George Davidson: Celebration of Life
A celebration of the life of George Washington Davidson VI (1942–2022) was held in Detroit on November 17, 2022, at St John’s Presbyterian Church on East Lafayette St. It was attended by his large family and a notable gathering of musicians and friends. A tribute band was assembled for the occasion including drummer Gayelynn McKinney, bassist Ralphe Armstrong, tenorist Vincent Bowens, and trumpeter Rayse Biggs, vocalists Shahida Nurallah and Renee King Jackson, and the Detroit All Star Organ Quartet with keyboardist Duncan McMillan and guitarist Perry Hughes. Reverend Dan Aldrige officiated for much of the service. The music continued at Bert’s Jazz Club in Eastern Market into the night. Internment took place at Elmwood Cemetery. SEMJA will follow up with a more detailed account of Davidson’s extensive musical career in our next Update.