Davis was born on November 25, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of a well-to-do family. She studied music at the New England Conservatory of Music and later at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Davis was a prolific composer, writing over 1,000 songs, including "Hold Fast Till Dawn" and "Carry On!", as well as several cantatas and other large works. She also wrote three books: "America's Yesterday: Voices of a Vanished Past", "The Melody That Leads to Love" (1932) and "The Power of Silence" (1941).
Davis was a vocal advocate for social justice and was involved in many progressive causes throughout her life. She was a member of the Socialist Party of America and was active in the women's suffrage movement. She also supported the causes of civil rights and labor rights.
In the 1930s, Davis became involved with the Communist Party of the United States. She was a close friend of communist leaders Earl Browder and William Z. Foster, and she wrote several songs for the party. However, she later left the party in the 1940s due to disagreements with its leadership.
Davis continued to be active in progressive causes throughout her life. She was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union and was involved in the anti-war movement of the 1960s. She also taught music and composition at several universities and colleges.
Davis died in Los Angeles, California, in 1984. She was 91 years old.
Helen K. Davis was a prolific composer, writer, and activist whose work made a significant contribution to the American left-wing movement. Her music and writings inspired generations of activists, and her commitment to social justice left a lasting legacy.
Despite her significant contributions, Davis's work has been largely overlooked by historians and musicologists. However, in recent years there has been a renewed interest in her work, and several of her songs have been recorded and reissued.
Davis's story is a reminder of the many women who played a vital role in the American left-wing movement. Her work is a valuable contribution to the history of American music and social activism.