Rev. Gary Davis (1896-1972) was an influential American blues and gospel musician known for his distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and powerful vocal delivery. Born in South Carolina, Davis became blind at an early age and later moved to New York City, where he became a prominent figure in the folk music scene during the 1950s and 60s. His genre-spanning work encompasses blues, gospel, and folk, with notable songs such as "Creepy John," "Death Don’t Have No Mercy," and "I Am the Light of This World." Davis was a significant influence on many guitarists, including Jerry Garcia, Bob Dylan, and the members of the folk revival movement, helping to bridge traditional African American music and contemporary folk. Davis’s guitar technique combined intricate fingerpicking with rhythmic strumming, creating a rich, full sound that set him apart. His recordings, particularly those for Folkways Records, have inspired generations of musicians and continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and technical brilliance. Rev. Gary Davis is regarded as a key figure in the evolution of American roots music, leaving a lasting legacy within both the blues and gospel genres.