He was a blues and gospel singer who was also proficient on the banjo, guitar and harmonica. His fingerpicking guitar style influenced tons of artists, including Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, John Sebastian, Jorma Kaukonen, Keb' Mo', and so many others.
This is episode 10 of Caffe Lena: 60 Years of Song. Thank you to Sarah at the Caffe for compiling the list of artists and songs.
Rev. Gary Davis' students included David Bromberg, Steve Katz, Roy Book Binder, Dave Van Ronk, Rory Block, Larry Campbell, and Bob Weir.
Also known as Blind Gary Davis, he went blind as an infant. He was the only child of the eight his mother bore to make it to adulthood. His career began in earnest in the late 20’s, but the 1960’s folk revival is where he played at Newport, Peter Paul & Mary made popular one of his songs they covered, Bob Dylan covered a song on his debut, The Dead covered a couple songs, and the Stones credit him, along with Fred McDowell for "You Gotta Move" on "Sticky Fingers." And in 1970, he made his way to Caffe Lena.
Sydney Lyndella Ward is more than just an artist. She is a force of nature who is tough to pin down. Think Robert Johnson with a shot of Bad Brains, but that might fall short of describing her. Known as Sunny War, her childhood was unconventional - nomadic to say the least. Music was her refuge. She taught herself guitar at 13, writing and playing her own songs. Her unique voice and style have garned attention from all corners of the music industry, and thanks to Caffe Lena, we've another new discovery.
Caffe Lena: 60 Years of Song, a production of WEXT Radio.