Ward Davis is an American singer-songwriter from Monticello, Arkansas. Davis has had songs recorded by Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Trace Adkins, Wade Hayes, Sammy Kershaw, Bucky Covington, Jimmie Van Zant, Buddy Jewel, Carolina Rain, The Roys, Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan, Paul Cauthen and others. in 2016, Davis co-wrote "I’m Not The Devil" with Cody Jinks, which went to No. 4 on the Billboard US Country Charts.[1] His major debut 2015 album, 15 Years in a 10 Year Town, featured Willie Nelson and Jamey Johnson.[2] "Unfair Weather Friend," a song Davis co-wrote with Marla Cannon-Goodman, was recorded by Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard for their final album collaboration together, Django and Jimmie. At Haggard's request, the song was played at Haggard's funeral in 2016.[3]
Ward Davis | |
|---|---|
 Ward Davis in Denver, 2024 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Monticello, Arkansas |
| Genres | Country, Singer-Songwriter |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Website | https://warddavismusic.com/ |
Music career
editDavis moved to Nashville in 2000 from Monticello, Arkansas, to write and perform music, but was unsatisfied with his achievements.[4] During his time there, he joined Ray Scott's band. After the success of "Unfair Weather Friend," and disillusioned with how he felt Nashville had changed,[5] he decided to leave Music Row and go out on his own, writing and performing himself.[6] He befriended Cody Jinks, with whom he co-wrote "I’m Not the Devil", the title track of Jink's 2016 album. Since then he has written and toured regularly with Jinks, including playing Red Rocks Amphitheater with Clint Black, and appearing on Conan.
Discography
edit| Title | Album Details | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Nobody's Waiting | Self Release | 1998 |
| 15 Years in a 10 Year Town | Hawkville | 2015 |
| Black Cats And Crows | Ward Davis Music, LLC | 2020 |
| Live From An Undisclosed Location in Hays, Kansas | Soundly Music | 2022 |
| Title | Details | Year
Released |
|---|---|---|
| Don't Open That Door | Single | 2010 |
| Last Monday in May | Single | 2015 |
| West Point To Arlington | Single | 2017 |
| I'm Not The Devil | Single | 2017 |
| Asunder | EP | 2018 |
| Last Monday in May | Single | 2018 |
References
edit- ^ Asker, Jim (August 23, 2016). "Dan + Shay 'Up' to No. 1 On Country Airplay; Justin Moore Bows Atop Top Country Albums". Billboard.
- ^ "Album Review: Ward Davis '15 Years in a 10 Year Town'". The Daily Country. October 9, 2015.
- ^ Thompson, Gayle (November 25, 2016). "Story Behind the Song: Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, 'Unfair Weather Friend'". The Boot.
- ^ Chandler, Chip (July 13, 2016). "Singer-songwriter Ward Davis on being 'pretty miserable' in Nashville, working (and smoking) with Willie Nelson and playing Buckin' Wild". Panhandle PBS.
- ^ "WARD DAVIS". NPR Music NPR Music Live Sessions.
- ^ Gregurich, Avery (September 12, 2019). "Going after 'the crowd that loves to hate' country radio: Ward Davis plays Wildwood". Little Village.
This article needs additional or more specific categories. (January 2024) |