Jonathan Davis

Jonathan Davis

Jonathan Davis is an American musician from Bakersfield, California, best known as the vocalist for Korn. Born in 1971, he grows up in Bakersfield and later becomes the final member to join the band. He also plays instruments including bagpipes and guitar.

Korn

Davis first performs with Sexart before James Shaffer and Brian Welch approach him after seeing him live. He initially declines an invitation to join their band, then accepts, which leads to the formation of Korn. Korn releases its self-titled debut album in 1994, and Davis contributes vocals and other parts to the group’s sound. The band goes on to release twelve studio albums, with the first seven receiving Platinum certification.

Other projects and background

Davis appears as a member of Jonathan Davis and the SFA, Killbot, Devilslug, Sex Art, and Sexual Gyrations of the Universe. His musical interests begin in childhood, shaped partly by Jesus Christ Superstar and artists such as Duran Duran and other New Romantic acts. He receives his first drum kit as a child, which helps establish his long-term involvement in music.

Lyrics and personal life

His lyrics for Korn often draw on personal experience. “Daddy,” from the band’s debut album, becomes the subject of public speculation, but Davis says it refers to a traumatic experience involving a family acquaintance. He is the older half-brother of Mark Chavez, who fronts Adema and Midnight Panic. Davis also has a history of severe asthma in childhood, with multiple hospitalisations, though the condition later improves.

Marriage and sobriety

Davis marries Renee Perez in 1998 and has a son, Nathan Houseman Davis, before the couple divorces in 2001. He later marries Deven Davis in Hawaii in 2004, and they have two children, Pirate Houseman Davis and Zeppelin Houseman Davis. Deven Davis dies in 2018. Davis says he has been sober from alcohol and drugs since 22 August 1998.