[Derek Davis], who was born in Sherman, Texas, moved up to New York with his mother when he was 3. He spent most of his young life in the Far Rockaway section of Queens. Far Rockaway, which Davis still calls home, holds fond memories for him. "In my mind," said Davis, "as a kid it was a great place to grow up. Living right next to the beach. There were amazing block parties on or near the boardwalk." Davis would sometimes DJ parties in the community centers and housing projects around Far Rockaway. But Davis' mother, feeling homesick, decided to uproot him back to Sherman, where home wasn't very welcoming.

"I started at Platinum Recording Studios in BedStuy," said Davis. According to Davis, the studio was built by CBS Records as part of a program by CBS that trained young African-Americans to become recording engineers. After graduating from Hunter, Davis put his knowledge to good use. He's worked in the studio with artists like Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Al B. Sure and Pete Rock and CL Smooth. "It's a long, long list," said Davis giggling. "I've worked with Carly Simon [also]." Tired of the late hours that come with working in the industry, Davis needed some stability. He eventually took a job as the chief audio technician for Tek Serve, but that didn't mean he'd abandoned all things music.

"No, no, no, I don't have any experience. I have a 9 to 5 job and a family," Davis said he told [Larry Brown]. "He said there's no money in it, I can keep the 9 to 5 and it would be great." Davis took the position. It only paid $2,000 annually. After an uneventful first year in the job, Davis received some interesting news.

Who knew he would find it at East Texas State University? "When I decided to take a [physical education] class, it was either swimming or archery," said Davis. According to Davis, the studio was built by CBS Records as part of a program by CBS that trained young African-Americans to become recording engineers.

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