NEWS:
Sunday Morning, April 13, 2008, Ted Nugent's
drummer/producer, Cliff Davies, passed away in Dallas,
Georgia. He was 59 years old.
Cliff was best known as the drummer and producer for
Ted Nugent in the 1970's and early 1980's when Ted was at
his peak. This wasn't a surprise. As those closest to him
know, and Ted himself admitted many times during that
period, Cliff is the man responsible for making Ted Nugent a
household name.
Originally brought in to produce Ted by Lew Futterman in
1975 and eventually, taking over duties behind the drums.
his contributions to Ted Nugent's career cannot be ignored.
He was an Unknown Hero of Rock a man who did his job but is
often overlooked beyond being a name on an album jacket.
However, beyond just his production credits, for example,
there are many little known pieces of trivia, Cliff was the
voice on the studio version of the song Stormtroopin. Derek
St. Holmes who always sung the song live, didn't
particularly like the song and so Cliff stepped in to
provide the studio vocal. He also co-wrote and/or arranged
all of Ted Nugent's biggest hits though given little or no
credit. He didn't need that. That was the way he was. The
ultimate team player. For example, the "Bolero" section of
Stranglehold was created by Cliff. He also wrote the
songs "Together" and "I Love You So I Told You A Lie" from
Free-For-All. Again, all of this behind the scenes and never
was there any complaints about who should get credit.
After leaving Ted Nugent in the early 1980's, Cliff
spent time working as a producer for various projects
including the final Grand Funk album, "What's Funk".
Eventually, however, he walked away from the industry.
In recent years, Cliff lived in the Atlanta, Georgia
area. In 2005, after a brief reunion with former bandmates
Rob Grange and Derek St. Holmes, he began work on the
development of the Rock and Roll Remembers Foundation,
a charity close to his heart. The foundation, in Cliff's
words, was a long time in coming as there was a need that
needed to be filled.
And so Rock and Roll Remembers was created specifically
targeting those within the rock and roll industry. It's
mission was and is to aid and assist those within the rock
and roll community who fall on hard times. Even though he
was not financially secure himself, he generously donated
his time to help this cause, something that will never be
forgotten by those whom we are able to help in the future.
That was the way Cliff lived. He always had time for others.
His work will not be for naught and the foundation will move
forward in the hopes of being able to truly help those in
need the way Cliff wanted. However, there is a giant void
that may never be filled.
His final production credit and recorded appearances
were all to benefit Rock and Roll Remembers. As a member of
the Unknown Heroes of Rock, Cliff produced a studio EP
featuring himself on drums and an assortment of friends
lending a hand to help raise money for the foundation. It is
currently available exclusively through the foundation. (If
you would like a copy, please contact Rock and Roll
Remembers.) He also made his final public appearance at a
benefit concert on April 5, 2008 in Fresno, California as
part of the Unknown Heroes.
At this time all I can say is my friend will be missed.
