by Kevin Goins
If there is anyone I can think of who has kept the soul/R&B fires burning when it came to recognizing the roots of the genre as well as its future, it was Bob Davis.
Davis, founder of the longtime music site soulpatrol.net, passed Sunday (2/11/2024) of cardiac arrest at the age of 66.
For decades, Bob provided comprehensive coverage and historical information regarding the music makers, movers and shakers in the world of rhythm & blues. He interviewed folks from the Five Stairsteps’ longtime leader/chief songwriter/singer Clarence Burke Jr. to Faulu Mtume, son of music legend James Mtume.
His articles were always comprehensive and educational, making sure the artists came first. Was he opinionated? Absolutely. But more often than not, Bob’s focus was to make sure the history of Black music wasn’t going to be lost.
Not only did Bob recognize R&B’s history, he championed current artists who are carrying on the tradition in their own way. This ranged from acts such as Thee Sinseers, Carlton Jumel Smith, among others.
Bob also welcomed other writers to contribute to the site. I can count the many times he’d inbox me to ask if a post can be shared on the site. My ok to him was always automatic.
I’ll miss Bob’s comments, the tagging of posts he felt were important to share as well as the brilliant articles on his website.
Farewell, Bob. You kept the faith for so many years in the music world when it came to its history. You’ll be missed.
