Ben Davis (Selmer)

Ben Davis (1896? – 1990?) was a British saxophonist, businessman and author.

He served in the British army until 1919. After being demobbed he became a self-taught saxophonist, playing Dixieland jazz in many big bands, including his own. He later wrote two instructional books about saxophone playing.

After meeting Henri Selmer in 1928, Davis formed the London branch of the French Selmer Company with an office at Davis House, 12 Moor Street, London W1. Selmer UK expanded from 1934 to 1939, moving to 126 Charing Cross Road, London WC2 and becoming the largest musical instrument company in Britain.

In 1953 Lew Davis, a professional trombonist and Ben Davis's brother, joined the business and ran the brass and woodwind sections in the new showrooms at 114-116 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2. This served as the head office and showroom until the 1970s.

By 1964, Ben and Lew Davis sold their majority holding in Selmer (UK) and retired to the south of France, where Ben lived until his 90s.

ee also

*The Selmer Company
*Saxophone embouchure

References

*Davis, Ben, "The Saxophone: A Comprehensive Course". London, Henri Selmer & Co., 1932.
*Davis, Ben, "The New Saxophone Embouchure". London, 1928.

External links

* [http://www.donmack.com/SelmerSaxophones/SelmerLondon.htm The Story of Henri Selmer Co. London and Ben Davis] , by Don Mackrill
* [http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/gallery/gallery3/stor.html "The Story of Henri Selmer Co. UK and Ben Davis"] by Steve Russel
* [http://www.petethomas.co.uk/saxophone-embouchure.html excerpt from Davis's book] "The Saxophone: A Comprehensive Course" dealing with different styles of saxophone embouchure