Dennis Davis, American drummer, Dead

  Music

Dennis Davis died on April 6, 2016.

He was an American drummer and session musician best known for his work with David Bowie.

Dennis was born and raised in Manhattan, New York City and studied with drummers Max Roach and Elvin Jones before joining the Clark Terry Big Band in 1967.

While on his tour in the Vietnam War, he performed as part of the US Navy’s Drum and Bugle Corps.

Later, on he met guitarist Carlos Alomar when they were both playing with Roy Ayers.

Dennis was appointed by David Bowie in 1974 with Alomar and bassist George Murray.

Then, Davis came up with the rhythm section which performed on a number of Bowie’s albums released in the 1970s.

This particular snare sound used on Bowie’s Low album is considered one of the most influential musical recording aspects in popular music.

A the start of the year 2000, Dennis Davis played percussion on David Bowie’s live tours, including Bowie’s last tour, A Reality Tour, in 2003.

Sterling Campbell was the drummer, who was previously a student of Davis.

Dennis Davis passed away at in 2016, after a battle with cancer.