James Thunderbird Davis - What Else Is There To Do (rehearsal) Mp3 Apr 2026

Davis first recorded "What Else Is There To Do" as a single for Don Robey’s Duke Records in 1961 (Duke 343). While critically lauded, his early work remained largely regional to the Deep South, leading to his temporary withdrawal from the music industry for nearly 20 years.

Tracked in the late 1980s, the rehearsal captured Davis's soulful, gospel-rooted delivery in a raw environment before he headed to Southlake Recording Studio in Metairie, Louisiana. Davis first recorded "What Else Is There To

The rehearsal of " What Else Is There To Do " is a rare, informal recording that provides an intimate look into the late-career comeback of a Texas blues legend. Recorded on a cassette tape in the living room of Black Top Records co-founder Hammond Scott at 5340 Camp St., this session served as a reference for Davis's landmark 1989 studio album, Check Out Time . Background and Context The rehearsal of " What Else Is There

Tragically, Davis's revived career was short-lived; he died of a heart attack while performing on stage at the Blues Saloon in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 24, 1992. Paul, Minnesota, on January 24, 1992

This specific tape is valued by blues enthusiasts as it documents the "reawakening" of Davis's career. Hammond Scott found Davis in Houma, Louisiana, in 1988 at a time when many believed the singer had passed away. Studio Version and Comeback