Melvin Lee Davis, born and raised in Orange County, California, is an American bass player, vocalist, keyboard player, producer, TV composer, and engineer. He began playing violin at age four and saxophone at six, later taking up guitar during high school. His breakthrough came when a saxophone player in Buddy Miles's band flew Davis to New York City to audition and hired him on the spot, and subsequently Davis played in local clubs. Davis met Soul Train producer Don Cornelius through mutual friend Ron Kersey, which led him to co-write the theme song "Soul Train's A-Comin'". He worked extensively with Grammy award-winning singer Chaka Khan as a session and touring bassist and music director. His albums include Tomorrow’s Yesterday (2000), Nature's Serenade (2003), and Genre: Music (2011). Davis collaborated with notable artists such as Lee Ritenour, Patti Austin, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Pointer Sisters, and Bryan Ferry.
