Thornetta is a Detroit music treasure. Sort of a post-Boomer generation's soul diva, her voice is simply astounding whether working in rock, blues, soul or gospel. Wearing her musical heart and soul on her sleeve, Davis is the sort of performer whose voice and presence will stick in your craw long after the music's stopped."
Review
Style and substance. Grit and grace. Wails and whispers. Control and abandon. I could use hundreds of words to describe the incredible voice of Thornetta Davis, but it’s almost impossible to translate just how great she sounds. Long a fixture on D-town’s blues scene, Thorny’s got the kind of pipes that make other singers just plain jealous; nobody in their right mind would want to follow her on the bill. Everybody knows there’s no justice in the music business. But if there were, Thornetta Davis would be at least as famous — and as rich — as another Motown woman who’s earned R-E-S-P-E-C-T around the world. Think I’m exaggerating? All you have to do is catch her show most any night of the week at any of the finer joints in town. Pick up one of her CDs while you’re at it. Listen, and then tell me she ain’t the best damn singer in Detroit.—Vic Doucette, METROTIMES DETROIT
Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist & Actress
For over fifteen years this multi-talented native Detroiter has graced and dominated Michigan's most attended events. She has performed over two hundred shows a year with grace and stamina. Her voice is strong, commanding, melodic and smooth. She tells her stories with incredible delivery and leaves her audiences wanting more.
She first gained attention in 1987 when she became back up singer for the Detroit soul band "Lamont Zodiac and The Love Signs". Shortly after, the lead singer left the band and the name changed to "The Chisel Brothers featuring Thornetta Davis".
In 1996 Thornetta recorded her first solo album "Sunday Morning Music" on the Seattle based label "Sub Pop" which received a rave revue in the national Entertainment Weekly magazine. The song "Cry" from that album was featured on the HBO hit cable drama "The Sopranos".
Thornetta has opened for legendary blues and R&B greats such as Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Etta James, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells, Lonnie Brooks, Johnnie Johnson and many more…her history is extensive and her performances are memorable…like the time she opened for Bonnie Raitt at Michigan's Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz festival in 1992. Bonnie asked Thornetta to join her and Katie Webster (queen of the swamp boogie) for an encore song which received a standing ovation.
In 1999 Thornetta brought down the house with her astounding performance at the"Lillith Fair" at Michigan's Pine Knob Music Theatre hosted by SarahMclachlan…that same evening she attended the "Detroit Music Awards" where she proudly accepted 2 of the over 20 Music Awards that she has won over the last 15 years for "Best R&B/ Blues vocalist" and "Best R&B Group".
In 2000 Thornetta opened the VH1 Vogue fashion awards at Madison Square Garden with Detroit phenomenon Kid Rock. New York's star-studded event captured Detroit's "Princess of the Blues" in all her glory!
In 2001 Thornetta Davis is inducted into the Detroit Music Hall of Fame! Thornetta performed on Wednesday nights for 7 years at one of Detroit's favorite live music venues "The Music Menu" located in Greektown in downtown Detroit until it's closing in 2003. Three years before that final Wednesday, Thornetta recorded a live performance on one magical night at the "Menu" and called it "Thornetta Davis covered Live at the Music Menu". This CD is a collection of Thornetta's most requested cover tunes. The magic comes through and touches you and makes you feel like you're right there watching her as she takes you on a spiritual journey to the depths of her soul.
"Thornetta Davis covered Live at the Music Menu" won "Best R&B/ Blues Recording" at the Detroit Music Awards 2002.
Thornetta Davis has appeared on the covers of Living Blues Magazine and Big City Blues Magazine.
Thornetta has also performed background vocals for artists such as Bob Seger on his album "The Fire Inside", The Little Steven VanZandt produced U.S. debut of Nigerian reggae artist Majek Fashek, on "Spirit of Love", Sub pop recording artist "alternative rock band" Big Chief on the album, "Mack Avenue Scull Game", and Kid Rock on his self titled 2003 CD "KID ROCK".
Thornetta also performed on the sound track for the film "Osmosis Jones" starring Bill Murray. Her powerful singing voice has been heard on the hit television show Xena Warrior Princess. Her Cadillac commercial aired for the first time during the 2001 Academy Awards
Thornetta was also chosen to represent the DETROIT PISTONS 2001-2002
If you're from Michigan you are sure to have seen Thornetta in the Michigan State Lottery commercials. Coca-Cola selected Thornetta to revive the late 1960's "I'd Like to teach the world to sing" commercial. Pizza Hut loved our blues diva enough to "twist and dip"
It's clear that the Motor City knows just who Thornetta is and now it's time the rest of the world found out. So we would like to introduce to you in all her splendor a Detroit talent as original as her name…
Hi Thornetta, Thanks for the add. Sounding great, as usual. You keep going girl! I miss Detroit and all my friends and family there. Hope to visit again soon. Peace & Love, Sandi V.
Hi Thornetta, Thank you for being a friend, and for your great music. You voice is so good, it blows me away. (And I've been around for a lot of years and heard a lot of singers!)
hey thornetta!!!!!! man i used to have fun playing for you...guess what...i got some "black drawers" on!! lmao. take care throny and tell ya daughter i said hello
Thank you SO MUCH!!! I would love to see you sing oneday in person. Please, consider sending my son, Little Levi, a signed picture of you for his wall. Much Love and Many Smiles~ Dona K
