We had the good fortune of connecting with Larry Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At 19, I became the original trumpet player for the Village People, which launched my career and took me around the world. I later joined Instant Funk, recording with legendary Philadelphia International artists under Gamble and Huff and Bunny Sigler, including The O’Jays, Patti LaBelle, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and Lou Rawls. Instant Funk also scored a hit with Got My Mind Made Up, earning us induction into the Legends of Vinyl Hall of Fame. My journey continued as I toured with Prince and Rick James, and worked with Nick Martinelli on recordings with Diana Ross, Loose Ends, and Regina Belle. I eventually became a producer for TK and Atlantic Records, collaborating with icons such as James Brown, Tito Puente, Jon Secada, the Gucci Crew, and DSK. I also co-wrote and produced L’Trimm’s hit Cars with the Boom and arranged the sports anthem by 2 Unlimited Are You Ready For This?. Today, I perform with Gypsy Lane, a powerhouse band with deep roots in party music. The group’s original members (including myself) were the backing musicians for the Village People, the Ritchie Family, Instant Funk, and other legendary acts. After years of touring and recording with artists like Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper, Lou Rawls, Phyllis Hyman, James Brown, Tito Puente Jr., and 2 Unlimited, myself and the bass player Alfonso Carey revived Gypsy Lane and brought it into Florida’s vibrant party scene Blending seasoned musicianship with fresh talent—including a powerhouse vocalist from South Africa with roots in theater, a young drummer from Philadelphia with roots in gospel, and jazz, the talents of a beautiful Brazilian performer, and musicians who worked with KC and the Sunshine Band, Tito Nieves, Gloria Estevan etc—the band delivers an electrifying mix of Motown, reggae, soul, funk, disco, and hip hop. With Gypsy Lane, one thing is guaranteed: you won’t be able to stand still.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A visit to South Beach (SoBe) for its iconic, lively, and perfect people-watching opportunities. Walk Ocean Drive for the Art Deco architecture. Visit Key Biscayne & Crandon Park for a quieter, family-friendly beach with great views of Miami’s skyline. there is also Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: A stunning European-style villa with gorgeous gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay. A must is a visit to the Everglades Airboat Tour to ride an airboat and spot gators in their natural habitat. A visit to Little Havana with a stroll on Calle Ocho, sipping Cuban coffee, watching domino games, and catching live Latin music is also a treat. Samurai is an awesome restaurant to have lunch at and for our party animals, visit LIV at the Fontainebleau, E11even (open 24/7), or Story for full Miami nightlife energy. The Wharf offers outdoor waterfront party vibes with food trucks and live DJs. Lastly, a boat tour of Biscayne Bay: See Star Island’s celebrity mansions and the skyline from the water is one of my favorites

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
God for all my blessings and my family and friends for a life full of wionderful memories

Website: http://www.gypsylaneband.com

Facebook: https://facebook.com/GypsyLane

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.