2023 Eddy Award Recipient

Leo Davis Jr. recently accepted a position as Senior Organist at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, TN.  He formerly served as the Minister of Worship for the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, TN, the largest congregation within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States. He employs a wide variety of musical genres such as traditional and contemporary gospel, African-American spirituals, anthems, and classical worship selections. Versatility in music has enabled him to successfully connect with multiple generations, cultures and ethnicities through worship music that inspires people to serve the Lord, fulfill His purpose for them, and love one another. His educational background includes a Doctor of Musical Arts (Church Music and Conducting) from the University of Massachusetts, and Bachelors of Music (Organ) from Roosevelt University (College of Music). He has served as guest concert organist and orchestral and choral conductor for churches, leading symphony orchestras, and universities around the country.

Among his many honors and achievements, he has served as the Resident Artist in Sacred and Classical Music with the Carr Center of Detroit, MI, and chorus master for the “Too Hot To Handle” performance at the Orpheum Theater of Memphis. Through his No Gimmicks worship consulting services, he has supported pastors, trained music ministry teams, and has lectured and conducted workshops. Most recently, he authored and published No Gimmicks- Relevancy, Commitment and Excellence in Worship. He has also written music and worship resources for a number of recent publications including GIA Publications and The African American Lectionary.