The producer, the DJ, the leader, an scholar, unpublished author, the man that developed House music in Baltimore, Thommy Davis summed up has a resume that is long and highlighted by the years of work and accomplishments that resonate in an incredible discography of friends, musicians, vocalist, and associates around the world in music and many from the city of Baltimore that to have broadened to global recognition. Most notably from the beginning his friendship and partnership with Sean Spencer (DJ Spen) has woven a history from the original Basement Boys, Those Guys, 33 1/3 Queen, Sublevel and and so many more with artists and musicians. Labels from Warner Brothers, Mercury, MCA, Code Red, and for the last 5 years Executive producer for Quantize Recordings, and Director for Unquantize including associated distribution UK distribution with Quantize Recordings label groups including Poji Records, Reelsoul Records, Soulfuledge Records, and Solid Ground.
His linage is still ongoing and he has a very active career as a DJ that keeps his pulse on his unique style and Baltimore drive that many describe as legendary with over 35 years of doing it professionally with the same passion that started with the vinyl era transcending into the modern digital sounds of today. He has a background in theater that over the years has made him a “self described” showman and DJ/Artist in the dwindling anti black entertainment Baltimore era of today. The past couple years, he as an musical artist, has achieved esteemed high global ranking in the top 15 of 200 on Traxsource digital music site with his first solo album that remained number one for two months in the world. From the beginning thirty years ago it was Spen & Thommy as it is today decades later.
Notable resume includes:
Crystal Waters- “Homeless” “100% Mercury Records
Pure Love” and “Surprise”- Mercury Records
Ultra Nate- first album and singles- Warner Bros
Those Guys- “Tonight”- MCA
Mass Order- “Lift Every Voice”- CBS
and much much more including multiple independent labels around the world!
Thommy’s community involvement ranges from counseling and activism in Baltimore integrating his time in the disparities and community issues such as homelessness, HIV/Aids, Hepatitis, Hypertension,substance abuse, Mental Health, and voting registration. He graduated from Baltimore Community College, Coppin University, and Morgan State accelerated McNair Doctoral program for undergrads achieving national recognition for perfect 4.0 GPA in double majors. His leadership led him to construct organizations that unite Baltimoreans as President of Collective Minds with annual attendance well over 10,000 for 21 years without corporate sponsorship reaching the urban community and broken records that outshine bigger city sponsored events aiming at the core of indigenous citizens that want more than what the city offers.
A gregarious personality with passion and love for his hometown, he has proven that many of its residents are equally proud of the city despite the city’s lack of support. Many of his organization’s events involve politicians, community organizations, and nonprofits from the Black Wax Museum to the Baltimore Health Department, to the Enoch Pratt Library, to health organizations that use his events to reach massive populations.
As of late, he has begun a journey in partnership with churches and religious organizations with a musical ministry. His love for Gospel house music has shown to bring people back to the church in praise and worship in four churches on the Eastern coast and soon to expand into a global movement.
With a lifetime of pride and devotion to his hometown he has never given up on pushing for the positive promotion of a city misrepresented in failed social economical portrayals that undermine the true generational roots of a great city’s struggle to persevere and build. It is his right to be a product of these generations before him despite the erosion of its historical perspective that is being demolished and wiped from existence leaving abandoned houses and a displaced community scarred and forgotten; a plight that is common in most US cities. Music and entertainment at one time was its cry and resultant product of its people white, black, immigrant or transplant. From the Royal Theater to the South Bank Jazz Society, to constant evolving of it’s once beautiful neighborhoods. Left in dilapidation in fading greatness, are a people still forging on, still wanting to be what their predecessors fought for. Many great Americans were born in Baltimore and have gifted the world with their birthright honor and it is time to set the record straight. He won’t stop. He can’t stop. It is a duty every Baltimorean should feel accountable for.
Lately his dedication, service, and accomplishments have driven documentaries, magazines, even a movie about his journey, including a MPR series of the evolution of music and Baltimore and now his first fiction book release. Writing is a passion for him and he has written 8 unpublished books! A modest man, he thinks that it is great to be recognized for a lifetime of work from many that felt that his journey needs to be told, but from his perspective it is only a beginning to tell many stories on the backs of those that he can’t let be forgotten.
