Rea Davis [Of R. Davis Publicity]: Charlotte Raised, Atlanta Made
When did you first become interested in music? And, how did this journey actually begin for you?
I became interested in music as a child. My earliest memory is probably from age 4 when I fell in love with Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” song and video. It’s still my favorite song and video to this day. It was pretty cool growing up and getting a chance to talk to the legends (the late) John Singleton, Teddy Riley and Fatima (Robinson) about it. As a child, my top obsessions were Michael Jackson, Tupac, Diddy, Jodeci, Whitney Houston and then everyone else. Every Hip Hop and R&B artist truly had a special place in my heart. To be honest, I was obsessed with Hip Hop and R&B, so I was definitely that BET, VH-1, MTV, radio, posters all over the wall, buying every CD kid. Oh, and I nearly had a Tupac and Diddy shrine. Lol!
Now you’re a native of where exactly? So growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest influences?
I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina…I also lived in Atlanta, Georgia, for a LONG TIME, so I claim both Lol! Charlotte raised, Atlanta made. The only influences in Charlotte were the news correspondents and radio personalities. I sourced all of my inspiration primarily from the journalists and VJ’s on TV. I really admired Oprah, Diane Sawyer, Barbara Walters, Larry King, Sway, Lala (Anthony), Donnie Simpson, AJ & Free, etcetera. I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to meet most on this list as an adult.
At what particular point in time did you even opt to pursue a professional career in the music industry?
In college I began interning for local radio stations. Two fun facts: in addition to my on-camera correspondent work, I also did a lot of journalistic videography early on in my career. Also, my mother was a journalist / was a member of the media, so I got to get a lot of career experience backstage with her when I was in middle and high school. She used to have passes to EVERYTHING! Lol!
On the journalism side of things, did you attend college for this or how did it come to fruition for you?
Yes, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Political Science. I knew since I was a child that one of the main things I wanted to do was be a music journalist.
What are some of the media outlets that you have since contributed to?
Primarily AllHipHop and ThisisRnb. As far as TV and guest commentary, I’ve been featured on BET, VH-1, Lifetime, TV One, TMZ, Revolt, Access Hollywood and more.
Talk to me about the transition from active journalist to working publicist…:
The funny thing is I never transitioned. I still do both actively. I did a lot of PR behind the scenes in my Atlanta days, too, I just didn’t make an announcement out loud until I moved to Los Angeles years later.
Who then have been some of your clientele?
I’ve worked with so many people, but some of my absolute favorites to work with have been legendary producer Troy Taylor and 2X Emmy Award-winning celebrity hairstylist Kiyah Wright.
Success and longevity, what do you attribute yours to?
I attribute my longevity to discipline, tenacity, hard work, vision, faith, strategy, avid research, passion, never taking no for an answer, always being kind and always keeping God first.
To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s)?
God has blessed me with so many. I’ve been blessed to interview nearly everyone. I’ll say a favorite moment and big moment was an impromptu interview I did with Diddy – I didn’t know he would be the next person coming to the carpet – and he was so impressed with me in the moment that he offered me a job on the spot as an on-air correspondent.
Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in pursuing either or both of these fields?
Study the field…if you are still in college, intern as much as you can. Network as much as you can. Put yourself in the position to receive opportunity and / or create your own. Apply! Apply! Apply! Do your research and due diligence.
What’s next for you?
More television correspondence, more digital interviews, more of helping my clients share their stories, more of telling the stories of our culture. I’m going to write a book eventually. I hope to at least put out one song also one day. Lol!
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
I just want to encourage everyone to chase their dreams, discover their passions and choose happiness.
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