Rebecca Davis, author of Blind Owl Blues
Rebecca Davis, formerly known as Rebecca Davis Winters, is a nonfiction writer and consultant, best known for her groundbreaking book Blind Owl Blues. She was born in 1977 and is an expatriate of the American West. A lover of sixties-period arts, literature and music, she became intrigued by the blues-rock group Canned Heat while in her teen years. This led to a tenacious quest into the musical legacy of band co-founder Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson.
Much of Davis's young adult life would be spent pursuing the traces of Wilson, and documenting his life and legacy. As she pursued the truth about the life and death of an unlikely rock star, it would bring encounters with destiny - as well as the seamier side of the music business. Eventually, her journey would become part of a spiritual awakening.
In 2007, this culminated with the publication of Blind Owl Blues, the world's only existing book-length biography of Wilson. It explores the blues revival that led to Canned Heat’s formation, the roots of their boogie that exposed rock audiences to traditional blues, and Wilson’s work with blues legends like Son House and John Lee Hooker. Featuring interviews with friends and musical colleagues, Blind Owl Blues captures the spirit of a unique musical era. It also chronicles Wilson’s depression and struggles with mental illness, with the author’s fearless honesty tempered by a deep empathy for her subject.
Since the publication of Blind Owl Blues, Rebecca Davis has emerged as a leader in a “Blind Owl” Wilson musical renaissance. She contributes to a family-authorized website in his honor, along with other Wilson-related projects. Blind Owl Blues continues to sell hundreds of copies a year worldwide, and has received positive reviews from fans and musicians alike. Davis's research has been cited in blues-related publications, including the recent book Preachin' The Blues: The Life and Times of Son House by Daniel Beaumont.
Davis has served as a public radio show host, appearing on various Colorado stations as “The Music Goddess” from 2000 to 2011. In 2005 and 2006, her co-management of a new community concert hall, The Radio Room at KAFM, helped establish a home for live folk and roots music in western Colorado.
Currently, Davis offers writing, editing, production and media services as a consultant. She has contributed to a variety of newspapers, magazines, and web-based media, providing coverage on arts, culture, gardening, and lifestyle stories. She also creates hand crafted jewelry, talismans, Rune stones, and magickal gifts. Buy her wares via her website, Runes By Rebecca.
Much of Davis's young adult life would be spent pursuing the traces of Wilson, and documenting his life and legacy. As she pursued the truth about the life and death of an unlikely rock star, it would bring encounters with destiny - as well as the seamier side of the music business. Eventually, her journey would become part of a spiritual awakening.
In 2007, this culminated with the publication of Blind Owl Blues, the world's only existing book-length biography of Wilson. It explores the blues revival that led to Canned Heat’s formation, the roots of their boogie that exposed rock audiences to traditional blues, and Wilson’s work with blues legends like Son House and John Lee Hooker. Featuring interviews with friends and musical colleagues, Blind Owl Blues captures the spirit of a unique musical era. It also chronicles Wilson’s depression and struggles with mental illness, with the author’s fearless honesty tempered by a deep empathy for her subject.
Since the publication of Blind Owl Blues, Rebecca Davis has emerged as a leader in a “Blind Owl” Wilson musical renaissance. She contributes to a family-authorized website in his honor, along with other Wilson-related projects. Blind Owl Blues continues to sell hundreds of copies a year worldwide, and has received positive reviews from fans and musicians alike. Davis's research has been cited in blues-related publications, including the recent book Preachin' The Blues: The Life and Times of Son House by Daniel Beaumont.
Davis has served as a public radio show host, appearing on various Colorado stations as “The Music Goddess” from 2000 to 2011. In 2005 and 2006, her co-management of a new community concert hall, The Radio Room at KAFM, helped establish a home for live folk and roots music in western Colorado.
Currently, Davis offers writing, editing, production and media services as a consultant. She has contributed to a variety of newspapers, magazines, and web-based media, providing coverage on arts, culture, gardening, and lifestyle stories. She also creates hand crafted jewelry, talismans, Rune stones, and magickal gifts. Buy her wares via her website, Runes By Rebecca.
