ASU music students perform with renowned blues musician Daryl Davis

Seven Arizona State University music students had the unique experience of performing with renowned blues and rock musician Daryl Davis, whose international music career includes playing with legend Chuck Berry as his pianist for 32 years.

On March 19, Davis presented a lecture — "Klan We Talk?" — followed by a live performance that included undergraduate performance majors in the School of Music, Dance and Theatre’s popular music and jazz studies programs.

In addition to his musical career, Davis is equally known for his work on civil conversations to ignite positive change against racial prejudice, including having discussions with members of the Ku Klux Klan. Since 1990, Davis has inspired over 200 people to leave that group simply by sitting down and starting a dialogue with them, often stating that “the music ... brought us together.”

“I had a blast performing alongside Mr. Davis, however; my biggest takeaway from the event was his advice to regularly make an effort to ‘walk across the cafeteria’ — in other words, to introduce yourself and talk to someone new on a regular basis,” said Daniel Morissett, an undergraduate in the performance (jazz) program. “That is how we build bridges of understanding and love among each other.”

Typhanie Coller, clinical assistant professor of popular music, said the experience with Davis showed students the deeper purpose of art and highlighted the power of one’s voice.

“Students are reminded that music is about communication, connection and impact,” she said. “Artists have a unique platform to inspire others, raise awareness and create meaningful social change. Experiences like these help students see that their voices matter, and they can use their creativity to express who they are and what they believe. Music is more than a skill, it is a tool for healing, self-discovery and empowerment.”

Student performers included Danny Morrissett (jazz, tenor saxophone), Dorian Moore (jazz, trumpet), Ian Karnick (jazz, saxophone) and popular music students and members of The Joeys: Logan Cormany (bass, vocals), Hayden Lamm (drums), Dean Cheney (guitar, vocals) and Ben Maurer (keyboard).

“I knew we had phenomenally talented musicians in our jazz and popular music programs who would be up to the task of performing at this important event,” said Christi Jay Wells, associate professor of musicology, who was contacted by event organizers with the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics to identify student performers.

Wells worked with Michael Kocour, professor and director of jazz studies, and Coller to assemble a group of students to perform at the event, which also marked a collaborative effort between the jazz studies and popular music programs.

“The impact of providing students with the opportunity to perform alongside living legends in their field creates a full-circle moment for an aspiring artist, where what they have studied, practiced and admired becomes a lived experience,” said Coller.

Coller said that shared experience also fosters a powerful musical connection that offers mentorship, perspective and a deeper understanding of their craft.

“I think this really speaks to how deeply our students care about the work their music does in the world and the numerous ways they as artists can use the platforms they build to impact society in transformative ways,” Wells said.

Elizabeth Grumbach, assistant director of research and strategic communications for the Lincoln Center for Applied Ethics, said the performance not only showcased the talent of ASU students, but it also “served as a perfect epilogue to an event designed to build community, bridge differences and foster constructive dialogue.

“Music, performance and joyful togetherness are powerful tools for promoting civic engagement and strengthening community, especially in times of division and isolation,” she said.

Dean Cheney, an undergraduate in the music (popular music) program, said he was grateful to participate in what he called an "inspiring day,” and said it was an honor to play with Davis, calling him humble and open to what the students brought to the performance.

“Playing ‘Johnny B Goode,’ with Chuck Berry’s right-hand man was especially important for me as I have been playing that song since I was 9 years old, informing my musical upbringing probably more than any other one song,” Cheney said.

Logan Cormany, another undergraduate in the music (popular music) program, said the experience was extra special to The Joeys because their sound is directly inspired by Chuck Berry and his contributions to rock 'n' roll music.

“Not only was it surreal getting to meet and play with the co-conspirator of rock 'n' roll, but it was also incredibly inspiring listening to Mr. Davis share his stories on the work he has done with former KKK members and neo-Nazis,” said Cormany. “His bravery and courage to combat such deep-rooted hatred with a simple conversation is what stood out to me the most. It is amazing what someone can accomplish when they have the right words to say.”