REV. GARY DAVIS
Reverend Gary Davis or Blind Gary Davis (born Gary D. Davis, April 30, 1896 – May 5, 1972) was a blues and gospel singer and guitarist, who was also proficient on the banjo, guitar and harmonica. His fingerpicking guitar style influenced many other artists. 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). (More from Wikipedia)
On the first LP by Peter, Paul and Mary, Peter, Paul and Mary (1962), “If I Had My Way” shows a songwriter of Rev. Gary Davis (earlier versions of this traditional song exist under the probable original name “Samson and Delilah”, “If I Had My Way I’d Tear the Building Down” and “Oh Lord If I Had My Way”, the latter by Blind Willie Johnson from 1927).
(February 2015)
