Eric "Guitar" Davis, a rising blues guitarist in Chicago, died of multiple gunshot wounds on December 19. The 41-year-old Davis leaves behind his wife, Leslie Bell, and six children.
The Chicago blues community has come together to show their respect for Davis and support for his family by hosting a benefit concert, to be held at Rosa's Lounge in Chicago on Sunday, January 19 at 6:00 p.m.
For more information about this event, please visit rosaslounge.com.
Many prominent Chicago blues musicians will perform on the program, including vocalist and harmonica player Sugar Blue and guitarists Lurrie Bell, Eddie C. Campbell and Jimmy Burns.
There is also a memorial fund set up for Davis's family, to help pay for his funeral.
More information on that initiative is available HERE.
At the time of his death, Davis' career was on an upswing, as he had just been signed to a recording contract with Delmark Records. "Eric was a rising star on the Chicago blues scene who had a terrific band with horn section, a blazing guitar style and soulful vocals," said Tom Marker, host of WXRT's Blues Breakers show.
"In a genre of music where many of the biggest names are veteran players who have been around for awhile, Eric, at age 41, was considered a young player who could help lead Chicago blues to a bright and exciting future," Marker said.
Police are still investigating the deaths of Davis and another man, Willie Cooper, 74, who was also shot on the same block on Chicago's South Side.
No arrests have been made.
