Ken Davis

More than four decades after recording his best-known single, "Shook Shake," Ken Davis joined with lead guitarist Dean Lange, electric bass player Maggie Lange, and drummer Joe Bolton to record his debut album, Eagle Rock, at the Miracle Sound Studios in Oak Creek, WI. Released in Germany a few months later, the album included 24 original tunes, ten remastered songs initially recorded between 1958 and 1962, and several previously unreleased demos. Born in Racine, WI, Davis had acquired a reputation for his fiery performances at local parties by 1956. Together with harmony singers the Honeybees, he made his recording debut when they recorded two tracks, "Bundle of Lovin'" and "Sittin' Pretty," with Buddy Nelson's Country Gentlemen, a group they joined in early 1958. Although a follow-up single, "Uh Huh" b/w "Without Her Love," was produced by Harry Smith, owner of the Starlight label, Davis took over the reins when he recorded "Shook Shake." Reviewing the release, Billboard wrote that it was a "country-based rockabilly ditty sung nicely by Davis over typical combo support." Although he ended the year by enlisting in the United States Army and being sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri for basic training, Davis remained active as a musician. "Shook Shake" was re-released in February 1959. Transferred to Fort Still in Oklahoma, Davis formed a band and recorded two tracks, "Oh So Blue" and "Gone Together," that were released on the Badger label. ABC/Paramount gave considerable thought to releasing "Oh So Blue" nationally. Although he recorded two tunes, "The Next Little Town" and "Because I'm Blue," in 1960, they were not released until two years later. Returning to his hometown in Racine following his military discharge, Davis formed a trio to perform at dances, wedding receptions, and private parties. In 1982, "Shook Shake" was reissued by Mean Mountain Music. ~ Craig Harris