Celebrating Tim Davis: Providence's Music Man

Tim Davis on mic at WBOB studios (Photo: Thomas Alan Photography)

Kevin Aherne

Tim Davis wasn't a musician, at least not formally. But if you talk to any local musician in Providence, Rhode Island, they knew Tim Davis. 

In what can be described as a cannibalistic culture, Tim Davis was one of only a few individuals in the Providence music scene who fought against the tide to bring everyone together. For Tim, it was all about the music. And to Tim, the music was all about community, expression, love, and happiness.

Tim passed away Saturday, far ahead of his time, leaving behind a gaping hole in the community. But, in his absence, we will all fill that hole with the love, care, and vivacity that Tim showed to everyone in his life. 

Tim Davis was one of the most influential friends in my life. And I wish I had the chance to remind him of that one last time. 

When I first met Tim, I was at a low point in my life. I had lost my job, and a significant relationship had fallen to pieces. It feels silly now, how lost I felt, but I truly felt derailed. At this point, Tim and I were barely acquaintances -- we had met a few times through mutual friends, and had spent time together only incidentally.  

Tim, however, knew that all was not right in my life. And he refused to let me slip through the cracks. 

He refused to let me sit at home alone and mope. He would not let me dwell on the things that I could not change. He knew that I was hurting, and did what he could to stop the bleeding. Whether it was an obscure concert in Boston, a trip to the gym, or just hanging out and binge-watching Lost, Tim kept my mind occupied and my soul energized. Tim took me under his wing for a time, until I was ready to fly again on my own. 

In fact, it was Tim who offered me my first opportunity in radio, and encouraged me to pursue writing professionally. Both of which I still actively participate today. 

​And that's just me. In the past few days, many of those who knew Tim Davis reached out to me and shared similar stories about how Tim refused to let people quit on themselves. 

In addition to his benevolence toward the music community and every person in his life, Tim Davis holds a special place in the heart of 990WBOB and its history.  He served as Host of 990WBOB's Torch the Radio from 2009 until 2012, where he uncovered some great music locally and beyond. He also co-founded and curated 990WBOB's Mondays on Blast, which for two years worth of Mondays showcased some of the best local artistic talent that could be found (found by Tim, that is). He also played an integral role in planning 990WBOB's signature cancer fundraiser BoobStock III -- widely considered the best of the five BoobStocks. 

"Tim was an instrumental force in 990WBOB's early growth," said 990WBOB founder and General Manager, Adam Palazio. "He could brighten a room with his smile and carefree spirit. The entire city of Providence has suffered a great loss. I am truly saddened by the passing of a genuine man."

Tim was a champion of the Providence music community, a source of perpetual energy and positivity, and most importantly -- our friend. Tim Davis' life was far too short, but he did get the best out of those years.

​Actually, WE got the best of those years.

Share Your Tim Davis Stories

​This Wednesday, we want to create an everlasting memorial for Tim Davis. From 8 to 9 PM, 990WBOB will air a Tim Davis Memorial show, hosted by Kevin Aherne, and we encourage ALL of you to call in and share your fondest memories of Tim.

​The call-in number is 401-626-4665.