Carl Davis

Producer and A&R man Carl Davis played a large part in Chicago soul of the '60s and '70s, although his contribution is usually unfairly overlooked by rock historians (as, indeed, Chicago soul as a whole is to some extent). As producer and A&R director for OKeh Records, he got hits with Major Lance that helped define the Chicago soul sound, as well as working on lesser-known but quality soul discs by Billy Butler and Walter Jackson. After the mid-'60s, much of Davis' efforts were focused on the Brunswick label roster, where he developed a stable of outstanding soul talent including The Chi-lites, Tyrone Davis, Barbara Acklin, Young-holt Unlimited, and Jackie Wilson. Davis also produced some notable records by soul stars Gene Chandler and Mary Wells.



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