THE FAMOUS DAVIS SISTERS OF PHILADELPHIA
My favorite female gospel group of all time is The Famous Davis Sisters of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were one of the most outstanding, powerful and renowned female gospel groups of all time, often referred to as house wreckers for their emotional hard performances. They were rivaled only by the strength and variety of the vocalists in The Caravans and in The Gospel Harmonettes with Dorothy Love Coates. The Famous Davis Sisters were founded by Ruth “Baby Sis” Davis in 1945 in Philadelphia; where they were recognized as the hard female gospel group of the time.
The Davis Sisters were the daughters of South Carolinians Mr Henry Davis and Rev. Mrs Louvenia Davis, who had moved to Philadelphia and raised their children in the Mount Zion Fire Baptized Holiness Church in Philadelphia. Ruth was 17 years old when she formed herself and three of her sisters into a gospel group in 1945 with her playing the piano; Ruth was the spiritual motivator behind the group, citing Ira Tucker of The Dixie Hummingbirds and Dinah Washington of The Sallie Martin Singers as her inspirations. The sisters made their debut at their parents' home in Philadelphia in 1946, the group was formally comprised of Ruth aged 17 years, her sisters Thelma aged 15 years; Audrey aged 14 years; Alfreda aged 10 years, as well as a non-relative Imogene Green aged 15 years and pianist Curtis Dublin aged 17 years. Ruth's other sister Edna would sing with the group in concerts, revivals and in church services but for reasons I don't know, Edna never recorded with the group on their 45's or lp's. Their brother Bernard and their mother Louvenia Davis would also travel with Ruth and her sisters to revivals and sing at services around Philadelphia early in the Sisters carer. Ruth developed the groups' stage positions around a central microphone to achieve a depth to their combined voices with the sisters sounding like a choir with the strength of their voices; their first recording contract was signed in 1947 with Apex Records of Philadelphia. Their live performances were legendary, with Ruth often touted as "tearing the house down". Ruth had such a powerful voice that she could just start up a song without any introduction or gimmicks; when Ruth would sing "Shine On Me", she would throw her handkerchief in the air, the crowd would be ecstatic with people moved by the holy spirit. When Thelma would sing "Jesus", the crowd would also respond enthusiastically. Unlike many of today's gospel singers, they usually wore plain choir robes, reflecting their Holiness background. In the early days their performances were only accompanied by Curtis playing piano; they were involved in the evolution of the acapella quartet sound, singing accompanied by instruments.
Ruth's solos were powerful; her recordings of songs such as "Jesus Steps Right In" and "Too Close to Heaven" reflected her wide ranging contralto, with rich power, emotion and force. In their prime The Davis Sisters had two non related great singers as members; Imogene Green, who sang with a beautiful and powerful husky alto, and Jackie Verdell with her emotional mezzo-soprano; Jackie replaced Imogene in 1955. Imogene would return to the group again in 1960. Jackie's mezzo-soprano added strength to an already powerful group, few singers then and now could match Jackie's mournful gospel blues style; Jackie would demolish churches with her renditions of "Lord Don't Leave Me" and "Following Him". The Davis Sisters often accompanied their singing with a rhythmic spirited choreography made famous by Dorothy Love Coates and The Ward Singers. The Davis Sisters were heavily influenced at this time by fellow Philadelphian, Gertrude Ward, the mother of Clara Ward and original force behind the Ward Singers, a major force in gospel music in America at the time. Mother Ward had been recording the Ward Singers on Irvin Ballen's Gotham label; after introducing the sisters to Irvin they too signed to the Gotham label. Their song "Jesus Steps In" (Gotham 736), was covered by Mahalia Jackson on the Apollo label, while the flip side "Too Close To Heaven", was covered by Alex Bradford on Specialty Records becoming one of his biggest selling records and one of the biggest selling gospel tracks of all time. Another great Gotham release was "Get Away Jordan" in which Curtis Dublin sings lead vocal and plays piano.
