his band was super professional and slammin' kitty....
i love tyrone davis and the song can i change my mind
I loved Tyrone Davis music. I have almost all of his songs.I still listen to his songs.I have been a fan for over twenty five years.His songs will live long in my heart.I will miss him.May god bless his family. W. Brooks, Vallejo,Ca.
This is one of the all time greats, I will always love and miss Tyrone Davis.
God Bless your soul, I have listen to "TD" all my life since I was kid. Taking road trips with my family,watching passing trains I always remember having "TD" on the stereo. You'll be missed brotha soul.
I have personally know Tyrone for many years. I think I attended all of the performances he did in Atlanta during the 70's & 80's. Condolences to his family.
L B
Houston
I'M LOOKING FOR TYRONE DAVIS IN CONCERT
I LOVED TYRONE DAVIS SO MUCH, ALL MY FRIENDS CALLED ME TYRONE. THAT IS THE ONLY MUSIC I PLAYED IN MY CAR, THE OLD EIGHT TRACK BY TYRONE DAVIS. I LOVE YOU TYRONE. TOMMIE JACKSON-SCRANTON PA.
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT TYRONE DAVIS DEATH. I WAS NOT SURE THAT I HEARD CORRECTLY BUT NOW I KNOW. I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF SEEING HIM AT A BLUES AND SOUL CONCERT IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA AND MAN HE SOUNDED SO GOOD, JUST LIKE HE DID BACK DURING THE SEVENTIES. GOSH I'M GOING TO MISS HIM AT THE BLUES CONCERTS. HE IS A R&B ICON AND WILL BE SADLY MISSED. MAY HIS FAMILY FIND COMFORTS FROM HIS CONTRIBUTION THAT HE HAS GIVEN TO THE WORLD WITH THOSE WONDERFUL SONGS THAT HE HAS LEFT US WITH. THANKS TRYONE.
I was a big fan of T.D, it's still hard to believe that T.D is dead. T.D was great in concerts,he will be missed.
R.I.P.
T.D
Tyrone was a legend and still is, thank you T.D for the beautiful music you left us. you are gone but not forgotten we miss you T.D ,I love you, keeping singing in soul heaven.
T.D.Birthday is near May 4, For a long time now on my radio show I do a 2 hour tribute in honor of his Birthday. I have been doing this for 20 years now. you can ''listen live'' this weekend May 6, 2006 around 3pm central time on the internet. Go to www.oldies925.com cick The Danny Poullard Show then click the ''listen live button.'' The show begins at 12noon every Saturday.
I LOVED TYRONE DAVIS AND HIS MUSIC I GOT ALL THE CDS HE MADE I WILL MISSED MR TYRONE DAVIS
Tyrone Davis was and still is a great artist. You are truly missed but you work will still go on. I have every album you have ever made and I listen you it every day. May God bless you and you will be FOREVER TYRONE DAVIS :)
Being a native of Mississippi myseft all my 49 years, i have and always will love tyrone and his music. I will miss you sadly. Rest in peace with the love of us mississippians have for you.
I LOVE MR TYRONE WHEN I GOT TO KNOW HIM BETTIE MAE SMITH FROM HUNTVILLE ALABAMA
people ask me who is your favorte singer will the only name that come out of my mouth is me tyrone davis ever since i was a little girl and my mon played his songs and to this day almost every weekend while at home listening to music that the first cd i put in mr davis thanks for the music
TYRONE IS A LENGEND AND ALWAYS WILL BE. HE IS WHO I GREW UP LISTENING TO.I WILL TRULY MISS THE WINDY CITY WONDER BOY. I SIT BACK TO THIS DAY AND LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC AND FIND IT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE HE'S GONE.ANOTHER GREAT SINGER GONE WITHOUT RECOGNITION.
A TRUE MISSISSIPIAN FAN.
i love tyrone he is one of my favorites he is bedroom music
kimberly reese
I THINK TYROME WAS ONE OF THE BEST SINGERS I EVER KNOWN. IN FACT I STLL LISTEN TO HIS MUSIC. MR.TYROME IS A GREAT LOSS TO SOUL MUSIC.
YOURS TRULY,
LAVORNE JONES
An unbelievable voice and talent.Sweet sexy soul music at it,s best.You will be remembered Mr Davis.
John Dooley AK New Zealand
Did Tyrone Davis have any brothers or sisters or children?
I have loved Mr. Davis' music for years. I am 41 yrs old, but as a child I grew up listening to him and still love his music today. I am so happy that I finally got the chance to see Mr. Davis in 2004 when he performed in New Orleans with Bobby Blue Bland and Bobby Womack. I will miss Mr. Davis' making new music, but I know that he is resting.
Ella
Thank you Mr. Tyrone Davis for all the beautiful songs you gave us over the years. It is wonderful to know that through your music we can forever "Call Tyrone".
Ronald in Chicago
I cant believe the music industry didn't have a music tribute to Tyrone Davis. He was a living legend, i never missed his shows while he was touring in Augusta, Ga / S.C.. His band was out of sight. What is his band doing now. He was still on top making hit records before his death.Have any info on his band?
It Just didn't get any better than Mr Tyrone Davis and his music. he will always be with us..... In more ways than one!
IT'S ALWAYS HARD FOR US WHEN SOMEONE WE LOVE DIES ABOUT WE CAN REMEMBER THAT HE/SHE IS NOT SUFFER ANYMORE SO FOR ALL THE GREAT SINGERS/ACTORS/ACTRESS/ETC. THEY ARE AT PEACE AND SOME DAY WE WILL BE THERE TO AND WE WILL SEE THEM AGAIN. SO FOR ALL WHO HAS PASSED ON INCLUDING MR. GERALD LEVERT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND HAVE SWEET REST IN THE LORD!!!
Tyrone was the best, may he rest in peace.
Tyrone Davis was such a fantastic singer, he will be missed.
PS: Listen to "Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys and "Can I change my mind". I think someone owes the Davis estate some recognition.
i am the greart niece of this man. need anything ask me
i think people like tyron davis never did get the praise that he desirved,he to me is a artices that came along when you could sing but you didn't get the money that singer make to day and you don)t take of your health like you should be couse of the enpence.of doctor bills.he was a man that did it because he loved the music. charles
tyrone davis is a great singer r.i.p my favorite song is mom apple pie
ty was my homeboy from the delta of gville ms. hinton family.
I think he was one of the greatest,yet most under-rated soul singers to ever come along. even today, his music and voice stilo sounds up to date.
Black artists are revered, copied and ignored by the mass media. No matter how many hit records they have, they are NOT invited onto Leno, Letterman or Oprah for that matter. American TV is more interested in the Europeans who imitate the soul sound, not the originators. For a black soul artist, they must do something SPECTACULAR like win American Idol or an Oscar to even be considered as a guest on late night TV. The playing field is still fraught with discrimination in America, especially for blacks.
tyrone was my favorite. REST IN PEACE
Tyrone as was of my best singer of all time. I grew up on his music with my parents. I'm only 26 and live for the oldest and goodies. Tyrone rest in peace God be with the family. Garysburg, North Carolina JK
Tyrone was a master of music, he will be missed by many. Turn back the hands of time was a classic.. RIP
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