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Remembering Paul Davis Save Email Print
Meridian, Miss.
Posted: 3:59 PM Apr 22, 2008
Last Updated: 7:48 PM Apr 22, 2008
Reporter: Chris Brennaman
Email Address: chris.brennaman@wtok.com

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Paul Davis is a name that may not be the most recognizable by the general public in the music industry, even for people of his hometown of Meridian. But nearly everyone knows some of his hit songs.

"If you take Paul Davis' biography, it's going to be very small," said Van Mac of WOKK/The Radio People. "If you start stacking up his contributions to the music industry, it's very large. It's funny; he had so many hit records and the average person might not even know who Paul Davis is."

Davis released eight albums in his career with six singles reaching the top 20 on the Adult Contemporary charts, his highest being "Cool Night" which reached number two.

Mac said some of his fondest memories of Davis were when he was on stage for singer/songwriter nights at the Jimmie Rodgers Festival. Mac only knew Davis on a professional basis, but knew how to get on the man's good side.

"I guess the last time I saw Paul was on the golf course. If you wanted to influence him to come and do an event with you, say 'come and play golf,' and Paul would probably be there," Mac said.

Throughout the day, stations in The Radio People family honored Paul Davis' memory by playing some of his hits.

"Paul Davis, a singer/songwriter with a little bit of country influence, but with pop songs from the 60s and 70s that gave us great songs kind of like this one that we are going to start our double shot with, as we pay tribute to a Meridian legend. This is a double shot for Paul Davis on 106.9 The Buzz," said announcer Scott Stevens on 106.9 the Buzz.

Davis passed away at Rush Hospital from a heart attack. He was 60 years old.

His hit "I Go Crazy" reached Number 7 on the Billboard Top 100 Charts, and remained in the Top 100 for an incredible 40 weeks.

His songs "Cool Night," and "'65 Love Affair" also reached the Top 10 in 1981 and 1982, respectively.

Six of his recordings reached into the Top 10 on either the Billboard or Country charts. Davis was inducted into the Jimmie Rodgers Hall of Fame in Meridian in 1987.

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Posted by: JOE Location: Philadelphia, PA on Apr 27, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I was in grade school and high school when Paul's hits were on the charts. I can remember hearing "I Go Crazy" for the first time. The song is beautiful and thought provoking. In fact, I can remember playing "spin the bottle" to that tune. lol. Whenever I hear it, and many of his other songs, I'm immediately transported to wonderful time in my life. His songs were positive and powerful. All the best to Paul's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. JLC

Posted by: Frankee Location: Miami on Apr 24, 2008 at 08:51 PM
Had the pleasure of working with Paul at Bang Records in Atlanta. This was during his success of the now classic "I Go Crazy". Have never forgotten Paul's low key, unassuming manner. Paul was a solid artist/musician, just brilliant, and as well, a good guy. Remember when his little son was born. Flooded with memories...No doubt, Paul has joined Heaven's big band.

Posted by: ken Location: orange county, ca on Apr 24, 2008 at 07:52 PM
i am the same age as paul, and was a big fan of his music, as i heard on l.a. radio through the years. as it happens, i've been in the concert biz for the past 31 years, and always wanted to have paul on one of my stages. i could never get it done, sadly. i made big offers to paul, but he just was not interested in going halfway across the country to play a show. for any amount of money. once i realized that, i let it go. but i sure wish i had just put myself on a dang plane and went to mississippi to see him. if just to say hello, and thanks for the wonderful art, he bestowed on us. such great music, and tho i never spoke to him, he seemed to be such a gentle soul. heartfelt condolences to his friends and family. his music lives forever, for mem, at least. he does leave us with that wonderful legacy.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Meridian on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:27 PM
I knew and loved Paul Davis' music even before I moved to Meridian. Later I learned he graduated from Meridian High just as I had. Later, when I actually became acquainted with him, it was surreal to me. He was the most unassuming person, yet people like me were in awe, being in the presence of musical greatness. Paul was greatly admired for his talent. I suspect those who knew him closely found much more to admire in him. I wish I had known him as a friend, because I think his heartfelt music revealed a person worth knowing. I'm not surprised to see comments from people all across the country. His music just affected people that much.

Posted by: Darrell Location: Leeds, Alabama on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:16 PM
I remember listening to '65 Love Affair when I first started dating in the early '80s. It always takes me back to those simpler days of my late teens and early 20s. Paul, you wrote some beautiful songs, and I'm glad I grew up just up the road from you in Tuscaloosa. I used to go to Meridian from time to time to date my next door neighbor who happened to move to Meridian. Paul, may your great songs live on for generations to come. Godspeed.

