Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
1 week ago
United States Melvin Lee Davis is a multifaceted musician, known as a bass player, vocalist, keyboardist, producer, and music director for Grammy-award winning artist Chaka Khan. His extensive career includes collaborations with numerous prominent artists and significant contributions to television productions.
Melvin Lee Davis serves as Chaka Khan's musical director, a collaborator, and a long-standing member of her musical family. Their partnership is built on extensive touring and recording, and he has been a key figure in her band for many years.
Melvin Lee Davis has toured and recorded with The Pointer Sisters, contributing his bass playing to their musical endeavors.
Melvin Lee Davis has extensively toured and recorded with Lee Ritenour, contributing to albums such as *Alive in L.A.*, *This Is Love*, *Rit's House*, *Overtime*, *Wes Bound*, and *6 String Theory*.
Melvin Lee Davis toured with Bryan Ferry on the Mamouna world tour in 1994 and has recorded with him.
Melvin Lee Davis has toured and performed with David Benoit, adding his bass talents to Benoit's projects.
Melvin Lee Davis has toured and recorded with Larry Carlton, contributing to his musical work.
Melvin Lee Davis has worked with Patti Austin, contributing to her albums such as *That Secret Place* and *Reach*.
Melvin Lee Davis recorded with Gladys Knight & the Pips on their album *All Our Love*.
Melvin Lee Davis co-wrote "Soul Train's a-Comin'", the theme song for the television show *Soul Train*, after meeting producer Don Cornelius.
Melvin Lee Davis endorses DR Strings, specifically using their Long-Necks™ Taper Stainless Steel Hexagonal Core Bass Strings (Model: TMH5-40 and Custom 7-String). He values their tone and durability, noting that they allow him to communicate freely through his music.
Melvin Lee Davis previously used BassKen Smith BT6 Fretless bass guitars, which were associated with his playing prior to the company's acquisition.
Melvin Lee Davis has contributed to George Benson's albums, including *Love Remembers*, *Standing Together*, and *Irreplaceable*.
Melvin Lee Davis worked on Allen Hinds' album *Touch*.
Melvin Lee Davis contributed to Jeff Kashiwa's album *Simple Truth*.
Born and raised in Orange County, California, Melvin Lee Davis began his musical journey at a young age, playing the violin at four and the saxophone at six. He later took up guitar in high school, demonstrating an early aptitude for diverse instruments. His professional career began at 16 when he was discovered by a horn player from Buddy Miles’ jazz band. This led to an audition in New York City with Buddy Miles, who promptly hired him. Davis spent time performing in New York clubs, where he established connections within the music industry. A significant turning point in his early career was meeting Soul Train producer Don Cornelius through mutual acquaintance Ron Kersey, which opened doors for him in the R&B music scene.
Davis’s association with Don Cornelius led to a notable achievement: co-writing “Soul Train’s a-Comin’,” the iconic theme song for the television show *Soul Train*. This early success cemented his position as a songwriter and composer in addition to his performance roles. Throughout his career, Davis has worked as a session and touring bassist, as well as a music director, for a wide range of acclaimed artists. His collaborations include Grammy-award winning singer Chaka Khan, with whom he has maintained a long-standing relationship as her musical director. He has also lent his talents to recordings and performances with The Pointer Sisters, Lee Ritenour, Bryan Ferry, Patti Austin, and Gladys Knight & the Pips.
His discography includes several albums: *LTV: Love, Truth & Victory* (1996) released through P-Vine Records, *Tomorrow’s Yesterday* (2000), and *Nature’s Serenade* (2003), both released through The Orchard. In 2011, he released *Genre: Music*. Beyond his individual projects and extensive touring, Davis has contributed to the sound of numerous albums. His work with Lee Ritenour includes *Alive in L.A.*, *This Is Love*, *Rit’s House*, *Overtime*, *Wes Bound*, and *6 String Theory*. He has also worked on George Benson’s *Love Remembers*, *Standing Together*, and *Irreplaceable*, and Patti Austin’s *That Secret Place* and *Reach*. Additional credits include Gladys Knight & the Pips’ *All Our Love*, Allen Hinds’ *Touch*, and Jeff Kashiwa’s *Simple Truth*. His diverse body of work highlights his adaptability and enduring presence in the music industry across multiple genres, including R&B, jazz, funk, and rock.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
