Carl Davis 1934-2012 [Music Producer of “The Chicago Sound”]

[Zoneboy]

Link

Carl Davis was the architect of what became known as “The Chicago Sound.”

The iconic music producer died Thursday morning at his home in Summerville, S.C. He was 77 years old. Mr. Davis had been suffering from lung disease.

Mr. Davis started his career as one of the first African-American A&R Directors and produced numerous hit songs for the Columbia Records subsidiary Okeh Records. His first multi-million song was Gene Chandler’s 1962 smash “Duke of Earl.” His follow up production efforts inlcuded Jackie Wilson’s 1967 hit “(“Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher,” Major Lance’s “Monkey Time,” recorded in 1963 and the Chi-Lites 1972 ballad “Oh Girl.” Several years ago Mr. Davis was included in the History Makers, the non-profit Chicago archive.

Mr. Davis and his wife Dedra Davis relocared from Chicago to South Carolina in 2009.

Funeral services are pending.