With his distinctive tone, Lem Davis (born Lemuel A. Davis) was one of the busiest alto saxophone players during the small jazz combo era of the 1940s and '50s. In addition to playing with bands led by Coleman Hawkins, Rex Stewart, and Eddie Heywood, Davis led his own band featuring Emmett Berry on trumpet, Vic Dickerson on trombone, and Dodo Marmarosa on piano. After recording with jazz vocalist Billie Holiday as a member of Heywood's band in 1944, Davis went on to record with John Kirby, Joe Thomas, and Eddie Safranski. Although he reached his apex in the 1940s, Davis continued to perform in the New York area during the 1950s. He appeared on an album recorded during a jam session with influential trumpet player Buck Clayton. Unable to make the transition from swing to bebop, Davis faded into obscurity. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi