HR1201 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1201 LRB097 22491 MST 71251 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Representative Monique D. Davis and the Illinois House of Representatives are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carl Davis, formerly of Chicago, who passed away on August 9, 2012; and

WHEREAS, Carl Davis was born in Woodlawn on September 19, 1934, to William and Mattie Davis; he was married to Dedra Davis; he served in the U.S. Air Force and obtained an associate degree from the Cortez-Peters Business College; and

WHEREAS, Carl Davis shaped what became known as "the Chicago Sound"; he was one of the first African-American A & R directors and produced numerous hit songs for the Columbia Records subsidiary Okeh Records; and

WHEREAS, Carl Davis had his first multi-million-selling song with Gene Chandler's 1962 smash "Duke of Earl"; his other notable efforts included Jackie Wilson's 1967 hit "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher", Major Lance's 1963 song "Monkey Time", and the Chi-Lites' 1972 ballad "Oh Girl"; and

WHEREAS, Carl Davis was honored in 2003, by the non-profit Chicago archive, the History Makers; he wrote his memoir, "The Carl Davis Story: The Man Behind The Music", in 2009, with music journalist Bill Dahl; at the time of his death, the Carl H. Davis Music Foundation was being formed to promote awareness and preserve the history of Chicago soul music, as well as continuing his heritage; and

WHEREAS, Carl Davis is survived by his wife, Dedra; his children, Pamela Davis, Carl H. Davis II, Trey Davis, Julio Davis, Kelli Morris, Carleen Davis, and Jaime Davis; his brother, George Davis; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Carl Davis, and we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Carl Davis as an expression of our deepest sympathy.