Geater Davis
Vernon "Geater" Davis was an American soul singer and songwriter born on January 29, 1946, in Kountze, Texas, and he passed away on September 29, 1984, at age 38 from a heart attack in Dallas, Texas. Known as one of the South's great lost soul singers, his voice blended sweetness with sandpaper grit, often compared to O.V. Wright and Bobby "Blue" Bland. He was the youngest of five children born to DeWitt and Cornella Davis.
In the late 1960s, record producer Allen Orange discovered Davis performing alongside Reuben Bell, leading to recordings in Birmingham, Alabama, on Orange's House of Orange label. His debut single, "Sweet Woman's Love," reached #45 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1970, followed by an album of the same name now hailed as a deep soul classic. Davis frequently wrote or co-wrote his material, showcasing his songwriting talent.
After House of Orange closed in 1972, Davis recorded for labels like Luna, 77 Records (at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals), Ace, and MT, with singles such as "Your Heart Is So Cold" hitting #64 on the R&B chart in 1973. He toured heavily on blues and chitlin' circuits despite modest sales, releasing disco tracks later and leaving behind his wife Lula, daughters Vernecia and Laquita, and stepdaughter Sandra. Bobby "Blue" Bland honored him posthumously by covering "Sweet Woman's Love" and "I've Just Got To Know" on his 1985 album Members Only.
Sweet Woman’s Love
Written-By – R. Bell, V. Davis
3:02
A2 For Your Precious Love
Written-By – R. Brooks, J. Butler, V. Davis
8:36
A3 I Love You
Written-By – V. Davis
2:45
A4 I Can Hold My Own
Written-By – V. Davis
4:12
B1 Cry, Cry, Cry
Written-By – Malone
7:23
B2 Don’t Marry A Fool
Written-By – R. Bell, V. Davis
2:33
B3 St. James Infirmary
Written By – S. Crump-D. Jaye, V. Davis
3:24
B4 Wrapped Up In You
Written-By – V. Davis
2:56
B5 Sweet Woman’s Love
Written-By – R. Bell, V. Davis
2:35
Label: House Of Orange – HOS-6000
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul, Deep Soul
Released in 1971 on the House of Orange label, Sweet Woman’s Love is widely regarded by collectors and critics as a deep soul classic. Geater Davis is frequently cited as a highly underrated figure in Southern soul, often compared to Bobby "Blue" Bland for his ability to blend blues and soul with raw emotional intensity.
Critics describe his voice as a unique combination of "sweetness and sandpaper grit". His singing is characterized as impassioned, tormented, and full of trademark "rasps and growls" that suit songs of loneliness and despair.
The album features powerful arrangements, notably a horn section that provides significant character to the title track, which reached No. 45 on the R&B charts in 1970.
Davis often collaborated with fellow Southern soul artist Reuben Bell. His work on this album is noted for its "anguished and impassioned" nature, perfectly suited to the deep blues ballad format.
Key Tracks:- "Sweet Woman's Love": The title track and a standout "super deep blues ballad"; "For Your Precious Love": An 8-minute-plus epic known for its belted-out screams and intense vocal performance; "I Can Hold My Own": Frequently highlighted as a track that "burrows its way under your skin" and is considered essential for soul enthusiasts.
Despite its high regard among "soul heaven" aficionados, the album never achieved significant commercial success during Davis's lifetime, leading many to label him a "lost soul" artist.
On Discogs, the album consistently maintains a high user rating, typically between 4.3 and 4.6 out of 5 stars across various pressings. Original House of Orange pressings are rare, but the album has been reissued on 180-gram vinyl by labels like Bear Family Records, featuring restored sound and original artwork.
Sweet Woman s Love Sweet Womans Love