This week’s story is a book-end companion piece of sorts to the profile we did on Dan Datillo a couple weeks ago. Loyal readers may recall that I became acquainted with Dan’s singing talents at Yvonne Davis’s 90th birthday celebration concert at the Madison Presbyterian Church. Yvonne had surrounded many of Madison’s top musicians and vocalists to accompany her, and Faith Bible was one of the singers, along with Dan.
Many local residents will be familiar with Faith, as she was born and raised here in Madison. Her daughter Brittany Todd Humes graduated with my son from MCHS. And her dad Ira Todd was a long time employee at Grote. But perhaps the place I knew her best was behind the counter at Glass Unlimited for many years. “If it’s glass, just ask!” they said, and I often did just that.
Faith’s performance at Yvonne’s concert was powerful and inspiring, as her singing always is. Her rendition of Stormy Weather is not a tune to be tackled lightly, as it is complex, challenging, and invites comparison to torch singers like Lena Horne and Etta James, who left their indelible mark on the enduring classic. But Faith did the song proud, with confidence and admirable control.
Like Dan Datillo, Faith has been a fixture around Madison singing at weddings, funerals and even the National Anthem at Regatta one year. “I’d think nothing about taking my lunch break to go sing at the funeral of a total stranger, and be back at the desk by 1:00,” relates Faith. I figure I’ve sung at well over 200 weddings in the three decades I’ve been doing it. I even had the honor of singing to my husband on our wedding day!
“Music and singing were just kind of a given growing up in my family. We went to the Ebeneezer United Methodist Church right behind Greeves Appliance, where both my parents sang in the choir. I sang my first solo at the church when I was 10 years old. Not to mention, music was always playing at our house, mom or dad were forever spinning records and singing along.
“I’ve done some popular singing too, over the years, with different bands. I worked with Jimmy Davis and his band for about 3 years, and I’ve done some jazz singing with Rob Houze. The concerts with Yvonne go way back, like 30 years. That’s why it was so gratifying to do the 90th birthday show with her. When Yvonne calls, you clear your calendar and make it work.
“I’ve been living up in Ripley County in Milan for some years now, so the gigs are more occasional than they used to be. But I’m still singing, and I still enjoy the opportunities when they come along.
“I will say, kind of watching from afar now, that I’ve been witnessing the evolution of Madison into Indiana’s Music City. I’m seeing more and more music going on, and so many opportunities to see and enjoy live music, for such a relatively small town. And when you think about the wealth of musicians Madison has … you can pretty much name and instrument and guarantee that somebody plays it! It’s an exciting time to be involved in music in Madison these days.”
HOT TIP OF THE WEEK:
Halloween night has always been a special celebration in Madison. You can count on multiple venues offering live music and a party atmosphere, and costumes are the order of the day, although not totally necessary if you don’t feel like dressing up. Perhaps the granddaddy of the Halloween parties is the one at Thomas Family Winery, now in its 31st year. It’s always a festive scene, with costume contests, lively music, and great friends. But you’ll be able to stroll around to 6 other hopping downtown venues Friday night, plus Tailgators up on the hilltop. Halloween weekend in Madison is just special, take our word for it. Make your plans now to be a part of it!
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