JESSE ED DAVIS: NATURAL ANTHEM EXHIBITION OPENS AT THE BOB DYLAN CENTER ON NOVEMBER 15, CELEBRATING LIFE AND LEGACY OF NATIVE AMERICAN GUITARIST
TULSA, Okla. (Sept. 17, 2024) — Jesse Ed Davis: Natural Anthem, a career-spanning exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary rock ‘n’ roll musician and member of the Native American Music Hall of Fame, opens to the public at the Bob Dylan Center on Friday, Nov. 15.
Exhibit co-curators Joy Harjo and Doug Miller delve into Davis’ origin story and family background and chart his ascendance as a songwriter and go-to guitarist for a who’s-who of 1970s musical icons. The exhibit also considers his embodiment of the Kiowa Nation’s “warrior” archetype and celebrates his enduring legacy as an influential guitarist and cultural figure.
As curators, Harjo and Miller have assembled a trove of previously unheard recordings and unseen images; Davis’ instruments and personal mementos; striking photographs of Davis and fellow musicians such as Dylan, George Harrison and Rod Stewart; and items on loan from Davis’ relatives exclusively for the exhibit.
The members-only opening event on Thursday, Nov. 14 will feature comments from co-curators Harjo and Miller and a performance by indie-rock musician Scott McCaughey (R.E.M., The Baseball Project, Young Fresh Fellows, The Minus 5, The No Ones), who cites Davis as an influence and inspiration. McCaughey’s brief set will include an original song written about Davis as well as songs by Davis and Dylan.
On Friday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m., Miller will take part in a public discussion and book signing at the Bob Dylan Center, an event co-presented with Magic City Books.
