Cleo Davis
Cleo Davis (March 9, 1919 – July 17, 1986) was an American musician who gained prominence as "the original Blue Grass Boy". The creator of the "Blue Grass Boys" was Bill Monroe, also known as The Father of Bluegrass. Davis' performing career spanned 48 years as a singer and instrumentalist, and greatly influenced the bluegrass music and bluegrass artists of today.
Early life
Davis was born to Ben and Effie Davis in their home in northwest Georgia. Cleo was surrounded by music since he was born, with his mother playing the pump organ and father playing the banjo (clawhammer style). After his first guitar was sat on, he ordered a new one from a Sears and Roebuck catalog, which cost $2.40.
References
Native Ground Books and Music. "Cleo Davis, The Original Bluegrass Boy by Wayne Erbsen". <http://nativeground.com/articles/80-cleo-davis-the-original-bluegrass-boy.html>
Bibliography
- Rosenberg, Neil V., and Charles K. Wolfe (2007). The Music of Bill Monroe. University of Illinois Press. (pages 25–26)
- Wayne Erbsen. Bluegrass Unlimited: March 1982. "Cleo Davis, The Original Blue Grass Boy -conclusion". (pages 59–64)
- Bluegrass Unlimited: September 1986. Cleo Davis Obituary. (page 20)