“Life is indeed more than music and I see many things that has other influences but I basically relate it all to music because I can see a Blues in it all.”

Eb Davis: Alright Blues Then and Now

Ebylee "EB" Davis is an internationally known blues singer. Davis, who not only impresses with his expressive voice but also with his harmonica playing, offers a perfectly coordinated performance. With all the connection to the roots of the blues, he also spans the musical arc from rock'n'roll to soul. Eb Davis was born in 1945 in the Delta town of Elaine, Arkansas and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. In the sixties he moved to New York where he spend many years performing before moving to Germany. When EB was about fourteen, he left Arkansas and the ‘country-life’ behind and moved to Memphis, which at that time was truly the home of the Blues. In Memphis, EB met Eugene Goldston. He owned the 521 Club in Booklyn and moved to New York. He came to Berlin Germany as a spy for the US military. What he experienced is almost too unbelievable to be true and to be seen in the documentary “How Berlin got the Blues”. In 2008 he was given the official title of “Blues Ambassador to the State of Arkansas”. 

(Eb Davis, Berlin Germany / Photo by Vladimir Popov) 

Then And Now (2024) is a captivating album by Eb Davis, released by Peppercake. This soulful collection showcases the artist's talent and versatility, blending traditional blues with contemporary sounds. EB’s powerful vocals take center stage in this album, drawing listeners in with raw emotion and authenticity. His dynamic range and heartfelt delivery bring each track to life, making for a truly immersive listening experience. With original songs and reimagined classics, Then And Now offers a fresh take on the blues genre. The fusion of old-school blues elements with modern production techniques creates a unique sound that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Interview by Michael Limnios                                 Archive: EB Davis, 2021 Interview

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

The hardest obstacle I've had to overcome as a person is the constant struggle to make a decent living as a full time Blues artist. But the other side of that is each obstacle can be taken as a learning tool which makes you better and better if you're determined and dedicated.

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Europe?

The Blues has a large following in Europe and I think it's because it's very relatable. The feelings, the commonality, You can easily delve into the music even if you don't know the language. And even though it's not mainstream in the U.S. it still has a niche from coast to coast with a devoted following. When I perform in America I meet lots of Blues lovers from various parts of the country.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Life is indeed more than music and I see many things that has other influences but I basically relate it all to music because I can see a Blues in it all.

Currently you’ve one release titled “Then and Now”. How did your relationship with the Blues come about? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music and songs?

My current release is called THEN and NOW because I wanted to include some of the material I have done in the past and mix it with some new works in order to try and convey how long I have been in this business as a recording artist. The driving force behind my continuation is the good feelings and enjoyment that I still experience in my live concerts.

”The role of Black American music in today's society should be elevated to the same level (or above) other forms of music because without the Black music many types of American music would not exist.” (Photo: Eb Davis)

What moment changed your music life the most? Are there any memories from BB King, Junior Wells, Sippie Wallace which you’d like to share with us?

The moment that changed my life the most was the first time I was on Beale Street in Memphis and could walk up and down the street and hear Blues coming out of the many clubs and cafes that lined the street. I had sung Soul and Gospel before but this was the first time that I had seen or heard music that had such a tremendous impact on people. Artists such as BB King, Little Junior Parker, Roscoe Gordon, Rufus Thomas, and Bobby Bland mingled freely with the people on weekends in Handy park where they had jam sessions on weekends. Junior Wells was later a friend. I did some work with Sippie Wallace in Europe a short time before her passing.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of Black American roots music in today’s society?

We need to preserve the Blues because it is one of the very few (if not the only) music that has spread throughout the world as a medium that speaks to and touches people all over the world even when they cannot understand the language. Just as we should preserve a language we should do that with the Blues because it too, is a language.

The role of Black American music in today's society should be elevated to the same level (or above) other forms of music because without the Black music many types of American music would not exist. Even the country is Black music. The great Hank Williams himself was taught guitar by a Black man. Rufus "Teetot" Payne.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I try to keep my music relevant today by writing about things that's happening today that people of today can relate to. But I had a core audience that wants the Blues to remain relatable to them as they have always known it. So I have to walk the tightrope of trying to rope the younger while at the same time holding on to the older.

Eb Davis - Home

(Eb Davis, Berlin Germany / Photo by Vladimir Popov)