Don Davis was CEO and chairman of First Independence Bank, Michigan’s only African-American owned and operated commercial bank, with multiple branches around the City of Detroit. A notably, successful endeavor, Mr. Davis led First Independence Bank with $204 million in assets (as of December 31, 2013), and was ranked as one of the top ranked African American owned bank in the United States, according to Black Enterprise Magazine.

According to the Wilmore agency, the Detroit native Mr Don Davies passed on after a brief illness yesterday 5th of July 2014. His death has been described as a big blow both to music and banking industry especially in the African American communities.
A Grammy Award-winning producer made historical contributions to the music industry. He was known for his pioneering musical work at Motown Records, his independent label Groovesville Music/BMI, and for his success as an independent, Detroit music producer and hit-making executive at Stax Records.

Many of Davis’ compositions became Billboard chart-topping, platinum-selling hits. Davis was known for his work with music artist Johnnie Taylor, where he worked as the producer and songwriter on the 1968 hit “Whose Making Love.” In his musical career which spanned 60 years, his long lasting music has been sampled by many artists including Destiny’s Child, and rap mogul Jay-Z. Davis also produced the history making mega hit “Disco Lady,” which was the first single ever to be certified Billboard Platinum.

Davis was a lifelong entrepreneur and acknowledged leader in Detroit’s business community for almost five decades. His contributions in both the music and banking industries delivered a profound influence on modern culture throughout America and around the world.

Don Davis is survived by his wife Kiko, and three children.

Final arrangements will be completed by Swanson Funeral Home in Detroit, Michigan.