In 1955 with changes at Gotham, the sisters signed to Savoy records. Their first 45 on Savoy was 4063, including Lucie Campbell's great song "He'll Understand (And Say Well Done)". Their big hit and theme song "Twelve Gates To The City" written by Thelma, was from their first Savoy lp, Savoy 14000. Throughout the 1950s and 1960's the Sisters continued to record and tour; in 1962 the Sisters got into some disagreements with each other and Ruth moved to New York City, forming her own singing group named "The Ruth Davis Specials of New York City". Savoy issued their album as Ruth Davis and the Davis Singers "On The Right Road". After this release Ruth made up with her sisters and they resumed touring again as a family. Savoy issued an album 14250, In Memory Of Ruth Davis when Ruth suddenly died; the Sisters last album with Savoy was as The Undaunted Davis Sisters, Savoy 14306 from 1973.
Personnel changes occurred in the group in the 1960's, all later recordings were made on regional labels except their 1973 Savoy release. The Sisters last recording was made in 1981 for the album "The Storm Is Passing Over" and the 45 and 12' "Didn't It Rain/ We Shall Overcome" from the same album on Gods Sound, a Philadelphia label. This album was so popular that they re-pressed it to meet demand but they issued it with a different cover, one cover in color shows the group standing under a rainbow; the other album cover is a black and white photograph of the Davis Sisters in front of a grand piano. Apart from Curtis on piano, the sisters also had pianists such as Rev. Earl Moore on Savoy 14199, Eddie Brown (husband of Evangelist Rosie Wallace) on Savoy 14306 and on their Gods Sound album and Cynthia Young (vocals and piano) she occasionally played the piano for the group after Curtis died. Cynthia sang with the Sisters on their last Savoy lp 14306 and played piano on that lp as well.
The sisters recorded on many labels including; Apex, Gotham, Savoy, RCA, Checker, Constellation, Hi-Way Records and Gods Sound Records. The Davis Sisters were so respected and their style so far reaching and influential that r&b singer Ray Charles modeled the sound of his backup group, the Raelettes on the Davis Sisters and the Caravans.
The group members were:
· Ruth Davis - nicknamed Baby Sis (September 27, 1927- January 2, 1970) founded the group at age 17. She was the featured vocalist with a bluesy voice. She was the creative brains behind the group's musical arrangements and was not afraid to try something new. Ruth was a skilled song writer, writing some of the groups most loved songs including "I Believe I'll Go Back Home". Some of her gospel songs contain doo-wop vocal techniques taken from r&b and rock and roll songs of the time. One of her most unusual arrangements was "Earnestly Praying", a cover of a 1961 pop hit, "Tossin' and Turnin'" by Bobby Lewis. The Hammond organ's keyboard-instruments were cleverly used to fill in for other instruments used in the original song. Ruth died unexpectedly of complications from kidney disease, diabetes and liver disease in 1970; her funeral was held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA; where Thelma's funeral was also held several years earlier. I do not know when the sisters appeared to leave the Holiness Church for the Baptist Church. Ray Charles' wife Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, sang at Ruth's funeral.
· Alfreda Davis Welles (January 1, 1934- June 15, 1990) - She was the long-time business manager of the group. Alfreda collected the performance money from the promoter before the Sisters entered the auditorium and she led the group on stage. She was the youngest sister who had started singing with them at age 10. She died on June 15,1990.
· Thelma Davis Blassingame (April 1, 1929- January 2, 1956) she joined at age 15; her biggest hit was "Jesus, He's My King". Thelma wrote some great Davis Sisters songs including "Twelve Gates To The City" and "You've Got The River Jordan To Cross". Unfortunately she died on January 2, 1956 at age 26 leaving behind her 3 children and husband James Blassingame. After giving birth to her last child Thelma developed pneumonia; anxious to support the group's performances, she begun touring too soon after delivery. Her funeral was held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA.
· Audrey Davis Dublin (November 28, 1932- July 25, 1982) Audrey was married twice, i don't know her first husband's identity; however, she had four children with him. Her second marriage was to Curtis Dublin's brother, Wilburn Dublin. Having four children from a previous marriage and regularly touring with her sisters, caused child care issues and added stress to their relationship, Audrey and Wilburn eventually divorced.
· Edna Davis - Edna was a Davis Sister who would sing at concerts and revival sessions but for reasons i don't know, was never with her sisters at recording sessions. Unfortunately I don't know Edna's date of birth or date of her death, this was not passed on by her family anywhere to my knowledge.
· Curtis Dublin (1928-1965) pianist, formally joined the Davis Sisters group in 1947 when he was 19 years old, although he had known them for years; there was comments that Curtis was a distant cousin. Curtis played piano with a strong jazz, bouncy rag-time influence which many early church-goers originally viewed as the devil's music, or at least secular, especially in the very early 1950s. Curtis lived on the second floor of the Davis family home in Philadelphia where he died from a heart attack.
· Jackie Verdell (November 5, 1937- 2002, although she's also listed as passing away in 1991) she joined the group from 1955-1960, joined again in 1961-1962 and 1964-1966 and again for their 1981 album. She was from Camden, New Jersey although some folks say she was originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jackie was a mezzo-soprano; she sang lead on songs such as "Lord Don't Leave Me", "Following Him", "We'll Understand It Better By And By" and "I Don't Know What I'd Do" . Jackie had a solo career several times over the years singing gospel and some secular music; ironically her favorite song was apparently "Kumbaya" which she had recorded on a Jesse Jackson program. She was nominated for a Grammy but did not win. She rejoined the sisters again in 1981 for their last album and recorded her solo gospel album "Lay My Burden Down" in 1983.
· Imogene Green also listed as Imogene Greene (1930-1986, although she’s also listed as passing away in July, 1982) - Imogene was from Chicago, Illinois; she was a soprano and had sung with the Caravans, The Lux Singers of Chicago (a group which had James Cleveland and Dr Clay Evans as members) , she also sang with The Gospel All-Stars, another nationally-known gospel group. Imogene sang lead on “Bye and Bye” which would become one of the sisters signature songs; however, not to be confused with the great song "We'll Understand It Better By And By" with Jackie Verdell as lead.
· Leila Dargan (Also listed as Lila Dargan and as Lela Dargan)- Leila hailed from Baltimore, Maryland. Leila first sang with the sisters on their 14199 lp, being soloist on "View The City" and "Out On Life's Ocean Sailing". She is the 2nd lead vocal on the song: "On The Right Road" in the version recorded for RCA. Leila (listed as Lila) also sang lead with Ruth on "You Can Depend On Me" from their Savoy 14199 lp. Leila died in a house fire in the 1980s. Unfortunately as often happens in the gospel world, Leila's date of birth and date of death are unknown.
· Cynthia Young - vocals, although never a lead vocalist. Cynthia also occasionally played the piano for the group after Curtis died. Cynthia sang with the Sisters on their last Savoy lp 14306 , soloist on "Sit Down Servant", Cynthia played piano on lp 14306 as well. Cynthia's date of birth and place of birth are unknown, i will list them if i manage to find them.
Michele White- vocals, although never a lead vocalist. She sang with the Sisters on their last lp in 1981, along with Audrey, Alfreda and Jackie Verdell. Michele appears to be a different gospel singer than Evangelist Michel White that recorded on Savoy records with her own release Savoy 14800 "Jesus Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me".
Eddie Brown- Eddie was the husband of Evangelist Rosie Wallace from Philadelphia, Eddie would play piano and provide some vocals for the sisters in the 1970's. On the Sisters last Savoy lp, 14306, Eddie was a soloist on "Jesus" and a soloist with Alfreda on "The Man From Galilee", Eddie played piano on most of the songs on that lp, Eddie also played piano on the sisters last recorded lp in 1981.
