[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E952-E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN MEMORY OF DON DAVIS AND HIS REMARKABLE IMPACT ON THE GREATER DETROIT 
                               COMMUNITY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2014

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a great 
citizen of the State of Michigan, Mr. Don Davis, a pioneer in music and 
business. Mr. Davis passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at the age 
of 75. He is survived by his wife, Kiko, and his three children.
  A three-time Grammy winner, Don knew that he had a passion for music 
at an early age and once told the Detroit News, ``The music industry 
chose me. If there is a gene for music, I had one.''
  Don began his music career as a session musician in the early sixties 
for Detroit based Motown Records. He played guitar on their hits, 
``Money (That's What I Want)'' by Barrett Strong, a song that would 
later be covered by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Doors, and 
``Bye Bye Baby'' by Mary Wells, reaching number 45 on the Billboard 
Charts.
  As a songwriter, Don experienced his first major hit in 1968 with 
Johnnie Taylor's ``Who's Making Love,'' which peaked at number 5 on the 
Billboard Charts. In 1976, he collaborated with Johnnie Taylor again, 
producing the song ``Disco Lady'', the first single to be certified 
platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
  Twenty years later, Don would expand beyond his outstanding music 
career to become the CEO and Chairman of the First Independence Bank, 
the only African-American owned bank in Michigan.
  First Independence Bank, which operates a number of Detroit branches, 
has been named by Black Enterprise Magazine as one of the top 15 
African-American owned banks in the country. In 2012, coming out of the 
Great Recession, First Independence Bank was able to record the most 
profitable year in its history and increase its total assets to $185 
million.
  As CEO, Don took his responsibility to his community seriously. In 
his 18 years as CEO, Don made it a priority to improve his community by 
focusing on its housing needs and providing excellent banking services 
to small business owners and families in Southeast Michigan.
  Over many years, Don grew First Independence Bank into a trusted 
financial institution with loyal customers. Don believed that First 
Independence Bank could provide quality services to communities and 
customers who were previously overlooked by other banks. He was 
successful in advancing this mission.

[[Page E953]]

  Mr. Speaker, I will miss Don greatly and I know he will be missed by 
many in our community. I ask that you all join me in honoring his 
lifetime achievements and service. He will remain in our thoughts and 
his legacy will live on in Michigan and across our Nation.

                          ____________________