Senate Concurrent Resolution 558

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF LEGENDARY SOUL PERFORMER TYRONE DAVIS FROM GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, AND EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, soul singer Tyrone Davis, who was born in Greenville, Mississippi, and best known for his 1970 hit Turn Back The Hands of Time, died Wednesday, February 9, 2005, in Chicago, Illinois, just five months after completing his final CD; and

WHEREAS, perennially a ladies' choice, Tyrone Davis just seems to naturally appeal to women. That's not to say that men haven't bought his churning Chicago soul records, too; his impressive hit-making career harks back to 1968, and there's no end in sight. His mentor, noted singer Harold Burrage, coached his charge well, and Davis debuted on wax in 1965 as "Tyrone the Wonder Boy" on the local Four Brothers logo. Far more wondrous were Davis' classy efforts for Chicago's Dakar label, commencing with the remorseful R&B chart-topper "Can I Change My Mind" in 1968, continuing with "Is It Something You've Got" in 1969, and the million-selling classic "Turn Back the Hands of Time" in 1970. Tyrone forged a fresh, vital new Chicago soul sound; his warm, assured vocals powering the likes of "I Had It All the Time" and "Turning Point" and "Mom's Apple Pie"; and

WHEREAS, Tyrone Davis was born May 4, 1938, in Greenville, Mississippi; he was raised in Saginaw, Michigan, before moving to Chicago, Illinois, in 1959, working as a valet/chauffeur for Freddy King until 1962; and

WHEREAS, whether you are riding in your car or at home listening to your radio and you hear one of the many hits by Tyrone Davis, you just smile and feel good all over; and

WHEREAS, "I've seen a lot of musicians and singers, but nobody was better than Tyrone Davis," said Willie Clayton, the Bluesman from Indianola, Mississippi, who was friends with Davis for more than 30 years. "He had the magic. He was my idol." As far as R&B and soul, Tyrone had a huge impact. He was blues and more; and

WHEREAS, Malaco Records in Jackson, Mississippi, said Davis was known throughout the music industry for his business savvy; and

WHEREAS, Davis is survived by his wife, Ann; and

WHEREAS, it is with sadness that we note the passing of this Mississippian who brought joy to millions of fans throughout the nation and brought honor to his community, the Delta, and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we hereby commend the life of legendary soul performer Tyrone Davis of Greenville, Mississippi, and express to his surviving family and friends the sympathy of the Legislature on his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Tyrone Davis and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.