Richard Davis (1930–2023) was a world-renowned jazz and classical bassist known for his virtuosic technique and genre-spanning collaborations. Born in Chicago, he performed with legends like Eric Dolphy, Van Morrison, and Bruce Springsteen. In 1977, Davis joined the University of Wisconsin–Madison as a professor, mentoring generations of musicians over nearly four decades. He founded the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists and initiated programs promoting racial healing and diversity. An NEA Jazz Master and DownBeat’s Best Bassist (1967–1974), Davis left an indelible mark on both the global music scene and the Madison community.