Dennis Davis

Dennis Davis (August 28, 1949 – April 6, 2016) was an American drummer and session musician best known for his work with David Bowie.

He was born and raised in Manhattan, New York City and studied with drummers Max Roach and Elvin Jones before joining the Clark Terry Big Band in 1967. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Rowan (DD-782) from 1969 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. He was discharged from the U.S Navy in 1970 in San Diego, California.[1] He was wounded during his military service, but was able to hone his skills when he performed as part of the US Navy's Drum and Bugle Corps.[2] He met guitarist Carlos Alomar when they were both playing with Roy Ayers.[3] Davis was hired by David Bowie in 1974 for two tracks on Young Americans. Alomar, Davis and George Murray formed the rhythm section which performed on a number of Bowie's albums released in the 1970s. The snare sound used on Bowie's Low album is considered influential on many later records. It was the result of early pitch shifting technology coupled with Davis's sensitive touch as a performer.[4] Davis was part of one Bowie's rhythm sections, "the D.A.M. Trio", which also included Carlos Alomar and George Murray.[5]

Davis subsequently became the drummer for Stevie Wonder and in the early 2000s, he played percussion on David Bowie's live tours, including Bowie's last tour, A Reality Tour, in 2003. The drummer for that band was Sterling Campbell, who was previously a student of Davis.[6]

Davis died on April 6, 2016, of cancer.[7]

Davis’ youngest son Hikaru Davis made a series of interview videos from 2016-2019 speaking with musicians who knew his father.[8]

Davis’ son T-Bone Motta has been the drummer for Public Enemy since 2012.[9]