Fresh Air Episode Summary: "Terry Gross Remembers Her Late Husband, Francis Davis"

Introduction

Release Date: May 1, 2025
Hosted by Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley, this poignant episode of Fresh Air marks Terry Gross's first show after a hiatus of approximately two and a half weeks. The episode serves as a heartfelt remembrance of Terry's late husband, Francis Davis, who passed away on April 14 after battling a prolonged illness. This tribute not only honors Francis's remarkable contributions to jazz criticism and popular culture but also delves into their personal journey together.

Francis Davis: A Luminary in Jazz Criticism

Francis Davis was widely recognized for his insightful writing on jazz and popular culture. Terry Gross begins by highlighting obituaries from the New York Times that encapsulate Francis's influence:

• Adam Nosseter in the New York Times stated, "his specialty was teasing meaning from the sounds he heard, situating them in America's history, culture and society," emphasizing his role as one of the most influential jazz writers from the 1980s onward (02:15).
• Nate Chinen described him as "a giant of jazz criticism" in the NPR obituary.

Francis's versatility extended beyond jazz; he penned essays on movies, TV, books, and other music forms. Over his career, he contributed to esteemed publications such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Village Voice, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. His work earned him seven books, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and a Grammy for his liner notes on Miles Davis's Kind of Blue 50th Anniversary Collector's Edition.

Personal Reflections and Stories

Terry shares deeply personal anecdotes, beginning with how they met:

• Meeting Francis: In the 1970s, while managing a record store near WHYY (the station airing Fresh Air), Francis's extensive and rare record collection caught Terry's attention. Recognizing his talent, Terry invited him to contribute to their local three-hour daily show. Francis's exceptional writing quality led to the creation of the weekly Fresh Air feature, "Interval," cementing both his professional and personal bond with Terry (04:25).

Excerpts from Francis's Work

Throughout the episode, Terry reads excerpts from Francis's essays, accompanied by related musical performances:

• On Miles Davis's Kind of Blue: Francis's Grammy-winning liner notes are showcased, where he explains the album's historical significance and its enduring appeal across generations. He eloquently describes John Coltrane's solo in "Flamenco Sketches," highlighting the spiritual depth and technical mastery inherent in the piece (06:00).

• Profile of Sonny Rollins: Francis's 1984 profile of tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins is recounted, wherein he praises Rollins as "the greatest living jazz improviser" and explores the delicate balance between spontaneity and organization in improvisation. This essay not only solidified Rollins's legacy but also established Francis's reputation as a discerning critic (07:45).

• Blind Willie Johnson: An excerpt from Francis's 1995 book, The History of the Blues, is presented, detailing the life and musical prowess of Blind Willie Johnson. Francis paints a vivid picture of Johnson's intense spiritual and musical journey, culminating in his iconic 1927 recording of "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" (10:30).

• Review of Passion Musical: Terry shares Francis's essay reviewing the original cast recording of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Passion. The review delves into the complex emotions and themes portrayed in the musical, mirroring Francis's own battle with a severe bacterial infection during its culmination (14:50).

Legacy and Impact

Francis's contributions extended beyond his writings:

• Village Voice Annual Jazz Critics Poll: Francis founded and managed this influential poll, which later transitioned to NPR Music and is currently hosted on artsfuse.org as the Annual Francis Davis Jazz Poll, managed by Tom Ho.

• Influence on Pop Culture: Francis's coinage of terms like "outcat" reflected his keen observations of the music scene, blending notions of outcasts with avant-garde tendencies. His essays often spotlighted both legendary figures and emerging talents, fostering a deeper appreciation for diverse musical expressions (18:00).

Personal Resilience and Final Days

Terry recounts the challenging period leading up to Francis's passing:

• Hospitalization: Amidst completing his companion book for a PBS series on the History of the Blues, Francis contracted a serious infection. The ordeal was harrowing, with Terry taking on nursing responsibilities to administer IV antibiotics—an experience fraught with anxiety about potential contamination and the delicate nature of intravenous treatments (09:00).

• Enduring Love: Throughout the narrative, Terry emphasizes the profound bond they shared over 47 years, united by their mutual passion for music, movies, and literature. She reflects on how revisiting Francis's writings has become a way to stay connected with him, offering solace and continuity amidst grief (15:00).

Final Tribute and Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Terry expresses her gratitude to listeners for their support and shares her enduring love for Francis:

"Francis, my husband, my best friend. Thank you for our 47 years together. You will live on in your writing and always in my heart." (27:24)

This deeply emotional episode serves not only as a tribute to Francis Davis's illustrious career and personal impact but also as a testament to the enduring power of love and shared passions.

Notable Quotes

• Terry Gross on Francis's Writing:
  "To sum up my husband's place as a writer, I'm going to quote from a couple of the obits in the New York Times..." (00:17)

• Francis on Kind of Blue:
  "In terms of where it falls in jazz history, Kind of Blue is celebrated for being the album that popularized improvising on modes..." (06:00)

• Francis on Sonny Rollins:
  "Rollins is the greatest living jazz improviser. No arguments, please." (07:45)

• Terry Reflecting on Their Relationship:
  "Music, movies, books. These were passions we shared and loved talking about with each other." (08:00)

Related Performances

The episode features several musical excerpts that underscore Francis's essays:

1. John Coltrane's Solo on "Flamenco Sketches" from Kind of Blue (05:30)
2. Sonny Rollins' Unaccompanied Opening on "Skylark" (07:10)
3. Blind Willie Johnson's "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground" (10:30)
4. Donna Murphy's "I Wish I Could Forget You" from Passion (18:12)
5. Unknown Performer singing "Flesh and Blood Beside" from Good Night and Good Luck (25:54)

Conclusion

This episode of Fresh Air offers a moving homage to Francis Davis, intertwining his professional achievements with the personal love story he shared with Terry Gross. Through eloquent readings, heartfelt anecdotes, and evocative musical selections, listeners are granted an intimate glimpse into the life of a man who profoundly influenced jazz criticism and enriched the cultural landscape.