About John Davis
Musician 🎶 • Gardener 🌱 • Ehretist 🌀
Growing in the heart of Detroit, Highland Park, MI, John is a product of Motown's rich musical history. John attended Highland Park High School where he took the lead in the drum line as Head Snare. His passion for percussion continued to grow with his early collaboration with local musicians: Chuck Jones, Mike Brown, and more to form the band Mind Body & Soul.
In 1993, John fulfilled a lifelong dream of evolving from his roots as a drummer to owning his first vibraphone. With his dream instrument now at the center of his musical life, John combined the worlds of his Motown and the Motor City while working at Chrysler and formed the UAW All Star band. Together, this 15+ piece band performed for many local public, private and corporate events during the late 90’s to early 2000’s.
With his Quartet, Smooth Vibrations John embarked on an exploration of the jazz tradition associated with his vibraphone, or vibes. Whether in a unit or solo, John has been performing for over 50 years and has graced the stages of Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Bomacs Nightlounge, Bert’s, The Detroit Jazz fest, Ann Arbor Art Fair, Huron Hunting & Fishing club, Plymouth Art Fair, Funky Ferndale and more.
When he isn’t performing, head-to-toe clad in tie dye, you can find John reading and studying the works of Arnold Ehret, being in community with other like-minded friends, or peacefully gardening at home.