SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY DAVIS OF TRIBUTE QUARTET
SOUTHERN GOSPEL PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH ANTHONY DAVIS OF TRIBUTE QUARTET
Tribute Quartet is known for their dynamic sound and energy-filled performances. A vital part of their sound is their incredible bass singer Anthony Davis. Davis joined the group in 2011 following the departure of original bass Dennis Dugger. He has blended well with the group and has quickly become a favorite among Gospel music fans. He is definitely among my favorite bass singers as his smooth tones and great solos remind me of Rex Nelon and London Parris. Once again, I contacted Mr. Davis via Facebook for this interview and thank him for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer my questions!
So without further ado, here it is!
J. Gilmore: Hello Anthony! So, how did you get your start in Southern Gospel music?
A. Davis: I started traveling and singing in 2002. My first time to ever stand on stage, I sang with two gospel music greats--Ms. Dianne Wilkinson played piano and Mr. Roy McNeil sang tenor. From that point on, I was bitten by the bug, and have been singing since.
J. Gilmore: Great! Who are your musical influences?
A. Davis: Not learning that gospel music even existed until I was about 15, I was drawn to the music of the early Blackwood Brothers, the Statesmen, The Prophets with Roy McNeil and the like. Back then, there were no pitch corrections, no digital edits--it was flat footed singing, and I greatly appreciate the style and skill in which they sang.
J. Gilmore: Awesome! I agree! There was something special about that old time singing! Who is your favorite bass singer?
A. Davis: What bass singer today doesn’t list Tim Riley as their favorite? I suppose I have several favorites for as many reasons. Tim has such clarity and strong lows. George Younce could hold a crowd in the palm of his hand, then step up and sing a lead vocal that would leave you in tears. I also liked London Parris and Big Chief for their styles of singing.
J. Gilmore: Those are all great choices and among my top favorites as well! What is the lowest bass note you can hit?
A. Davis: Whatever our lowest keyed song calls for!
J. Gilmore: Haha, awesome! Who are your favorite groups? Past or present.
A. Davis: The Rebels, The Rangers, The Blackwood Brothers, The Statesmen, The Prophets, The Cathedrals, and Gold City (Jay, Jonathan, Mark, and Tim)
J. Gilmore: Legends!! How did you come in contact with Tribute?
A. Davis: Four years ago, on New Year’s Eve, I received a call from vocal coach extraordinaire, Steve Hurst. Steve and I had worked together in the past. He knew that I was no longer traveling with the regional group I had been with for about 6 years and knew that Tribute needed someone to “fill-in” for a couple of weeks while their founding bass singer, Dennis Dugger, was out tending to family matters. I said yes, and I learned 35 songs in two days. It later developed that Dennis needed to come off the road, and the guys asked me on board. I’ve been “filling in” since! LOL
J. Gilmore: Glad you joined! You fit perfectly with the group! What has been the best part of traveling with Tribute?
A. Davis: The best part of traveling with Tribute is traveling with Tribute! The guys that I work with are the real deal. I love each of them. They have a heart for people, the message, and singing. What you see on stage is who they are day in and day out. They are an inspiration, and a blessing.
J. Gilmore: Good to hear! What is your favorite Scripture verse?
A. Davis: Jer. 29:11
J. Gilmore: Love that verse! What is something that people might not know about you?
A. Davis: I LOVE to cook, and more especially, to bake. My rule in the kitchen when it comes to baking is that all my recipes are from scratch. I don’t like cooking things that say a “box of” any kind of premix. A cake starts with cake flour, not a name brand box on a shelf. I am always asking for recipes on the road that are the kind of recipes “grandma used to make” before all the premix things came along.
J. Gilmore: Awesome!! Is/was it difficult working in law enforcement and singing with Tribute?
A. Davis: Four years ago, I left law enforcement full time. I am no longer bi-vocational, as traveling with Tribute is a “full-time” job. 2012 was an exceptionally busy year for us. I only slept in my bed at home 29 days. That doesn’t leave much time for anything else. I get to go in every now and then, when I’m home, and ride with the crew that I worked with, and it’s fun. But other than those few times, I do little with law enforcement.
J. Gilmore: Wow! That must be difficult! It’s good you are no longer bi-vocational! haha Any advice for aspiring Gospel artists?
A. Davis: Know that the “call” on your life is yours. Sometimes I think we “hear the phone ring” and think that call is for us, but then we find out maybe it was for someone else. Life on the road is difficult. People that have a dream to travel and sing usually only see what happens for the duration of a hour and a half concert and think “Man, I’d love to do that!!” What many do not realize is that before they arrived at that concert, that group probably traveled a long distance to get there, set up all of that equipment and product, tested it all out and checked everything, got cleaned up and dressed, came in and sang their hearts out. Then after everyone else left, that group changed clothes again, took all of that equipment and product down, packed it, and loaded up to leave and do the same thing again tomorrow. The reward for the labor is great, but so is the work. I would encourage any aspiring artist to pray diligently and make sure that what they are praying for is what they really want. From there, work hard with a vocal coach to hone your craft, protecting your God given talent, and improving the quality and professionalism in which you perform. Don’t just settle for standing in a group and singing on a platform just because you got a position in a group.
J. Gilmore: Great advice!! Thanks for your time!
Here is one of my favorite Anthony Davis features!! A beautiful song about the compassionate and comforting arms of Christ!! Here is "Hold Me." Enjoy!
For more information on Anthony and the rest of Tribute Quartet, visit their website: