Will Davis

William E. Davis (February 17, 1926 – March 24, 1984) was an American jazz pianist.

Life and career Davis was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 17, 1926. After playing in Snookum Russell's territory band and with Paul Bascomb, Davis joined Howard McGhee in 1946. He went on to play with Milt Jackson and Sonny Stitt, and with Wardell Gray in Detroit. As the house pianist at the Crystal Bar, he backed Coleman Hawkins, Lester Young, and Charlie Parker with Miles Davis in 1953.

Davis died in Detroit, Michigan on March 24, 1984, at the age of 58.

Discography 1948: The Howard McGhee Sextet with Milt Jackson - Howard McGhee (tp) Jimmy Heath (as, bars -1/5,7) Milt Jackson (vib) Will Davis (p) Percy Heath (b) Joe Harris (d) (Savoy MG 12026) 1948: In the Beginning: Milt Jackson/Sonny Stitt - Willie Wells (tp) Sonny Stitt (as) Milt Jackson (vib) Will Davis (p) Jimmy Glover (b) Dave Heard (d) (Galaxy GXY 204) with Will Davis (p) Kenny Burrell (g) Martin Rivera (b) Bill English (d) Ray Barretto (cga)