King Curtis
King Curtis | |
|---|---|
King Curtis, from an advertisement for his 1971 single "Whole Lotta Love" | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Curtis Ousley |
| Born | Curtis Montgomery February 7, 1934 Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | August 13, 1971 (aged 37) New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations | Musician, bandleader, producer |
| Instrument | Saxophone |
| Years active | 1950–1971 |
| Labels | Atco, Atlantic, Prestige, Capitol |
Curtis Ousley (born Curtis Montgomery, February 7, 1934 – August 13, 1971), known professionally as King Curtis, was an American saxophonist who played rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and roll. A bandleader, band member, and session musician, he was also a musical director and record producer. A master of the instrument, he played tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone. He played riffs and solos on hit singles such as "Respect" by Aretha Franklin (1967), and "Yakety Yak" by the Coasters (1958) and his own "Soul Twist" (1962), "Soul Serenade" (1964), and "Memphis Soul Stew" (1967).