Thornetta Davis, Detroit’s own Queen of the Blues, lit up the stage at a recent Killer Blues Headstone Project fundraiser. This sold-out show was held at Unruly Brewing Company in Muskegon, Michigan on Saturday, November 8th. Note: Please see below for more background on the Killer Blues Headstone Project.
Kicking off the evening was the Vincent Hayes Band, a longtime presence on the Western Michigan Blues scene, whose set immediately immersed the crowd in deep, soulful rhythms. Leading the charge, Vincent Hayes showcased a distinct, resonant tone on the guitar—a clear nod to his legendary heroes, including the slide mastery of Elmore James, the raw electric power of Muddy Waters, and the sophisticated finesse of B.B. King.
The band’s performance was a masterful blend that seamlessly weaved between time-honored blues standards and compelling original recordings drawn from Hayes’ own catalog. These included gritty selections from his album Reclamation and several energetic tracks from his most recent release, The Grind, proving the Vincent Hayes Band remains essential listening for any true blues enthusiast.
The energy at Unruly Brewing reached a fever pitch as the Thornetta Davis Band took the stage, ushering in the arrival of Thornetta Davis, Detroit’s Queen of the Blues.
Davis wasted no time in capturing the room. Her strong and soulful voice was an irresistible force, immediately bringing the audience to its feet and filling the dance floor. Her performance of the Willie Dixon classic “Wang Dang Doodle” was delivered with such power and authentic blues spirit that it surely would have earned a smile from the legendary Koko Taylor herself.
A definite highlight of the evening was the band’s heartfelt and visceral take on the Allman Brothers’ iconic track “Whipping Post.” This powerful and poignant ballad was an opportunity for Davis and her band to pour every ounce of their considerable soul into their playing, resulting in a truly memorable moment.
Davis’s presence is a testament to her decades-long career. She has paid her dues in the blues, earning numerous accolades and sharing the stage with legends like Etta James, Ray Charles, and B.B. King, just to name a few. While it has been some time since her last album release, her continued relevance and mastery were underscored by her recent triumph in 2025, when she was once again named the Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year at the prestigious Blues Music Awards.
The concert itself was proof enough: the Queen still reigns supreme.
