“Ever since I can remember, I’ve felt a deep connection to music,” Davis recalls. “I’d listen to my older brothers records and feel deeply moved by the emotions those artists expressed. I still feel that way."

 

That sheer exhilaration spawned a career that netted Davis success early on. He began recording in his early 20s, spawning a string of albums -- Kyle Davis, Waiting For You, Raising Heroes, Don’t Tell the World, and River City Gang -- that effectively expressed a keen sense of melody, infectious energy and hooks that sank in quickly and refused to let go. Single “Buried Alive,” released by Sony Records, became both a fan favorite and critical sensation. Billboard magazine called him “One of the best unsigned artists and featured him on the cover.” Rolling Stone gave Raising Heroes four stars.

 

Although he’s been described as a cross between Jackson Browne, David Gray, Peter Gabriel and Mat Kearney, he remained his own man, a singular talent with an extraordinary gift for conveying sentiments that are impossible to deny and even more difficult to resist.

 

He eventually came to the attention of Sony Records and producers Phil Ramone via Don Dixon, two men whose reputations ranks high on the music business pantheon. Dixon produced R.E.M., the Smithereens, Marshall Crenshaw and Tommy Keene, among many. Ramone’s accomplishments were even more legendary, given that he counted among his clients Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and Billy Joel, Paul Simon. After driving to Bedford NY to Ramone’s house and playing for him in his living room, Ramone said, "I cant say you're going to be a huge star but I said we're going to make a great record and we certainly did."