Ward Davis Explained

Ward Davis
Origin:Monticello, Arkansas
Genre:Country, Singer-Songwriter
Years Active:1998–present
Website:https://warddavismusic.com/

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]

Music career

Davis 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

Albums!Title!Album Details!Year Released
Nobody's WaitingSelf Release1998
15 Years in a 10 Year TownHawkville 2015
Black Cats And CrowsWard Davis Music, LLC2020
Live From An Undisclosed Location in Hays, KansasSoundly Music2022
Singles & EPs!Title!Details!Year Released
Don't Open That DoorSingle2010
Last Monday in May Single 2015
West Point To ArlingtonSingle2017
I'm Not The DevilSingle2017
AsunderEP2018
Last Monday in MaySingle2018

Notes and References

  1. Asker . Jim . August 23, 2016 . Dan + Shay 'Up' to No. 1 On Country Airplay; Justin Moore Bows Atop Top Country Albums . Billboard.
  2. Web site: October 9, 2015 . Album Review: Ward Davis '15 Years in a 10 Year Town' . The Daily Country.
  3. Web site: Thompson . Gayle . November 25, 2016 . Story Behind the Song: Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard, 'Unfair Weather Friend' . The Boot.
  4. Web site: 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.
  5. Web site: WARD DAVIS . NPR Music NPR Music Live Sessions.
  6. Web site: Gregurich . Avery . September 12, 2019 . Going after 'the crowd that loves to hate' country radio: Ward Davis plays Wildwood . Little Village.