Rev Earl Moore- Rev Moore was the sisters' pianist on their Savoy 14199 lp. Unfortunately almost nothing is known or recorded about Rev Moore, I believe he was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Davis Sisters were the daughters of South Carolinians Mr Henry Davis and Rev. Mrs Louvenia Davis, who had moved to Philadelphia and raised their children in the Mount Zion Fire Baptized Holiness Church in Philadelphia. Ruth was 17 years old when she formed herself and three of her sisters into a gospel group in 1945 with her playing the piano; Ruth was the spiritual motivator behind the group, citing Ira Tucker of The Dixie Hummingbirds and Dinah Washington of The Sallie Martin Singers as her inspirations. The sisters made their debut at their parents' home in Philadelphia in 1946, the group was formally comprised of Ruth aged 17 years, her sisters Thelma aged 15 years; Audrey aged 14 years; Alfreda aged 10 years, as well as a non-relative Imogene Green aged 15 years and pianist Curtis Dublin aged 17 years. Ruth's other sister Edna would sing with the group in concerts, revivals and in church services but for reasons I don't know, Edna never recorded with the group on their 45's or lp's. Their brother Bernard and their mother Louvenia Davis would also travel with Ruth and her sisters to revivals and sing at services around Philadelphia early in the Sisters carer. Ruth developed the groups' stage positions around a central microphone to achieve a depth to their combined voices with the sisters sounding like a choir with the strength of their voices; their first recording contract was signed in 1947 with Apex Records of Philadelphia. Their live performances were legendary, with Ruth often touted as "tearing the house down". Ruth had such a powerful voice that she could just start up a song without any introduction or gimmicks; when Ruth would sing "Shine On Me", she would throw her handkerchief in the air, the crowd would be ecstatic with people moved by the holy spirit. When Thelma would sing "Jesus", the crowd would also respond enthusiastically. Unlike many of today's gospel singers, they usually wore plain choir robes, reflecting their Holiness background. In the early days their performances were only accompanied by Curtis playing piano; they were involved in the evolution of the acapella quartet sound, singing accompanied by instruments.
Ruth's solos were powerful; her recordings of songs such as "Jesus Steps Right In" and "Too Close to Heaven" reflected her wide ranging contralto, with rich power, emotion and force. In their prime The Davis Sisters had two non related great singers as members; Imogene Green, who sang with a beautiful and powerful husky alto, and Jackie Verdell with her emotional mezzo-soprano; Jackie replaced Imogene in 1955. Imogene would return to the group again in 1960. Jackie's mezzo-soprano added strength to an already powerful group, few singers then and now could match Jackie's mournful gospel blues style; Jackie would demolish churches with her renditions of "Lord Don't Leave Me" and "Following Him". The Davis Sisters often accompanied their singing with a rhythmic spirited choreography made famous by Dorothy Love Coates and The Ward Singers. The Davis Sisters were heavily influenced at this time by fellow Philadelphian, Gertrude Ward, the mother of Clara Ward and original force behind the Ward Singers, a major force in gospel music in America at the time. Mother Ward had been recording the Ward Singers on Irvin Ballen's Gotham label; after introducing the sisters to Irvin they too signed to the Gotham label. Their song "Jesus Steps In" (Gotham 736), was covered by Mahalia Jackson on the Apollo label, while the flip side "Too Close To Heaven", was covered by Alex Bradford on Specialty Records becoming one of his biggest selling records and one of the biggest selling gospel tracks of all time. Another great Gotham release was "Get Away Jordan" in which Curtis Dublin sings lead vocal and plays piano.
In 1955 with changes at Gotham, the sisters signed to Savoy records. Their first 45 on Savoy was 4063, including Lucie Campbell's great song "He'll Understand (And Say Well Done)". Their big hit and theme song "Twelve Gates To The City" written by Thelma, was from their first Savoy lp, Savoy 14000. Throughout the 1950s and 1960's the Sisters continued to record and tour; in 1962 the Sisters got into some disagreements with each other and Ruth moved to New York City, forming her own singing group named "The Ruth Davis Specials of New York City". Savoy issued their album as Ruth Davis and the Davis Singers "On The Right Road". After this release Ruth made up with her sisters and they resumed touring again as a family. Savoy issued an album 14250, In Memory Of Ruth Davis when Ruth suddenly died; the Sisters last album with Savoy was as The Undaunted Davis Sisters, Savoy 14306 from 1973.
Personnel changes occurred in the group in the 1960's, all later recordings were made on regional labels except their 1973 Savoy release. The Sisters last recording was made in 1981 for the album "The Storm Is Passing Over" and the 45 and 12' "Didn't It Rain/ We Shall Overcome" from the same album on Gods Sound, a Philadelphia label. This album was so popular that they re-pressed it to meet demand but they issued it with a different cover, one cover in color shows the group standing under a rainbow; the other album cover is a black and white photograph of the Davis Sisters in front of a grand piano. Apart from Curtis on piano, the sisters also had pianists such as Rev. Earl Moore on Savoy 14199, Eddie Brown (husband of Evangelist Rosie Wallace) on Savoy 14306 and on their Gods Sound album and Cynthia Young (vocals and piano) she occasionally played the piano for the group after Curtis died. Cynthia sang with the Sisters on their last Savoy lp 14306 and played piano on that lp as well.
The sisters recorded on many labels including; Apex, Gotham, Savoy, RCA, Checker, Constellation, Hi-Way Records and Gods Sound Records. The Davis Sisters were so respected and their style so far reaching and influential that r&b singer Ray Charles modeled the sound of his backup group, the Raelettes on the Davis Sisters and the Caravans.
The group members were:
· Ruth Davis - nicknamed Baby Sis (September 27, 1927- January 2, 1970) founded the group at age 17. She was the featured vocalist with a bluesy voice. She was the creative brains behind the group's musical arrangements and was not afraid to try something new. Ruth was a skilled song writer, writing some of the groups most loved songs including "I Believe I'll Go Back Home". Some of her gospel songs contain doo-wop vocal techniques taken from r&b and rock and roll songs of the time. One of her most unusual arrangements was "Earnestly Praying", a cover of a 1961 pop hit, "Tossin' and Turnin'" by Bobby Lewis. The Hammond organ's keyboard-instruments were cleverly used to fill in for other instruments used in the original song. Ruth died unexpectedly of complications from kidney disease, diabetes and liver disease in 1970; her funeral was held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA; where Thelma's funeral was also held several years earlier. I do not know when the sisters appeared to leave the Holiness Church for the Baptist Church. Ray Charles' wife Della Beatrice Howard Robinson, sang at Ruth's funeral.
· Alfreda Davis Welles (January 1, 1934- June 15, 1990) - She was the long-time business manager of the group. Alfreda collected the performance money from the promoter before the Sisters entered the auditorium and she led the group on stage. She was the youngest sister who had started singing with them at age 10. She died on June 15,1990.
· Thelma Davis Blassingame (April 1, 1929- January 2, 1956) she joined at age 15; her biggest hit was "Jesus, He's My King". Thelma wrote some great Davis Sisters songs including "Twelve Gates To The City" and "You've Got The River Jordan To Cross". Unfortunately she died on January 2, 1956 at age 26 leaving behind her 3 children and husband James Blassingame. After giving birth to her last child Thelma developed pneumonia; anxious to support the group's performances, she begun touring too soon after delivery. Her funeral was held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA.
· Audrey Davis Dublin (November 28, 1932- July 25, 1982) Audrey was married twice, i don't know her first husband's identity; however, she had four children with him. Her second marriage was to Curtis Dublin's brother, Wilburn Dublin. Having four children from a previous marriage and regularly touring with her sisters, caused child care issues and added stress to their relationship, Audrey and Wilburn eventually divorced.
· Edna Davis - Edna was a Davis Sister who would sing at concerts and revival sessions but for reasons i don't know, was never with her sisters at recording sessions. Unfortunately I don't know Edna's date of birth or date of her death, this was not passed on by her family anywhere to my knowledge.
· Curtis Dublin (1928-1965) pianist, formally joined the Davis Sisters group in 1947 when he was 19 years old, although he had known them for years; there was comments that Curtis was a distant cousin. Curtis played piano with a strong jazz, bouncy rag-time influence which many early church-goers originally viewed as the devil's music, or at least secular, especially in the very early 1950s. Curtis lived on the second floor of the Davis family home in Philadelphia where he died from a heart attack.
· Jackie Verdell (November 5, 1937- 2002, although she's also listed as passing away in 1991) she joined the group from 1955-1960, joined again in 1961-1962 and 1964-1966 and again for their 1981 album. She was from Camden, New Jersey although some folks say she was originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jackie was a mezzo-soprano; she sang lead on songs such as "Lord Don't Leave Me", "Following Him", "We'll Understand It Better By And By" and "I Don't Know What I'd Do" . Jackie had a solo career several times over the years singing gospel and some secular music; ironically her favorite song was apparently "Kumbaya" which she had recorded on a Jesse Jackson program. She was nominated for a Grammy but did not win. She rejoined the sisters again in 1981 for their last album and recorded her solo gospel album "Lay My Burden Down" in 1983.
