Music City’s Guardian Angel of Songwriters:
Lisë Davis Honors Mac Davis’s Legacy
Guardian Angels—beings or spirits said to shield us from the hardships and perils of the daunting outside world—are a concept that transcends cultures and time. They may appear as fierce, winged protectors, striking awe into the hearts of their enemies, or as caped superheroes swooping in heroically at the final hour to save the day. For 12-year-old Lisë Davis, however, they looked far less celestial—a kind-hearted, 50-year-old couple from California. Yet their impact on her life was every bit as profound.
“My mother passed when I was young, so I grew up in foster care,” says Lisë. “When I was taken in by my foster parents, I was a complete mess. Without the care, grace, love, and profound generosity of people, some of whom I may never know, I wouldn’t be alive.”
This early experience of selfless generosity and compassion left an indelible impression on Lisë. It ignited in her the understanding that she, too, could and should extend profound love and kindness to others in her community.
Later in life, Lisë encountered this spirit of giving again when she married the late Mac Davis. Mac lived his life with a singular purpose—as a songwriter. For him, every opportunity to create music was a gift, and in turn, his songs were gifts to the industry and the world. Though he penned iconic hits for legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton, Mac believed no songwriter was “too small” for his guidance. He collaborated with and mentored countless emerging songwriters, championing their talent and helping to shape their craft. To the community of songwriters, Mac was more than a colleague or friend; he was a tireless advocate.
“Songwriters help shape the music we listen to and all the emotions, memories, and experiences that come with it,” Lisë says. “But they often receive little recognition and even less financial reward, even after writing hits for major names.”
Mac understood this injustice deeply and worked to address it, even testifying before Congress.
Witnessing firsthand Mac’s passion for songwriting, his unwavering support for others, and his dedication to uplifting the community, Lisë once again felt the transformative impact of generosity and purpose she had experienced as a child. When Mac passed away in 2020, the only word inscribed on his grave was “Songwriter.” For Lisë, this simple yet profound tribute underscored his life’s mission. She knew his legacy couldn’t end with his passing.
In 2023, Lisë founded Song Painter: The Mac Davis Fund for the Art of Songwriting at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“Dan Hays, a longtime friend of ours, connected me with Rondal Richardson, Director of Entertainment Philanthropy, and with CFMT,” says Lisë. “From my first meeting with Rondal, and hearing what can be accomplished through a fund at CFMT, I knew I had to do it.”
“I love that a fund here is like a bank account,” Lisë adds. “You can start small and then watch your amount—and your impact—grow over time. A legacy fund allows me to carry out Mac’s love and passion for songwriters. It brings me such joy to know I can do this through The Song Painter Fund and CFMT.”
The Song Painter Fund provides critical financial assistance to songwriters, helping them cover essential costs like rent, studio time, or other expenses that allow them to focus on their craft. For emerging songwriters struggling to navigate Nashville’s rising cost of living, this support can be life-changing. In a city that has long been celebrated as Music City, songwriters are the beating heart of its culture. However, as Nashville’s “It City” status grows, many find it increasingly difficult to sustain their art. The Song Painter Fund bridges this gap, ensuring these artists can continue to create music that enriches our community and lives.
Through this fund, Lisë also hopes people can experience Mac’s legacy—not just by listening to his music, but by receiving the help they need to write songs and create their legacies. In this way, his gift to the industry isn’t only in the hits he wrote, but in the doors he—and now Lisë—open for others.
With ambitious plans to expand this legacy of community, compassion, and advocacy, Lisë is more than ready for the challenge.
“I think I can do it,” says Lisë. “I am grateful you guys have given me a way to help others.”
One thing is certain: while Mac was a trailblazer, friend, and champion for songwriters, Lisë carries his legacy forward as their guardian angel.