Posted by: Diane Location: Toronto on Apr 24, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Paul Davis. His musical genius is a great gift to the world: timeless songs with melodies, lyrics, beautiful vocals and arrangements which connect with the heart and human spirit. I had the great good fortune to see him perform back in the 1980s in Toronto at a small venue. I will always treasure the memory of that special evening of music. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted in their loss.

Posted by: Jerry Location: Tucson, AZ on Apr 24, 2008 at 02:53 AM
When I met Paul Davis years ago in Nashville, I was my self a successful songwriter but I was honored and humbled. His music touched me in a deeply emotional way that few others has. I still listen to it on my ipod regularly. I only regret that I did not get to know Paul better. I am truly saddened by his passing. I only hope that Paul understood how much his songs meant to so many.

Posted by: Chara Location: Vancleave, MS on Apr 23, 2008 at 10:28 PM
I have some great memories of Paul going back to the 1970's. He was friends with my sister (Debra Courier). She sang on his "Ridem' Cowboy" Album. I first met him in Atlanta in the 1970's. My sister always said he had a wonderful heart. He was a very sweet person. My prayers & thoughts go out to his family and friends. He will be missed greatly. "Its odd that just 2 months ago I ordered afew extra albums to double up on the collection of his albums I have".

Posted by: Mark Location: Lawrenceville, GA on Apr 23, 2008 at 06:03 PM
Paul - You wrote some great songs. Thank you for sharing them with us. The world is better for your having been a part of it. Rest in Peace - Godspeed.

Posted by: Pat Location: Chicago on Apr 23, 2008 at 12:54 PM
"Do Right" was the song that made me believe as a young songwriter that you could write about both your secular and Christian feelings. It literally changed my life as a young musician. Thanks, Paul! "I Go Crazy" is also one of my personal favorites from his catalogue.

Posted by: Perekond Location: California on Apr 23, 2008 at 12:41 PM
His Music was very good! Check out last interview of Paul Davis! http://yetmorefun.net/mov.php?v=Paul_Davis_Last_Interview_Video

Posted by: Tricia Location: Cleveland, MS on Apr 23, 2008 at 11:11 AM
His music helped form me as a songwriter...he will be sorely missed...a great Mississippian contributing to all the great music that has come from this state...rest well, Paul.

Posted by: BEVERLY Location: MERIDIAN on Apr 23, 2008 at 09:55 AM
I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I SAW PAUL DAVIS. I WENT TO MY GRANDMA'S HOUSE NEXT DOOR, AND HE WAS SITTING ON MY COUSIN'S(BILL BROWN'S)BED, PLAYING HIS GUITAR & SINGING.THE NEXT THING WE KNEW, HE WAS SINGING "MISSISSIPPI RIVER" ON THE RADIO. MY COUSINS & I WOULD SIT ON GRANDMA'S FRONT PORCH IN THE EVENINGS, SINGING "MISSISSIPPI RIVER" AFTER THAT. I WONDER WHY THAT SONG WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE STORY ABOUT HIM? THE MERIDIAN STAR DIDN'T MENTION IT, EITHER. HE LEFT US TOO SOON; MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAMILY.

Posted by: Barbara Location: Meridian, Ms/Byron,Ga on Apr 23, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I am blessed to have known Paul personally and professionally through the JRMF and regret the loss of such a fine person with such great talents. I remember our classes together at MHS and will miss our continued friendship. God Bless his family.

Posted by: Joe Location: Indiana on Apr 23, 2008 at 03:56 AM
I worked with Paul. We rode dirt bikes, fished, and wrote songs together. He never wanted to be famous. That was on purpose. He always said I'm just like everybody else. His genius was in the studio. Even his demos sounded like hits. Artist who had to have a hit was wise to work with Paul. He will be missed.

Posted by: David Location: Palm Desert,CA on Apr 23, 2008 at 02:03 AM
Wow what a voice & what great songs.His hits in the early 80's were an integral part of my jr.high school days in New Jersey.I am a huge Def Leppard fan so I love Melodic Music & Paul was just a joy to listen to.I can kick myself for never buying a Greatest Hits or Best Of CD,that will change my week's end. Rest in Peace Paul & A Million Thanks for Making Life Better.

Posted by: Barkley Location: NYC on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:12 PM
His melodies had gospel, r&b, folk, country, disco influences. Great loss. I hope someone puts out some more of his music on a CD compilation!

Posted by: kim Location: meridian on Apr 22, 2008 at 08:01 PM
he was such an integral part of my life. my heart breaks.

Posted by: Ruth Location: Bailey on Apr 22, 2008 at 06:33 PM
Paul Davis was an amazing talent, yet a humble person. He will live on through his music. We have been fortunate to have enjoyed him as long as we have, but he has left us too soon. May God comfort his friends and family.