Kay Davis | |
|---|---|
 Kay Davis in 1950 | |
| Born | Kathryn Elizabeth Wimp December 5, 1920 |
| Died | January 27, 2012 (aged 91) |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Spouse | Edward Wimp (m. 1950-2012; her death) |
| Children | 1 |
Kathryn Elizabeth Wimp, known professionally as Kay Davis (December 5, 1920 – January 27, 2012) was an American jazz singer who performed with the Duke Ellington orchestra.
Kay Davis was born Kathryn Elizabeth Wimp in Evanston, Illinois, and attended Evanston Township High School. She studied voice and piano at Northwestern University, where she received her bachelor's degree in 1942, and her master's degree in 1943. Her grandfather, William H. Twiggs, was a civic leader for whom a park in Evanston is named.
In 1944, she joined Duke Ellington's orchestra, where she sang alongside Joya Sherrill and Al Hibbler. She is best known for her wordless vocals in famous Ellington songs such as "Transbluency" and "On a Turquoise Cloud." She also sang songs with lyrics such as "Brown Penny" and "When I Walk Without You". Davis was also chosen by Ellington to reprise Adelaide Hall's wordless vocal on the song, "Creole Love Call". As well, Davis gave the debut performance of pianist Billy Strayhorn's new song "Lush Life" on November 13, 1948 at Carnegie Hall, with Billy playing alongside her. Davis also appeared in several short films accompanied by the Duke Ellington orchestra such as Symphony in Swing (1949) and Salute to Duke Ellington (1950).
Davis toured England with Ellington and Ray Nance in 1948, and in Europe with the Ellington orchestra in 1950. After leaving Ellington's orchestra in 1950, she married Edward Wimp in 1952. They had one son, Edward L. Wimp.[citation needed] Later, they settled in Apopka, Florida.
Davis died on January 27, 2012 at the age of 91.
