Tyrone Davis, a suave soul singer who placed 43 songs in the R&B charts between 1968 and 1988, died on Feb. 9 of pneumonia. He was 66.
The Mississippi native was just a teenager when he moved to Chicago in 1959. Davis toiled at a factory during the day and spent his evenings honing his smooth vocal style. Years of performing in the city’s west- and south-side blues clubs led to a record deal with the Four Brothers label and a job working for blues guitarist Freddie King as a valet and chauffeur.
“Tyrone the Wonder Boy” moved to Dakar Records in 1968 and found a national audience with the single, “Can I Change My Mind.” The song topped the R&B charts, and became a No. 5 pop hit. In the 1970s, the baritone scored other R&B hits with “Turn Back the Hands of Time” and “Turning Point.”
Davis continued to record albums and tour the club circuit through the 1980s and 1990s. In 1998, the master of soul ballads received the Pioneer Award from the R&B Foundation. His last album, “Legendary Hall of Famer,” was released in October, a month after a stroke forced him to retire. Davis remained hospitalized until his death.
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February 18, 2005 by
Tyrone Davis
Categories: Musicians
We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tyrone Davis. He was a pioneer in the R&B field. More importantly, he was fellow Chicagoan. Mayor Daley should declare February 9, 2006 as “Tyrone Davis Day”.
Tyrone was one of the greatest blues singers I’ve ever heard, and he will be missed dearly. He had a very unique way of getting a song out of him.
Tyrone davis was such a great singer, until I can name about 10 entertainers who tried to coyp Tyrone’s greta voice.
When Tyrone Davis sang a song you felt like he had experienced what he was singing about. I consider him one of the great singers of the last thiry years period. Eventhough TD did not receive the recognition due him while he was here, it is my hope that other organizations such as the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame will give him his props.
He will sadly be missed. I really enjoyed his music. It was a great experience for me and once again I really enjoyed every minute of listening to it.
‘If I Could Turn back the Hands of Time’ is the true definition of soul. The maturity and richness in that song — you can tell he has lived every lyric and that every fiber of his being aches for the woman he loves. Tyrone Davis was the epitome of R&B – not just rhythm and blues, but REAL blues. There was no posing, no phoniness, just that haunting voice of his. In the 60′s and 70′s, R&B was just the voice and the soul. Now it is everything BUT the voice and the soul.
Tyrone was an icon and I am very angry that the mainstream press did not have more comment on his passing. I didn’t even know until I came here!
Tyrone will be greatly missed. He was one of my favorite singers and I went to see him in concert several times and I love everyone of them. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family.
I am deeply sad to hear that singer Tyrone Davis recently passed away at age 66 in Chicago,I found out by reading the Jet Magazine and I enjoy his music the two songs I remember is the 1970 hit(Turn back the hand of time)and 1975 hit (Turning point)please pass on this sympathy to all his family!
Iwas 16 when I began to party on Tyrone”s music all his songs had a story, and aplea for a second chance to make things right, He was alright. Rest in Peace.
Love Jackie//
I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of blues/soul great Tyrone Davis. I too hail from Mississippi and literally grew up listening to his music and hearing my older brothers hum and sing his songs around the house. I woud like to extend my deepest condolences to his family from my family. He and his music will be deeply missed.
I am deeply, deeply saddened by the news of TD’s passing. I feel he gave women a lasting tribute with his song “A Woman Was Made To Be Loved.” There was only one Tyrone Davis. I did’d realize he had,had a stroke and was forced to retire until today. Much thanks. Pamela
tyrone I AM and alway’s will be your biggest fan and you are so sadly missed I no you’er on your way to soulheaven with the late great johnnie taylor the blues wailer I idolize both of you guy’s there will never be anyone to replace ya’ll PS. I’LL ALWAY’S LOVE YOU ! JEFF CUP ALLEN
TYRONE was is and alway’s will be the greatest I grew up on his music I was 12 year’s old when I first heard him and every since then i would try and imitate him IF I COULD TURN BACK THE HAND’S OF TIME was my favorite I’M gonna miss you pete but won’t forget you. PS.HOPE YOU’ER FINE IN SOUL HEAVEN. JEFF CUP ALLEN
I was sadden and shock to find out Tyron Davis had past .During the Southern Soul Festival when the mc said he had past. For minni years I enjoyed his music and he will deeply be missed by many of his music fans such as myself.
My heart is heavy in hearing the passing of another great r&b blues legend. As one of the original love philosophers in a class with Johnny Taylor and Percy Sledge their messages were simple, common sense karma, and very realistic to many relationships, delivered with an energy that drove deep within your spirit. My parent used to chill back in the day, on a friday night, sometimes with aunts and uncles, smoking, drinking gin with grapefruit juice, eating home cooked pork rinds, food from a fish fry, listening to their music, and telling us kids when we pass through the living room “U don’t kno nutin ’bout that”. Thanks Mr Davis for the soul of your music being such a pleasant memory in my life and I’m sure as so many others. May you rest in peace. God bless.
AS A DJ IN CHICAGO I CAN TRULY SAY THAT TYRONE DAVIS WAS A SUPERSTAR AND MY FAVORITE REMEMBER FANS THAT SUPERSTARS WAS BORN NOT MADE
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Tyrone DAvis. I grew up listening to his music and I saw him in concert for the first time in Augusta, Ga a few years ago. Tyrone’s performance was breathtaking and his band was incredible. I will always remember Mr.Davis for his soulful voice. Its pretty sad that he slipped away from us and it was not mentioned in mainstrem media. I just learned of his death a few days ago. When I was growing up, Mr.Davis was my father’s favorite singer and because my dad played his music nonstop, he became one of my favorite singers as well. My condolences go out to the family and may Mr.Davis rest in peace.
Tyronne Davis was giant among entertainers, who always gave a great show. He gave a dignified show with just pure Mississippi Blues. An excellent role model for young artists. Rest in peace!
I was supprise, shocked and sadden to here that Tyrone Davis has passed away, I’m one of his bigest fans I grew up listening to his music. I don’t remember how old I was when I first heard him sing, if I had to guest, it would be from birth my father always had music playing. I miss them, my brother Willam (who was a fan), Johnny Taylor, Luther, Tyron davis, now they are all toghther..
The FAMILY OF TYRONE DAVIS
I WAS 12 years old when I started listening to the great TYRONE. I am now 46 years old.He has been apart of my life for many long years.I Have been very sad to know now, that he is gone to be with the lord. I will missed him dearly. Only GOD knows,how much this hurts me.But I was told as a child, ‘GOD’ makes no mistakes.This is very hard for me. Miss You TRYONE,
Gary Hogan(Texas)
I was so taken by the news of Tyrone Davis death. Tyrone voice was a part of my whole entire family, cousins, uncle’s, aunt’s, you name it. He had one of the most soulful voices of all the R&B singers. I know he had a great number of popular songs but my favorite which was rarely played on the radio waves were “I got carried away”. If anyone have not heard that one, they should check it out. My deepest sympathy to the Tyrone Davis family. My entire family and I will truely miss him.
The first time I heard Tyrone Davis song In the mood
it was by far the most romantic song I ever heard.
Now here it is 20 years later and It’s still at the
top of my list. Take care Tyrone, I miss you.
Tyrone Davis was a class entertainer who I saw on numerous occasions.I have traveled all over the midwest and the mid-south to see blues shows headed by TD.Tyrone and the fabulous Platinum Band did not use inappropriate gimmicks in their performances. I saw the Platinum Band backing Willie Clayton in Tunica.Great move Willie.
I HEARD TYRONE DAVIS MUSIC FOR THE FIRST WHEN I WAS A YOUNG KID & FROM THEN ON I WAS HOOKED ON THE VOICE,THE MUSIC,THE MAN HIS MUSIC TO ME WAS LIKE HIM AS A PERSON.HIS MUSIC HAD A MEANING TO IT LIKE,A WOMAN WAS REALLY APPRECIATED &MEANT SOMETHING TO A MAN LIKE A WOMAN SUPPOSE TO BE SPECIAL.HE ALWAYS MADE A WOMAN SEEMED SPECIAL & IMPORTANT.NOW DAYS SOME SINGERS DON’T GIVE WOMENS OR,MOTHERS THEIR PROP.I THANK TYRONE DAVIS FOR THAT WONDERFUL PERSONALITY THAT HE SHOWED IN HIS MUSIC TOWARD WOMENS & MOTHERS THE MAN,THE MUSIC IS CHERISHED IN MY MEMORY OF HIM FOR EVER.I SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY & I HOPE HIS FAMILY KNEW WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GIFT THAT GOD ALLOWED THEM TO HAVE BECAUSE,TYRONE DAVIS WILL LIVE ON IN MANY HEARTS AS THE RIGHT KIND OF MUSIC AT THE RIGHT TIME.I ALSO THANK THE PRODUCERS FOR RECONIZING GOOD TALENT &PUTTING IT OUT THERE FOR OTHERS TO ENJOY.I CAN GO ON & ON BUT HIS MUSIC SAID IT ALL.THE VOICE,THE MAN,THE MUSIC CHERISHED FOREVER.
IN LOVING MEMORY PROUD TO KNOW THE MAN KNOWN AS MR.TYRONE DAVIS THE LEGEND……
I was 12 years old when i heard tyron davis for the first time turn back the hands of time in asmara,eritrea.
in those days to have known him and after 36 years i am still posesed in his songs and voice
let the good lord give him rest with him.
This Brother was one of the best dressing R&B entertainers of his time, he will be greatly missed, If I could “Turn Back The Hands of Time” I would place this Brother on That great Apollo stage in New York, wearing that fine Green Suit and those green alligators and singing those great song that only Tyrone Davis sing. Go on Brother, Rest in Peace! Give My Regards to Pete (Johnny Taylor) I know he is smiling from ear to ear.
thanks for all the good times when you can to columbus miss.