· Imogene Green also listed as Imogene Greene (1930-1986, although she’s also listed as passing away in July, 1982) - Imogene was from Chicago, Illinois; she was a soprano and had sung with the Caravans, The Lux Singers of Chicago (a group which had James Cleveland and Dr Clay Evans as members) , she also sang with The Gospel All-Stars, another nationally-known gospel group. Imogene sang lead on “Bye and Bye” which would become one of the sisters signature songs; however, not to be confused with the great song "We'll Understand It Better By And By" with Jackie Verdell as lead.
· Leila Dargan (Also listed as Lila Dargan and as Lela Dargan)- Leila hailed from Baltimore, Maryland. Leila first sang with the sisters on their 14199 lp, being soloist on "View The City" and "Out On Life's Ocean Sailing". She is the 2nd lead vocal on the song: "On The Right Road" in the version recorded for RCA. Leila (listed as Lila) also sang lead with Ruth on "You Can Depend On Me" from their Savoy 14199 lp. Leila died in a house fire in the 1980s. Unfortunately as often happens in the gospel world, Leila's date of birth and date of death are unknown.
· Cynthia Young - vocals, although never a lead vocalist. Cynthia also occasionally played the piano for the group after Curtis died. Cynthia sang with the Sisters on their last Savoy lp 14306 , soloist on "Sit Down Servant", Cynthia played piano on lp 14306 as well. Cynthia's date of birth and place of birth are unknown, i will list them if i manage to find them.
Michele White- vocals, although never a lead vocalist. She sang with the Sisters on their last lp in 1981, along with Audrey, Alfreda and Jackie Verdell. Michele appears to be a different gospel singer than Evangelist Michel White that recorded on Savoy records with her own release Savoy 14800 "Jesus Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me".
Eddie Brown- Eddie was the husband of Evangelist Rosie Wallace from Philadelphia, Eddie would play piano and provide some vocals for the sisters in the 1970's. On the Sisters last Savoy lp, 14306, Eddie was a soloist on "Jesus" and a soloist with Alfreda on "The Man From Galilee", Eddie played piano on most of the songs on that lp, Eddie also played piano on the sisters last recorded lp in 1981.
Rev Earl Moore- Rev Moore was the sisters' pianist on their Savoy 14199 lp. Unfortunately almost nothing is known or recorded about Rev Moore, I believe he was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Davis Sisters Discography
APEX
1118-: Davis Sisters- Get Away, Jordan/ Jesus Is Near
GOTHAM
The Davis Sisters with Curtis Dublin
639-: I’ll Wait On The Lord/ He Has A Way That’s Mighty Sweet, 1950
642-: When I Get Home/ Surely God Is Able, 1950
Davis Sisters Of Philadelphia With Curtis Dublin
664-: Footprints Of Jesus/ Getting Nearer To My Lord, 1950
The Davis Sisters with Curtis Dublin
676-: The First Nowell/ We Shall Walk In The Sunlight Of The Lord, 1950
Davis Sisters
688-: I Know It’s Real/ Happy In Glory, Afterwhile, 1950
703-: When He Spoke/ In The Morning When I Rise, 1951
The Davis Sisters And Curtis Dublin
710-: He’s My Guiding Light/ He Is My All And All, 1951
716-: By And By Pt. 1/ By And By Pt. 2, 1952
725-: Jesus/ Stand By Me, 1953
736-: Jesus Steps Right In/ Too Close To Heaven, 1953
Davis Sisters With Curtis Dublin
746-: Marching To Zion/ Jesus Is A Waymaker, 1953
750-: In The Shelter Of The Rock/ Is There Anybody Here That Loves My Jesus?, 1953/1954
Davis Sisters
761-: Get Right With God/I'm Tired, 1954
SAVOY
LP'S
14000-:The Famous Davis Sisters- Self Titled, 1955
14007-:The Famous Davis Sisters Sing- Shine On Me, 1957
14014-:The Davis Sisters- He That Believeth, 1957
14030-:The Famous Davis Sisters- Plant My Feet On Higher Ground, 1958
14036-:The Famous Davis Sisters- Jesus Gave Me Water, 1959
14051-:The Famous Davis Sisters- Earnestly Praying, 1962
