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King Curtis

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

King Curtis, born Curtis Montgomery and known as Curtis Ousley, was an American saxophonist who played rhythm and blues, jazz and rock 'n' roll. He was born in 1934 in Fort Worth, Texas, and after his adoption took the surname Ousley. At school he played with Ornette Coleman. He began saxophone at twelve and turned down university scholarships to play in Lionel Hampton's band. In 1952 he moved to New York and became a session musician. He played tenor, alto and soprano saxophone, and was also a bandleader, musical director and producer.

Music and breakthrough

His solos and riffs appear on other people's hit singles, such as Yakety Yak by The Coasters (1958) and Respect by Aretha Franklin (1967). He himself scored with Soul Twist (1962) and Soul Serenade (1964), among others. In 1965 he switched to Atlantic Records and made Memphis Soul Stew and Ode to Billie Joe (both 1967). In 1966 he recorded three tracks with Jimi Hendrix, which were later lost in a fire in Atlantic's archive. He led the Kingpins, Aretha Franklin's backing band, who in 1965 played for the Beatles at Shea Stadium. His group included Richard Tee, Cornell Dupree, Jerry Jemmott and Bernard Purdie, among others.

Influence

His style was syncopated and percussive, versatile and powerful. He drew his inspiration from Lester Young, Louis Jordan and Illinois Jacquet. Curtis chose rhythm and blues because he found it the most beautiful and could make a good living from it. In this way he became the saxophone behind many soul records of his time. He died in 1971.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Soul Serenade by King Curtis. Notice the broad, warm tone of the tenor saxophone and how the band lets the rhythm run on calmly.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: Artists