Biografia
Pat Davis was the most popular, beloved, memorable, and frequently asked-about dancer in Soul Train history. As one of the original Soul Train members, she captivated viewers with her dazzling, energetic, vibrant, and enticing dance style, infused with grace, sass, and humor. These qualities set Pat apart, making her a Soul Train legend and one of the most cherished female dancers in the show's history. Even today, she remains a fan favorite, winning over new generations thanks to Soul Train reruns.
Pat rose as Soul Train’s first dancing star through her exceptional talent, magnetic personality, and true entertainer’s spirit. Her dancing perfectly complemented any music, helping to tell the story of the songs. She used every part of her body to express herself, not just dancing but narrating through animated facial expressions and gestures, akin to a beautiful clown. Though not the stereotypical tall, long-legged dancer, Pat was a petite powerhouse, proving great dancers come in all sizes. The highlight of Soul Train, the Soul Train line, was where Pat shone brightest, delivering clever, fast, and articulate performances in her 8 to 10 seconds down the line. One of her most memorable moments was impersonating a China Doll with a fan. She also incorporated props like baby bottles and lollipops into her routines. Pat had the rare talent to elevate even the simplest dance moves, creating dances that became popular and widely emulated. Her influence was evident among other Soul Train dancers and performers worldwide.
Soul Train emerged at a pivotal time in the 1970s, representing more than just a dance show—it embodied a new era of Black beauty, power, and culture. Young Black audiences worldwide looked to Soul Train for new dances, styles, songs, and to see positive images of people who looked like them. Pat Davis contributed far beyond entertainment; she was a role model and positive influence for young Black girls globally. She was also a trendsetter, blending styles from different eras in her clothing, donning colorful, stylish outfits adorned with butterflies, roses, and gardenias in her hair—making her instantly recognizable and helping popularize floral hair accessories. These elements made Pat Davis an unforgettable TV dance star. Viewers eagerly anticipated not only the latest musical acts but also the new dance moves Pat and the Soul Train gang would invent. In a short time, Pat transformed from a high school dancer into a beloved TV personality with a devoted fan base, landing magazine covers like Right On! and featured articles by popular demand. Few dancers achieved such star status on Soul Train, and Pat was among the elite. She was one of the rare female dancers to gain widespread recognition on a dance show. The Soul Train gang’s talent was as crucial to the show’s success as the musical acts that appeared.
Pat appeared on Soul Train roughly from 1971 to 1976 before departing, but fans never forgot her. After leaving, many expected to see more of her elsewhere, as her fan base admired her talents. Beyond Soul Train, Pat appeared in the blaxploitation film Disco 9000 (aka Fass Black) as a dancer who emerged from a cake, performing a sultry dance to Johnnie Taylor’s “Disco Lady,” a performance emblematic of her style. Fass Black marked her last known television and film dance appearance. Pat pursued various entertainment roles, including background dancing for popular singers and being part of a dance group called Something Special. In the 1980s, she became a premier elite bodybuilder. She also appeared in TV movies and fitness videos, but much of her work remained under the public radar. Pat had the charm, humor, personality, and talent to achieve mainstream success as a stage or music video dancer, choreographer, or TV and film star—akin to a Debbie Allen—but for reasons unknown, she never received the widespread recognition she deserved, and little was heard about her after Soul Train.
Arguably, Pat Davis was one of the greatest female dancers of her era, known for her originality, creativity, energy, and magnetic presence. She mastered existing dances and created new ones. Pat set the standard for what a Soul Train female dancer should embody in both personality and skill—a legacy few have matched. Thanks to Pat Davis and the Soul Train gang’s talent and dedication, Soul Train became the iconic show it remains.
Pat Davis is reportedly living in Austria, continuing her work in entertainment, singing, and theater. Occasionally, she attends Soul Train reunion events. Hopefully, more details will emerge about the remarkable Pat Davis, who proved that big sensations often come in small packages.
