Abbreviated session

Rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle caught up with acclaimed Native guitarist

More than likely, the name Jesse Ed Davis doesn’t mean that much to you. Don’t worry about it. Just because you’re not familiar with the name doesn’t mean you’re not familiar with the work. In his tragically short 43 years (1944–1988), the Norman-born guitarist played alongside some of the greats—including Eric Clapton, Neil Diamond, Leonard Cohen, Taj Mahal, John Lennon, and Bob Dylan, to name a handful. We talk and hear a lot about the “Tulsa Sound,” but in the late 50s and early 60s there were one or two interesting things happening in Oklahoma City. Some of Davis’ early OKC bandmates went on the road with Emmylou Harris, Donovan, and other major acts of the era. 

Thought mostly known as a great rock guitarist, Davis was equally adept in the worlds of country (Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson) and blues (Albert King, John Lee Hooker). The 1970s were a strange time concerning the depictions of Native Americans in popular culture. Not that things have improved much since (see current NFL controversy). There were some serious and impactful moments surrounding the American Indian Movement, but more exposure for Sacheen Littlefeather accepting Marlon Brando’s Oscar, Felipe Rose singing/dancing for The Village People, and Iron Eyes Cody (100% Italian) crying about litter in the ubiquitous public service announcement. With a Kiowa mother and a father of Muscogee Creek and Seminole descent, Jesse Ed Davis was obviously Native. He looked Native. He didn’t try to hide his heritage. But at the end of the day, he let the music speak for itself. Widely accepted as one of the essential session guitarists of his or any other time, Davis did have a small but vital solo output. Start with Jesse Davis (1971). Trust me. Download and enjoy. 

Like too many other rock stories, the end of Davis’s is sad one. He died of an overdose in a laundry room on June 22, 1988. Rock stars aren’t role models. They prove that time and time again. Comedian Bill Maher once joked, “I would never recommend heroin, but it hasn’t hurt my record collection.” The fact is, we find a lot of enjoyment through a great deal of music created from a painful place. But the name of this column is “OK Cool” not “OK Role Models.” And there’s no doubt whatsoever that Jesse Ed Davis was one of the coolest cats to ever emerge from our fair state. The best way I know how to give thanks is to spread the word (and music). I hope you’ll do the same. a

DAVIS DETAILS

1 // Perpetuating the longstanding OKC/Tulsa divide, Jesse Ed Davis first came into contact with Leon Russell through a mutual friend, Levon Helm (The Band). Russell then helped Davis gain session work. They later played on each other’s albums. A true 918-405 connection. 

2 // Confession time. I loved The Monkees as a kid. I watched reruns religiously on Nickelodeon and couldn’t get enough of the music. I still dig it. But when I watched Mike Nesmith play guitar on “Last Train to Clarksville” I had no idea that they were a fake, a sham. It was Jesse Ed Davis. I also liked pro wrestling at the time. What can I say? I was an easy mark. 

3 // On December 11, 1968, The Rolling Stones organized an event known as “The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.” The show included a variety of performers. While playing with Taj Mahal, young Jesse Ed Davis met John Lennon. They hit it off and later collaborated, with Davis handling Lead Guitar duties on Lennon’s fifth album, Walls and Bridges. 

Want more stories like this? Check out Jeff's stories on Jeremy Blake, radio greats and Dennis Letts.