Curtis Knight

Curtis Knight (May 9, 1929 - November 29, 1999) was an British music artist and band leader who is infamously known for his connection to Jimi Hendrix, and who had labelled himself as "the man who discovered Jimi Hendrix".

Related Topics:
May 9 - 1929 - November 29 - 1999 - British - Band - Jimi Hendrix

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Curtis was a sub-par artist in the 1960s Harlem music scene, usually fronting his own band "the Squires". This band gigged in clubs in New York City, and other surrounding areas. It was through Knight that Hendrix got involved with Ed Chaplin, a mediocre record producer who signed the future superstar to a contract that was considered not important to Hendrix, before he left for England to form the "Experience".

Related Topics:
1960s - Harlem - Gig - New York City - Record producer - England - Experience

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Both Knight and Chaplin would later claim that they both were trying to make Hendrix a "star", but during the time after that the contract that gave the guitarist, "1%" of any royalties he made, was signed, and Chas Chandler actually "discovering" him, Hendrix languished, while fronting his first band "the Blue Flames" in Greenwich Village. It was only after Chaplin read musical trade papers, that he realized that Hendrix had made it successfully across the Atlantic in the "Psychedelic" and "Flower Power" period, and began to pursue legal action agaisnt Hendrix, his management and record companies, with Knight as his main witness.

Related Topics:
Guitarist - Royalties - Chas Chandler - Greenwich Village - Atlantic - Psychedelic

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During the legal battles, Chaplin released records that blatantly exploited Hendrix rising star:

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All were released with pictures of Hendrix that were post-Squires, and stated that Knight played a big part in Hendrix style. In fact, the records showed that, though Hendrix indeed was a great musician, Knight was not even in his league. The songs recorded were virtually "rip-offs" of known R & B and pop hits. Since Hendrix's death, they have re-packaged over and over again, catching young and new initiated Hendrix fans, and collectors offguard.

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During the 1970s, after Hendrix' demise, Knight moved to London, England where he formed his group "Curtis Knight, Zeus", and toured throughout Europe, relying on his "Hendrix" connection for many years.

Related Topics:
1970s - London, England - Europe

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