Tyrone Davis helped define the smooth, romantic side of 1970s soul. With heartfelt ballads, rich vocals, and a warm stage presence, Davis earned his place as a leading voice in the Chicago soul movement. His breakout hit “Can I Change My Mind” catapulted him to fame in 1968, followed by a string of R&B chart smashes like “Turn Back the Hands of Time,” “Give It Up (Turn It Loose),” and “Turning Point.”
Often praised for his emotional delivery and polished arrangements, Davis connected deeply with his audience—especially female fans who adored his vulnerability and charm. Though his chart success declined in later decades, he remained a popular performer until his passing in 2005.
| Full Name | Tyrone Fettson (stage name: Tyrone Davis) |
|---|---|
| Born | May 4, 1938 – Greenville, Mississippi, USA |
| Died | February 9, 2005 – Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Genres | Soul, Chicago Soul, R&B |
| Labels | Dakar, Columbia, Highrise, Ichiban, Malaco |
| Breakout Hit | “Can I Change My Mind” (1968) – #1 R&B, #5 Pop |
| Biggest Hit | “Turn Back the Hands of Time” (1970) – #1 R&B, #3 Pop |
| Other #1 R&B Hit | “Turning Point” (1976) |
| Notable Albums | Can I Change My Mind, Turn Back the Hands of Time, Love and Touch, In the Mood |
| Sister | Jean Davis (member of Facts of Life) |
| Legacy | Romantic balladeer of Chicago soul, over 40 R&B hits, pioneer of smooth soul style |
Early Life and Beginnings
Tyrone Davis was born Tyrone Fettson on May 4, 1938, in Greenville, Mississippi. He spent much of his early life in Saginaw, Michigan, before relocating to Chicago in the late 1950s—a move that would shape his future.
In Chicago, Davis worked as a valet and chauffeur for blues guitarist Freddie King. This backstage role allowed him to meet many influential artists, including Bobby “Blue” Bland, Little Milton, and Otis Clay. Inspired by their careers, Davis began performing in local clubs, cutting his first singles under the name “Tyrone the Wonder Boy.”
Breakthrough with Dakar Records
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In 1968, producer Carl Davis (no relation) discovered Davis and signed him to the Dakar label, a key player in the Chicago soul scene. That same year, Davis released “A Woman Needs to Be Loved” as an A-side single, with “Can I Change My Mind” on the B-side.
However, radio DJs preferred the B-side—and so did audiences. “Can I Change My Mind” surged in popularity, eventually reaching:
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No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart
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No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100
The single sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc. It helped launch Davis into the national spotlight. His debut album of the same name reached No. 12 on the R&B album chart and No. 146 on the Billboard 200.
The Peak of His Career – 1970s Soul Hits
Davis followed up his breakout success with even bigger hits. In 1970, he released “Turn Back the Hands of Time,” which became his biggest crossover hit:
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No. 1 on the R&B chart
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No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100
This smooth ballad about longing and regret became Davis’s calling card. With his pleading vocal style, he delivered emotional songs that resonated with a wide audience. His blend of lush production, horns, strings, and gentle rhythms defined Chicago soul’s romantic style.
Between 1969 and 1975, Davis released dozens of singles with Dakar, many of which charted. These include:
Selected Dakar Hits:
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“Is It Something You’ve Got” – No. 34 pop, No. 5 R&B
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“I’ll Be Right Here” – No. 53 pop, No. 8 R&B
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“Let Me Back In” – No. 58 pop, No. 12 R&B
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“Could I Forget You” – No. 60 pop, No. 10 R&B
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“One-Way Ticket (To Nowhere)” – No. 75 pop, No. 18 R&B
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“You Keep Me Holding On” – No. 94 pop, No. 15 R&B
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“I Had It All the Time” – No. 61 pop, No. 5 R&B
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“Without You in My Life” – No. 64 pop, No. 5 R&B
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“There It Is” – No. 32 pop, No. 9 R&B
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“I Wish It Was Me” – No. 57 pop, No. 11 R&B
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“What Comes Up (Must Come Down)” – No. 89 pop, No. 11 R&B
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“Turning Point” – No. 1 R&B (1976)
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“So Good (To Be Home with You)” – No. 9 R&B
His ability to combine tender themes with smooth, uptempo soul made him a consistent chart presence and a favorite among R&B fans.
Move to Columbia Records
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In the mid-1970s, Davis signed with Columbia Records, where he continued releasing hit singles. Though his crossover appeal began to fade, he remained a reliable R&B hitmaker.
Columbia Highlights:
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“Give It Up (Turn It Loose)” – No. 32 pop, No. 2 R&B
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“This I Swear” – No. 6 R&B
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“Get on Up (Disco)” – No. 12 R&B
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“In the Mood” – No. 6 R&B
These tracks showed Davis adjusting to changing trends. He dabbled in disco and funk while preserving the essence of his romantic style. Though his national profile dimmed, his music remained a staple on urban radio.
Later Career and Independent Releases
By the early 1980s, Davis’s chart presence slowed. Still, he kept recording and performing. He moved to Highrise Records, where he scored his last major hit in 1983 with:
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“Are You Serious” – No. 3 R&B, No. 57 pop
In the following years, Davis recorded for smaller labels like:
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Ocean-Front
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Prelude
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Future
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Ichiban
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Malaco
He continued releasing albums and performing live well into the 1990s and early 2000s. His catalog during this era includes Sexy Thing, For the Good Times, and Call Tyrone. Though these records didn’t chart, they kept him connected to his loyal fan base.
Davis remained a favorite on the chitlin’ circuit, a network of venues that supported Black performers throughout the South and Midwest.
Illness and Death
In 2004, Tyrone Davis suffered a stroke that ended his performing career. He died the following year, on February 9, 2005, in Chicago, from complications related to the stroke. He was 66 years old.
His passing marked the end of an era, but his music continues to live on in oldies stations, compilations, and the hearts of soul fans.
Davis’s legacy includes over 40 charting R&B singles, three No. 1 R&B hits, and an enduring influence on generations of romantic soul singers.
Legacy and Influence
Tyrone Davis brought emotional honesty and elegance to soul music. He stood apart from rawer Southern singers like Otis Redding or James Carr by leaning into smooth phrasing and sophisticated arrangements.
Artists such as Will Downing, Lenny Williams, and even Luther Vandross followed in his footsteps with soulful ballads rooted in vulnerability and heart.
Davis was never flashy. His strength came from his voice, his sincerity, and his ability to make listeners feel seen, heard, and loved.