Thornetta Davis: Queen of the Blues

"Blues That Lift Your Spirit"

Ms. Davis's trademark is to sing blues that "raise you up," while recognizing the historical foundation of the genre comes from "blood, sweat and a whole lot of tears."   

Created in southern states after the Civil War, the blues expresses deep emotions, stemming from sadness, depression and hardships.   Over 250 years of slavery, under inhumane conditions, produced the ancestral cry.   "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," a hand that was sometimes cut-off by a slave master, instilled hope and generated strength and courage.   Precious Lord was the person's only refuge.  Later, Jim Crow laws and institutional injustice continued that cry.    Today...we see that mentality being revived in many states.  But as the song says, "We shall overcome."

​Who is Thornetta Davis?

Born and educated in Detroit, Ms. Davis hit the music scene at the age of 15. . .singing with a group called Jas.  In 1983, Jas disbanded but that did not stop Thornetta.  Garnering a couple of high schools friends, a singing group entitled Chanteuse was born.  Chanteuse continued until 1991 when Davis landed a solo contract with Sub Pop Label.  Success was certainly courting her!  In 1994, a solo album entitled "Sunday Morning Music" was released.   Stardom has begun to knock on her door!

Mingling with the Stars

From 1997 to 2003, Thornetta sang background vocals for Kid Rock.  She appeared on albums Devil Without a Cause, Kid Rock and a single titled Wasting Time.  Opening for musicians Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and Gladys Knight certainly caused the "success lights" to shine on her.  How bright is that light today?

Awards & Recognition

2015 Detroit's Queen of the Blues
2017 Blues Blast Magazine Music Award
Winner of 2012 International Songwriting Competition
2018 Detroit Music award
2018 Winner of $25,000 Kresge Fellowship Recipient

These are only a few of the successes Thornetta enjoys.

Hear Ms. Davis on July 13, 2023 - Royal Oak Summer Music Concert - 8:30 PM.  For more performance dates, simply Google Thornetta Davis . . .Queen of the Blues.

In the Words of Thornetta Davis
​" Am I Just a Shadow?"
 Lyrics
[Verse 1]
You take me in,
Keep me from the rest.
You lock me away inside your walls of indecision
I don't know why you feel the need
To cut my heart and watch it bleed
Is that your way to make me pay for her deceptions.

[Chorus]
Do you really know me?
Or, am I just a shadow?
(Just a shadow)
Of someone who reminds you of that someone not to love
(Not to love)

[Verse 2]
Vengeance is mine, you say to your heart
Why do you chose to take it all out on me?
You call me a liar when I speak a truth (Call me a liar when I speak a truth)
You call out her name when I’m here with you (Call out her name when I'm here with you)
But, I'm not the one who left your heart in misery

[Chorus]
Do you really know me?
Or, am I just a shadow?
(Just a shadow)
Of someone who reminds you of that someone not to love
(Not to love)
Do you really know me?
Or, am I just a shadow?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Am I, am I just a shadow?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)

Verse 3]
I know your pain and, I felt it too
Your spirit is broken by the things she put you through
But, didn’t I show you how it could be? (Didn't I show you how it could be?)
Or, are you afraid to give love to me? (Are you afraid to give love to me?)
Then, tell me to go and I won't regret my time with you

[Outro]
Do you really know me?
Or, am I just a shadow?
(Just a shadow)
Of someone who reminds you of that someone not to love
(Not to love)
Oh, naw, naw, naw
Do you really know me?
Or, am I just a shadow?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Am I, am I just a shadow?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Do you know me, or am I just a shadow?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Am I, am I just a shadow?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Do you know me, do you know me, baby?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Aw yeah, do you know me, do you know me, baby?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Hey, am I, am I just a shadow?
(Do you really, do you really know me, baby?)
Am I, am I just a shadow?