Sunday, July 20, 2008
Quick, A+E, Q&A

Calling Dr. Love

A Quick Q&A

Tom “Dr. Love” Davis has long been a fixture of Atlanta’s music scene, having spent years at local radio station WRFG-FM before establishing the Internet radio station www.dr-love.com. For the last decade, he’s also coordinated the Great Atlanta Blues & Music Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The Sunday Paper caught up with Davis to discuss his career, this year’s festival and its enduring appeal.—Meryl Frick

Q How did you get involved in the radio business?

A I started out at the University of Minnesota in the ’70s, working in radio and television production. From then on, I spent most of my career building stations around the country in cities like Dallas and Little Rock. I came to Atlanta to become general manager of a station called WRFG. After I left there in 1998, I started one of the first Internet radio stations, and around that same time, I took over the Blues and Music Festival. We’ve been doing that for 10 years now. I’ve been in the business for over 40 years.

Why do you hold the Great Atlanta Blues & Music Festival on Auburn Avenue?

Auburn Avenue at one time was the richest black street in America; there were thriving African American businesses and the music scene was very prolific. Some of the greatest entertainers who got their start down there were people like Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye—you name it. The whole Motown scene performed on Auburn Avenue. So one of the reasons for us doing it there is to draw attention to that music scene and try and help preserve that musical heritage.

Who are you excited about seeing perform at this year’s festival?

The Tams and the Drifters. The Tams are an original group that has not performed on Auburn Avenue in almost 30 years. And the Drifters have famous songs like “Under the Boardwalk.” They’re also a major part of the Auburn Avenue history. They grew up on that street. I’m looking forward to Tommy Brown and Willie Hill, as well. We also have an award to honor performers called the Smell the Roses Award, which is all about these great artists who have been greatly involved in the growth of the blues.

This is the 10th year of the festival. What do you think explains its popularity?

It’s a family-oriented event and includes all types of people who do music. The variety includes blues and folk groups like Radio Rambler, jazz and blues bands like the Kerry Hill Band, and R&B with performers like Lola. There’s even hip-hop. And there’s also a younger attraction to the festival, since there are activities for the kids. SP

The 10th annual Great Atlanta Blues & Music Festival takes place July 25-27 on Sweet Auburn Avenue. For schedules and other information, call 404-370-3705 or visit www.sweetauburn.com.