He discovered young singer Brenda Holloway, and recorded duets with her on small local labels in the early 1960s.
[1] In about 1962, he introduced himself to Berry Gordy, who installed Davis as head of Motown's first Los Angeles operation, later opening the MoWest label.
Working with Marc Gordon, Davis was able to reproduce the elements of the Motown sound with Los Angeles musicians, and found success with records by both Brenda and her sister Patrice Holloway.
[1] Most notably, Davis was the co-writer and producer of Jackson 5 hits such as "I'll Be There" and "Dancing Machine," and Eddie Kendricks' "Can I".
[4] Davis also produced for Bette Midler (her Motown record of 1975, produced by Davis, was never released), Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers, The Supremes, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Thelma Houston, Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Junior Walker, and The Miracles.