Title: Reverend Gary Davis, The Light of the World
Size: 5.5" x 5.5"
Acrylic on wood
Reverend Gary Davis, AKA Blind Gary Davis (born Gary D. Davis, April 30, 1896 -died, May 5, 1972), was a blues and gospel singer who was also proficient on the banjo, guitar and harmonica. His fingerpicking guitar style influenced many other artists including Bull City Blues icon, Blind Boy Fuller. He moved to New York in the 50s and was a part of the folk revival of the 1960s. He was also doing guitar lessons during this time period. His students include Stefan Grossman, David Bromberg, Steve Katz, Roy Book Binder, Larry Johnson, Nick Katzman, Dave Van Ronk, Rory Block, Ernie Hawkins, Larry Campbell, Bob Weir, Woody Mann, and Tom Winslow.He influenced Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, Wizz Jones, Jorma Kaukonen, Keb' Mo', Ollabelle, Resurrection Band, and John Sebastian (of the Lovin' Spoonful).
The song “I am the Light of the World” was recorded in New York City in 1935, and it is among the first examples we have of the man that many consider the greatest genius of the acoustic guitar ever to walk the earth.
See PDF for more samples and info about my Bull City Blues series
