King Curtis, whose real name was Curtis Ousley, was a virtuoso saxophonist known for his soulful, rhythmic sound that bridged the gap between jazz, R&B, and rock and roll. Born on February 7, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas, he became a powerful force in the music world until his untimely death in 1971. Throughout his career, King Curtis was highly sought after, both as a session musician and as a bandleader. Characterized by his expressive, melodic playing style, he left his mark on the music of countless artists, elevating the tenor saxophone to a centerpiece in popular music.

With a discography that includes classics like "Soul Twist" and "Memphis Soul Stew," King Curtis's influence can be heard through the generations. The compilation "King Curtis: Sideman" captures his incredible versatility, backing a diverse range of artists, while albums like "The Soul of King Curtis" showcase his prowess as a frontman, effortlessly commanding the spotlight. His ability to fuse soulful intricacies with a funky groove propelled him to being crowned the "King Of The Sax," a testament to his mastery and the high esteem in which he is held by musicians and music aficionados. Despite his life being tragically cut short, King Curtis's impact endures, and his recordings continue to inspire and captivate listeners worldwide.

Genres

Jazz Blues

Jazz Saxophone

Soul Jazz

Related Artists

Otis Redding

Booker T. & the M.G.'s

Wilson Pickett

Maceo Parker

Jimi Hendrix

Aretha Franklin

Sam Cooke

Ray Charles

Al Green

Etta James

Bootsy Collins

John Coltrane

Latest Release

Country Soul

King Curtis

Album - 12 Tracks - Released June 21, 2024