Ollie Watts Davis

Ollie Watts Davis is the Suzanne and William Allen Distinguished Professor in Music and Professor of Voice at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Black Chorus. Her roles include mentorship through StudiO: the Ollie Watts Davis Institute for Vocal Arts and leadership in historic performance revivals, such as recreating Marian Anderson’s 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert. Davis holds degrees from West Virginia Institute of Technology (BS, magna cum laude), West Virginia University (MA), and the University of Illinois (MM and DMA, Phi Beta Kappa).

Her research and creative work focus on vocal performance, African American musical heritage, and community arts advocacy. Notable projects include PBS documentaries (e.g., *The Caged Bird: The Life and Music of Florence B. Price*) and recordings with the Black Chorus. She has performed internationally with leading orchestras and opera companies, emphasizing historically significant repertoires.

Davis has received prestigious awards including the University Scholar honor (2008) and two Excellence in Teaching awards. Her service includes roles as a Master Teacher for the National Association of Teachers of Singing and keynote speaker at state MLK Jr. celebrations. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes holistic musician development, emphasizing professional preparation, collaboration, and joy in music-making.

Her Black Chorus and vocal institute foster cultural preservation and mentorship. Recent initiatives include the 15th Black Sacred Music Symposium (2021) and community engagement through WILL-PBS’s *Lift Every Voice*. She actively promotes underrepresented musical traditions and serves as a role model in arts education and advocacy.