I just wanted to say that Tyrone Davis will be missed here in Stockton, CA. He was my favorite Artist. I listen to his music every morning driving to work. His voice is so sexy.
I have always loved and worship Tyrone Davis music, he had such a rich and sexy voice, I went to see him one time in Cleveland, and he gave such and outstanding performance, one that will never be seen again. He was and still is the greatest in my book.
I went to see tyrone davis within a 200 miles from the town I live in.Him and his band was one of the best band in the world. My family and I will miss them. I hope that his band will be able to find someone or be able to make it with out him. They are a band of their own. I hope that I will be able to see them soon. LOVE THE LYLES FAMILY.
I really was shocked to hear the sad news of Tyrone Davis passing away. I really enjoyed his music every since I was about 7 yrs of age. He was one of my most favorite r&b singers of all times. First time I heard of him being ill I thought that maybe he was doing better. But when someone called me and said that he was dead I thought that it was a sick joke. My heart and prayers go out to his wife and children. May God be with you. thank you Ty for giving me the chance to hear your music and see you in concert every time you would come to St. Louis I will miss you.
I just started to play the bass guitar and I have been hooked on the bass lines along with the powerful spirit of T.D.’S songs. I would love one day to bring his hits back around the block again in the main stream. His sound and style is truley alive!
I miss ole T.D. Thank God for all the music he left behind. For 15 years on my radio show I have been doing a birthday tribute to Tyrone for two hours + . After his death I have continued it. This week on May 4, 2006 would have been his birthday. His fans can listen to the T.D. Birthday tribute by going to http://www.oldies925.com click on ”The Danny Poullard Show,” then click the ”listen live button”. The show starts at 12noon central time. The Tyrone Davis birthday tribute celebration will start around 3:05pm central time.
ATTENTION……I forgot to mention in my last post that My Tyrone Davis two plus hours birthday tribute celebration will be on Saturday May 6, 2006 at 3:05 pm central time. The show starts at 12noon central. Go to http://www.oldies925.com then click on ”The Danny Poullard Show.” Then click the ”Listen Live Button.” Enjoy!
I just can not believe it I just found out today about his death. i feel that I want to cry TD has been one of my greast R and B singers. I started listening to him at the age of 10 and would play his music every day. rest in peace TD I love you but God loves you best.
I’M VERY SADDEN TO HEAR THAT A MAN WHO WAS SO GREAT IN THIS MUSIC INDUSTRY HAS PASSED ON I GREW UP ON HIS MUSIC AS CHILD. REST IN PEACE MR. DAVIS AND GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR MUSIC WILL LEAVE ON
we will indeed miss tyrone, what a great pioneer,rip. (biggalpp) vaiden,ms.
I have been listing to TD music since I can
remember. My mother played his music all the time.
After hearing TD’s voice I was HOOKED! He will
“Greatly Missed”!!
God Bless!
it was sad to hear of this great singers death. he will always be my faveorite. he had such a smooth voice. he will be sadly missed. rest inpeace tyronne davis.
First, let me offer my condolences to the Family of Tyrone Davis. He was a great singer who’s music was heard in our home as I was growing up on the Southside of Chicago. I recently saw a question asking if he was married. Yes, I met his wife Mrs. Ann Davis at The Roots Festival in Chicago. Tyrone Davis sang true love songs about every situation imaginable that could arise in a marriage. May his soul rest in peace.
i.ve listened to tyronne davis for years. he was a great singer. one of his family members came into where i worked and told us he had passed away. it was very sad and he will be missed. my condolenses to his family. i listened to him when my 1st marriage failed. his songs cheered me up.
He was 1 of hellful singers! He well be greatly miss in the MUSIC WORLD!
I think ty was one of the great R&B singers of all time’ one record of his that i remember i would play 24/7 if they would had let me was “baby can i change your mind”. me and my wife fell in love to that tune. me and my sister n law would sing that that song on friday nights in the summer when we would all hang out on my stoop and harmonize. I will miss you ty. may the angels light your way on your jouney to touch the face of god
remember tyrone davis. i was so sad when tyrone davis died it is very sad t.d. didn,t get the recognition he should have.i am from new orleans ,la new orleans loved t.d.i remember the first time i seen him i wanted to shake his hand my husband told me go shake his hand, he said i know you like tyrone davis. so i went up 2 the stage , shunk his hand, didn,t wash my hand at all that night.t.d. left so much good music fore the whole world to enjoy.i agree with the writer when he said they should make february tyrone davis day. a day the whole world will remember.rest in peace tyrone davis you will be missed. ora grant july 16, 2008
tyrone is and always will be my favorite singer, may he rest in peace.I’m trying to find the song BUNKY that he song for his daughter. It was made in the 80′s. If you know it post it on this site the name of the album.
As big fan I was raised in old T D my dad would listen to him every day and I just love his music and I’m only 39 years old and don’t like rap that man taught me how really love a woman