Hugh Davis
Hugh Davis
Voice, Music Fundamentals and Assistant Choir
P: 601-857-3481
Mr. Hugh A. Davis is an award-winning Music Director, Vocal Coach, Artist Development Specialist, Published Composer/Arranger, and former Concert Pianist with over 25 years as an educator, including a decade of teaching at the college level. A versatile and accomplished musician, Davis holds degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, Composition and Jazz Studies from Jackson State University, the Royal Schools of Music (London), Trinity College of Music (London), and the Jamaica School of Music. He has also earned the prestigious rank of “FELLOW†of the Trinity College London (FTCL), the highest distinction awarded by the institution. Professor Davis is a distinguished member of the Mississippi Artist Roster and a recipient of the highly competitive Artist Fellowship administered by the Mississippi Arts Commission.
Professor Davis has been nationally recognized for his work with young artists and groups, consistently achieving unprecedented levels of excellence and record accomplishments. Under his direction, his groups have won numerous national competitions, performed at distinguished venues such as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Gardens, and been featured on nationally syndicated television programs, as well as in prominent newspapers including the New York Times.
A native of Jamaica, Hugh Davis’s musical journey began early. By the age of fifteen, he was already leading and directing various music groups of multiple genres, touring the country, and earning top honors in national competitions. While in Jamaica he also participated in the National Chorale and Orchestra of Jamaica, performing major classical works such as Carmina Burana and the Requiems of Brahms, Verdi and Mozart. His proficiency extends across a wide range of instruments, including the piano, saxophone, cello, organ, guitar and the Trinidadian steel pan.
Throughout his illustrious career, Davis has mentored numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in music, including Grammy Award-winning music producer Zaytoven, Grammy Award-winning artist Michael Burton, Grammy-nominated operatic tenor Daniel Shirley, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Damar Aaron, renowned singer and actor Rotimi, BET Sunday Best Winner Dathan Thigpen, former Ms. Atlanta/Ms. Vicksburg and “American Idol†Finalist Melanie Sanders, vocalist/social media sensation Nia Ashleigh, singer/song-writer Leah Jenea from the TV competition show “The Four,†and Broadway performer Marquise Neal.
Mr. Davis continues to collaborate with former student, Zaytoven, on projects like the “Artist Producer Camps†and the “SIPP PROJECTâ€, both of which focus on developing and mentoring the next generation of outstanding artists.
As an accomplished Vocal Coach, Professor Davis has worked with artists in multiple genres, from opera and classical to pop, gospel, rock, and hip hop.
Davis is also the founder of the former “Gifts of Grace Community Youth Choir†of Jackson, Mississippi, a group that incredibly transformed the lives of over 150 youth representing every public high school in Jackson. Under his leadership, the choir toured the country, won national competitions, appeared on BET, and most significantly, produced a record number of award-winning artists, distinguished celebrities, and prominent community leaders. Hugh’s commitment to his mission of “Developing Gifts, Transforming Lives†is evident in the countless success stories shared by these amazing young people.
Some of Davis’s compositions have been published by The Hal Leonard Corporation, including “Cantate Dominum†and “Caribbean Praiseâ€, which was featured in the textbook series “Spotlight on Music†(Macmillan/McGraw-Hill), used in elementary schools worldwide. Professor Davis has presented music and performing arts workshops and seminars at various national conventions and conferences throughout the country.
For his contributions to music and education, Professor Davis has received numerous awards and accolades, including City, County, and State Proclamations in his honor. Affectionately known to some as “The God-Fatherâ€, Davis is not just a teacher but a mentor, pastor, father figure, and confidant to countless young people. These students remain lifetime mentees, seeking his counsel and artistic guidance long after graduation. Hugh is married to Selma Hudson-Davis of Starkville, MS who now oversees their business venture, HD Performing Arts Academy.