Quint Davis
Encyclopedia
Quint Davis is an American festival producer and director based in New Orleans. He is best known as the producer of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
(Jazz Fest) founded by George Wein
. Davis has been involved in the production of the event from its start in 1970. He is the CEO of Festival Productions, Inc. - New Orleans, the company that produces the Jazz Fest.
and the New Orleans Arena
.
Davis majored in drama and ethnomusicology at Tulane University
. While still in college, Davis met Wein who was looking for local co-workers to produce the Jazz Fest. He dropped out of college to be involved in the Festival production with Wein.
The first Festival took place at the Congo Square
in Louis Armstrong Park
. Davis also became a manager of Professor Longhair
and road manager for Duke Ellington
, McCoy Tyner
and B.B. King.
In 1989, Professor Longhair's album Houseparty New Orleans Style which was produced by Davis won the Best Traditional Blues Recording category of the Grammy Award
s.
In 1993, Davis produced America’s Reunion on the Mall, a festival organized as a part of President Bill Clinton
's inaugural events.
Today, Davis still plays the leading role in producing the Jazz Fest. He also acts as the spokesperson of the event and emcees at the Festival.
Apart from the Jazz Fest, Davis is also engaged in the production of Essence Music Festival
, another big music event in New Orleans.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, often known as Jazz Fest, is an annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana...
(Jazz Fest) founded by George Wein
George Wein
George Wein is an American jazz promoter and producer who has been called "the most famous jazz impresario" and "the most important non-player... in jazz history"...
. Davis has been involved in the production of the event from its start in 1970. He is the CEO of Festival Productions, Inc. - New Orleans, the company that produces the Jazz Fest.
Biography
Davis was born Arthur Quentin Davis, Jr. in New Orleans. He was the first of three children of the family. His father was an architect whose firm designed notable buildings such as Louisiana SuperdomeLouisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
and the New Orleans Arena
New Orleans Arena
New Orleans Arena is an indoor arena in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is located in the city's Central Business District, adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome....
.
Davis majored in drama and ethnomusicology at Tulane University
Tulane University
Tulane University is a private, nonsectarian research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States...
. While still in college, Davis met Wein who was looking for local co-workers to produce the Jazz Fest. He dropped out of college to be involved in the Festival production with Wein.
The first Festival took place at the Congo Square
Congo Square
Congo Square is an open space within Louis Armstrong Park, which is located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, just across Rampart Street north of the French Quarter. The Tremé neighborhood is famous for its history of African American music....
in Louis Armstrong Park
Louis Armstrong Park
Louis Armstrong Park is a park located in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana, just across Rampart Street from the French Quarter. It was designed by New Orleans architect Robin Riley. The park contains the New Orleans Municipal Auditorium, the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the...
. Davis also became a manager of Professor Longhair
Professor Longhair
Professor Longhair was a New Orleans blues singer and pianist...
and road manager for Duke Ellington
Duke Ellington
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington was an American composer, pianist, and big band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions...
, McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner is a jazz pianist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet and a long solo career.-Early life:...
and B.B. King.
In 1989, Professor Longhair's album Houseparty New Orleans Style which was produced by Davis won the Best Traditional Blues Recording category of the Grammy Award
Grammy Award
A Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
s.
In 1993, Davis produced America’s Reunion on the Mall, a festival organized as a part of President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
's inaugural events.
Today, Davis still plays the leading role in producing the Jazz Fest. He also acts as the spokesperson of the event and emcees at the Festival.
Apart from the Jazz Fest, Davis is also engaged in the production of Essence Music Festival
Essence Music Festival
Essence Music Festival is an annual music festival celebrating contemporary African American music and culture. It is the largest event celebrating African American culture and music in the United States. It has been held in New Orleans, Louisiana every year since 1995 except for 2006, where it...
, another big music event in New Orleans.