Mac Davis’ Legacy Honored With New Song Painter Fund
Mac Davis Enterprises has announced a new charitable fund set up to support causes and endeavors that were near and dear to the legendary late songwriter’s heart.
Established to honor Davis’ legacy, “Song Painter: The Mac Davis Fund for the Art of Songwriting” aims to promote greater appreciation for the craft and artistry of songwriting. The Song Painter Fund is designed to respond to the needs of emerging songwriters, and to foster creative innovation through workshops, music and songwriting programs at high-profile institutions, and more. It will actively support work by underrepresented songwriters and strive to recognize organizations that believe in the importance of the role music plays in human culture.
The Song Painter Fund was realized through guidance from Mac Davis’ widow, Lisë Davis, who will actively collaborate with advisors on what projects to fund. The Song Painter Fund will be administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“Mac’s Foundation will work tirelessly to elevate the craft of songwriting by creating platforms where artists can explore new boundaries in musical storytelling,” said Davis. “Mac considered himself a songwriter above all else and I know he would want to support songwriters of the next generation.”
“I loved Mac, I still love Mac and think of him all the time. Mac was one of the greatest talents of all time, especially his songwriting and I was fortunate to have the honor of co-writing many songs with Mac,” said Dolly Parton. “The songs were good of course, but not nearly as good as the fun and the love we shared while we were writing them. I will cherish our friendship forever. Mac was always very supportive of me and helped me a great deal in my early years. I miss you Mac.”
“Few artists have been as prolific a song writer as Mac,” said Reba McEntire. “His lyrics have touched so many lives around the world. He has impacted people on stage, the silver screen, and TV with his lyrics, voice, and personality. His legacy will influence songwriters forever. I am so honored to have known him, and it’s been a privilege to call him my friend.”
Davis first garnered widespread recognition when Elvis Presley recorded his poignant ballad “In The Ghetto.” Following the song’s success, Davis continued to write for Presley, creating other memorable hits like “Memories,” “Don’t Cry Daddy” and “A Little Less Conversation.” Davis’ songwriting talent extended to other artists as well, including Bobby Goldsboro, Vikki Carr, Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, Nancy Sinatra, Bruno Mars, Weezer, and Avicii, to name a few.
Establishing the foundation marks the commencement of a multitude of projects envisioned to pay tribute to Davis’ enduring legacy including several books, a Broadway production and career retrospectives. Fans can also explore the all-new website, complete with a monthly blog, never-before-seen photos, videos, and details from his decades-long music, songwriting and acting career. One-of-a-kind Mac Davis merchandise will also soon be available to purchase.
