1926-1994
Hairdresser, makeup artists, assistant, secretary, stylist and “gal Friday” for Sarah Vaughan who traveled the world with Vaughan from 1950-1960. Modina met Vaughan at Arts High where they became close friends. Later, she was attending Howard but left to work with Vaughan.
Vaughan said, “with my secretary, Modina Davis, around, I don’t have to worry about a thing. I just have to sing.”
Afterwards, she opened a beauty salon in Newark on Clinton Ave.
Her daughter Mikki Taylor is editor at large for Essence .
Modina lived on 14th Avenue and 18th Avenue as a child (1930 and 1940).
Bibliography
Gourse, Leslie Sassy: The Life of Sarah Vaughan
“Modina Watson, 67, Secretary to Singer” Star Ledger Mar 28 1994
Taylor, Mikki Force of Beauty, Audible Exclusive
jazzresearch.com/tiffany-club-1954
Library digital collections 1 2
Census records
NJ Marriage Index
After Hours Jan 18, 1950