About Me
The Davis Sisters were one of my MOST beloved female Gospel groups to ever grace the field of Gospel music. Today, they still remain as favorites of Gospel listeners.
The Davis Sisters began singing in the Fire-Baptized Church, in which their mother, Lavenia Davis, pastored. In their teenage years, Gertrude M. Ward (founder of the Famous Ward Singers), heard the Davis Sisters sing at a church service, and she approached Pastor Lavenia Davis about allowing the girls travel. Mother Davis did not want her daughters to travel until the youngest daughter, Alfreeda, received her high school diploma. Needless to say, Alfreeda Davis made that accomplishment.
Once they were in the limelight, the Famous Davis Sisters had their own unique style. They were not into all of the sequins, tall hair, and glamour that the Famous Ward Singers were known for. Eventually, the Davis Sisters became serious competition for the Ward Singers. In addition to Ruth, Audrey, Alfreeda, and Thelma, Imogene Green, who was a childhood friend of Rev. James Cleveland, was added as the fifth member. Mr. Curtis Dublin, the BROTHER-IN-LAW of Audrey Davis, was the pianist for the group, and he occasionally took the lead on several songs. A few years after being established, Imogene Green left the group and was replaced by Jackie Verdell, another singing powerhouse.
Over the Davis Sisters career, they had recorded many songs and had several hits including "Get Right With God," "I'm Tired," "Shine On Me," "Jesus Steps Right In," "When He Spoke," "I Believe I'll Go Back Home," and MOST of all, "He'll Understand And Say Well Done."
In 1963, Ruth Davis had a disagreement with the group, and eventually left. She then went to Savoy Records, and organized her own group, The Ruth Davis Singers, and recorded an album with Isaac Douglas. Meanwhile, the Davis Sisters; Audrey, Alfreeda, Thelma, and Jackie Verdell continued to sing and travel. There were also a couple of new additions: Cynthia Young, who was an accompanist, as well as a singer; and Lelia Dargon. On January 1, 1970, due to complications from diabetes, Ruth Davis passed away. That was a great loss to the Gospel world! Again, the Davis Sisters continued to travel.
The years following 1970 would be hard times for the Davis Sisters. Many tragedies struck. Lelia Dargon was burned to death in a house fire. Health complications took the life of Curtis Dublin. By the year of 1991, all members of the Famous Davis Sisters were gone.
Though the lives of the Davis Sisters came to an abrupt end, their music has truly been a source of inspiration for thousands.
MAY WE ALWAYS REMEMBER THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE GOSPEL GREATS, SUCH AS THE FAMOUS DAVIS SISTERS!
Sincerely,
Dwayne Lightsey Jr.
**MANY THANKS TO MR. LINWOOD HEATH & MS. BARBARA BROWN FOR THE CORRECTIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**
