Gilbert Davis – 2003 INDUCTEE
Bassist Gilbert Davis, older brother of IBHOF member George Davis, started performing at an early age in Des Moines with The Davis Trio. With Little George & the Del Rays, Gil was performing in the clubs on Center Street as a teenager. The Del Rays became The Blendtones and they were signed to the Success label, enjoying a big hit record with “The Lovers” in 1963 and a successful West Coast tour.
Gil traveled to New York and Detroit before settling in New Jersey. Near the end of the ’60s, he called up George and told him to come out to Jersey and they went on to form The Chosen Few in Asbury Park. The band at one time featured saxman Clarence Clemons, who went on to huge fame with Bruce Springsteen. In fact, Clemons was Best Man at Gil’s wedding and Gil played on two tracks on Bruce’s Greetings From Asbury Park album. The Chosen Few eventually became The Hot Line. Their biggest highlight was performing at the famous Apollo Theatre.
George went back to Des Moines and Gil left the music scene, eventually going into the ministry for 12 years until 1998. Gil is now back in Des Moines and performing in clubs again with George in their band, Sumpin’ Doo.
Photo by Scott Allen
