He was 66. Davis was taken to hospital in September and was undergoing rehabilitation at a suburban Chicago nursing home at the time of his death, Leo Graham said.
Davis began his career in the 1960s and his baritone voice and warm and romantic singing style made him popular in the 1970s. He was best known for the hits Can I Change My Mind?" and Turn Back the Hands of Time" for the Dakar label.
Davis moved to Columbia Records in 1976, where he recorded several hits, including Give It Up (Turn It Loose)" and the ballad In the Mood."
As his popularity faded in the 1980s, he was released by Columbia, though he continued to record. He was promoting his latest release when he had the stroke, Graham said.
Born in Greenville, Miss., Davis came under the influence of blues legends Bobby (Blue) Bland, Little Milton and Otis Clay. He sang at clubs in Chicago before landing his first recording contract.
-- Associated Press
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