 He attended Temple University (1964–69); he emerged in the early 1980s as the jazz critic for "The Philadelphia Inquirer".Along with his jazz writing he has tackled a wide variety of subjects, such as "Seinfeld" and Johnny Cash, for whom he published what many fans consider the definitive appreciation, in "The Atlantic Monthly".Davis is characterized by his keen insights into the development of American style and culture, with asides in the first person who balance his theoretical certainty and a witty, human element.