Davis founded The Diddy-Wa-Diddy National Barbecue Sauce Contest in his backyard in 1984. It was renamed The American Royal International BBQ Sauce, Rub, & Baste Contest once it became part of The American Royal, held annually in Kansas City.

He is also the author of the official judges' oath that is taken at all competitions sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Awards

Davis has earned many awards for his expertise on the barbecue judging circuit. Accolades include the Smoky Angel Award from the Kansas City Barbecue Forum, Judges’ Choice Award in the 2002 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, and the Spirit of Barbecue Award from the National Barbecue News in 2002. In 2003, he was named a Kansas City Barbecue Legend by the Kansas City Star.

Davis writes a monthly column in the National Barbecue News and the Kansas City Bullsheet, which is the official newspaper of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. His writing on barbecue has also been featured on the 'Cue Confessions blog.

Books

Davis is also the author of a number of barbecue books:

• 25 Essentials: Techniques for Smoking (2009, The Harvard Common Press)
• 25 Essentials: Techniques for Grilling (2009, The Harvard Common Press)
• America's Best BBQ: 100 Recipes from America's Best Smokehouses, Pits, Shacks, Rib Joints, Roadhouses, and Restaurants (2009, Andrews McMeel Publishing)
• The Great BBQ Sauce Book (Ten Speed Press)
• The Kansas City Barbecue Pocket Guide