Grammy Award-Winning Musician and Author to Present Convocation on his Interactions with the Ku Klux Klan

 Daryl Davis, a distinguished and award-winning musician, author and lecturer, will present the weekly convocation address on Friday, April 10 at 10:50 a.m. in the Carleton College Concert Hall. Davis’ presentation, entitled “Klan-Destine Relationships,” recounts his incredible journey into the mind of the Ku Klux Klan and is free and open to the public.

Driven by a desire to understand the thoughts of those who hated him merely because of the color of his skin, Davis set out to meet Roger Kelly, Imperial Wizard of the Invincible Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Through conversations with Kelly and other members of the Klan, Davis came to the conclusion that harmony between the races can be achieved. In 1997 he published an account of his experience, the acclaimed book “Klan-Destine Relationship: A Black Man’s Odyssey in the Ku Klux Klan” (New Horizon Press, 1997. He believes that as people come to know one another on a social basis, racism can be ended. Today, Davis seeks to empower others to confront their own prejudices and overcome their fears.

Davis spent his early childhood in Europe and Africa, the son of a Foreign Service officer. He recalls that he didn’t experience racism until he returned to the United States at age 10 and was pelted with rocks, splintered bottles and debris while carrying the American flag for his all-white Cub Scout troop at a parade in Boston. At 15, he was jeered at and a hate group told him that he would be shipped back to Africa. In his 20s, already an up-and-coming musician, Davis was attacked by a racist cop.

Still, Davis went on to become a Grammy Award-winning blues and R&B pianist, in addition to his career as an author and lecturer. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from Howard University, where he was a member of their famed Howard University choir and renowned Jazz Vocal Ensemble. A jumpstart in his career occurred in 1985, when 72-year-old Pinetop Perkins, one of the founding fathers of Boogie Woogie and considered to be one of the greatest Blues and Boogie pianists, selected then 27-year-old Davis to succeed him in the piano and vocal slot of the Muddy Waters Legendary Blues Band. As a performer, Davis has worked with countless greats such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley’s Jordanaires and The Coasters. He was the featured pianist on Cephas and Wiggins’ 1992 Grammy Award-winning album, “Flip Flop & Fly.”

Davis’ appearance is sponsored by the Office of College Relations. The Concert Hall is located just off First Street and Winona Street in Northfield. For additional information or disability accommodations, contact Kerry Raadt at (507) 222-4308.