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Gilbert
Davis
2003 INDUCTEE
Bassist
Gilbert Davis, older brother of
IBHOF member George Davis,
started performing at an early age in Des Moines with The
Davis Trio. With Little George
& the Del Rays, Gil was performing in the clubs on Center Street as a
teenager. The Del Rays became The
Blendtones and they were signed to the Success label, enjoying a big hit
record with “The Lovers” in 1963 and a successful West Coast tour.
Gil
traveled to New York and Detroit before settling in New Jersey. Near the end
of the ’60s, he called up George and told him to come out to Jersey and
they went on to form The Chosen Few
in Asbury Park. The band at one time featured saxman Clarence
Clemons, who went on to huge fame with Bruce
Springsteen. In fact, Clemons was Best Man at Gil’s wedding and Gil
played on two tracks on Bruce’s Greetings
From Asbury Park album. The Chosen Few eventually became The
Hot Line. Their biggest highlight was performing at the famous Apollo
Theatre.
George
went back to Des Moines and Gil left the music scene, eventually going into
the ministry for 12 years until 1998. Gil is now back in Des Moines and
performing in clubs again with George in their band, Sumpin’
Doo.
PHOTO ©
SCOTT ALLEN - VIVIDPIX.COM
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