He is known for his work with Eric Dolphy, Kenny Clarke, Ray Charles, Slide Hampton and Art Blakey.
[1][2] Davis traveled extensively around Europe after World War II and moved to Paris in 1962.
[4] He also helped to found the university's William Robinson Recording Studio as well as establish the International Academy of Jazz Hall of Fame located in the school's William Pitt Union and the University of Pittsburgh-Sonny Rollins International Jazz Archives.
[8] One of Davis' best known musical associations was heading the Paris Reunion Band (1985–1989), which at different times included Nat Adderley, Kenny Drew, Johnny Griffin, Slide Hampton, Joe Henderson, Idris Muhammad, Dizzy Reece, Woody Shaw, and Jimmy Woode.
Davis also toured and recorded with the post-bop ensemble leading Roots which he formed in 1991.