14061-: The Davis Sisters- Somewhere In Glory, 1962
14072-: Ruth Davis And The Davis Singers- On The Right Road
14183-: The Famous Davis Sisters- In My Room, 1967
14199-: The Famous Davis Sisters- They That Wait Upon The Lord, 1967
14250-: Ruth Davis- In Memory Of Ruth Davis,
14306-: The Undaunted Davis Sisters- Jesus, Lover Of My Soul, 1973
7017 (Double Lp)-: The Famous Davis Sisters Of Philadelphia, PA- The Best Of The Famous Davis Sisters Of Philadelphia, PA
14035-: The Gospel Clefs With The Famous Davis Sisters, Jimmy Jones and The Sensationals, The Original Gospel Harmonettes- Anniversary
78'S/45'S
Famous Davis Sisters (of Philadelphia)
4063-: He'll Understand (And Say Well Done)/ He's My King, 1955
The Famous Davis Sisters Of Philadelphia With Curtis Dublin
4067-: Twelve Gates To The City/ You've Got The River Jordan To Cross, 1955
The Famous Davis Sisters Of Philadelphia, Pa
4070-: Rain In Jerusalem/ Oh Happy Day, 1955
4073-: Plant My Feet On Higher Ground/ Lord Don't Leave Me, 1955
4077-: Won't It Be Wonderful There/ Jesus Gently Guide Me, 1955
The Famous Davis Sisters
4079-: Oh Sinner/ More Than All (1955)
4082-: He's Mine/ Keeping Me Alive, 1956
4085-:There's A Tree On Each Side Of The River/ I Don't Know What I'd Do, 1957
4088-: Farewell/ My Wonderful Counselor, 1957
4095-: What He's Done For Me/ Almost Home, 1958
4101-: You're Gonna Need Somebody On Your Side/ Following Him, 1958
4109-: Jonah/ He's Here Now, 1958
4124-: We Need Power/ I Got A New Home, 1959
4132-: Not A Word/ Save Me, 1959
4145-: Father I'm Coming Home Part 1/ Father I'm Coming Home Part 2, 1960
Famous Davis Sisters (of Philadelphia)
4152-: Right Now Jesus/ Jesus Is The One To Love, 1961
The Davis Sisters
4163-: Nothing But The Blood/ My Jesus, 1961
4171-: Earnestly Praying/ Jesus Loves Me, 1962
Ruth Davis and The Davis Singers
4187-: If It Wasn't For Jesus/ On The Right Road, 1963
Ruth Davis And The Davis Sisters
4187-: If It Wasn't For Jesus/ On The Right Road, (Preview Copy)
The Davis Sisters
4308-: Four And Twenty Elders/ I Believe I'll Go Back Home, 1969
RCA RECORDS
2851 – The Davis Sisters Sing- Authentic Southern Style Gospel , 1964
CONSTELLATION RECORDS
64225-:The Davis Sisters- the Scripture in Song Series Book III (Also has the catalog number SS102 on the cover and LP; possibly due to it being the Scripture in Song Series of records).
HI- WAY RECORDS
201-:The Davis Sisters - Blessed Quietness/ I Promised The Lord (This 45 has been issued with 3 different logo and writing styles on the label)
210-:The Davis Sisters- Praise Him/ Every Day And Every Hour
HOB RECORDS
297-:The Famous Davis Sisters- Get Right With God LP
1306-: Get Right With God/ Bye And Bye
CHECKER
5011-: Davis Sisters- He'll Understand/ I Want You To Move (supposed to be from forthcoming album 10016 "He'll Understand" which was not released; the 45 was issued twice with two different label designs of the same 45, with the same catalog number)
GODS SOUND RECORDS
1943-: The Legendary Davis Sisters- The Storm Is Passing Over, 1981, LP (has 2 different covers/releases with the same tracks)
1944-: The Legendary Davis Sisters- Didn't It Rain/ We Shall Overcome, 1981 (issued as both a 45 and a 12' from the above listed LP)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XDucw6M_dY This is the link to the interview on youtube with Thelma Davis' husband, Elder James Blassingame, their daughters Beth Ann and Patricia Lynne and grandson Micah Coleman; with radio announcer Linwood Heath from Philadelphia. I obtained the 5 set of photos included above in my discography from this interview on youtube. The photos have been provided by Micah Coleman in his interview with Linwood. Thank you brother Coleman for sharing these photos of your grandmama Thelma Davis and her sisters with the world.
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