King Curtis

I first heard the name when Duane Allman mentioned it on a live version of Soul Serenade that the Brothers did.  He talks about how it was a beautiful service, Stevie played and Aretha sang.  He then goes on to say that whoever did what he did will get what he deserves.  So my introduction to King Curtis was a speech by a guitar legend talking about his murder before he launches into one of Curtis' legendary songs.  I listened, processed, and then really didn't give it much thought for a long time.  Fast forward a number of years and I was trolling YouTube and came across a video of 'Memphis Soul Stew'.

Now this video started me on my quest to learn more about the man.  Curtis Ousley, born Feb 7, 1934, was a sax player that was at various stages in his career, a bandleader, session man, band member, producer and music director.  He gained his first major bit of notoriety for providing the sax solo on the Coaster's song 'Yakety Yak'.  The amount of people he played with is too long to list here, but a partial list includes the names Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, The Drifters, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman, Herbie Mann and Aretha Franklin.  Her backing band 'The Kingpins' was led by Curtis.

In the 70's during his time with Aretha he played on 'Aretha Live At Fillmore West'.  During these shows he also recorded 'King Curtis Live At Fillmore West' with his band, along with Billy Preston on organ and The Memphis Horns.

This is the first King Curtis album I bought.  The tracks are a mixture of originals and covers of popular songs of the time.  If you haven't heard this album you owe it to yourself to check it out.  It would eventually become King's biggest selling album.  The track I've decided to showcase from the album is his cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta Love'.  Re-interpreted as a saxophone song it easily ranks up there as one of my favourite covers.  Like I mentioned in an earlier post, a cover should bring something new to the table.  This one does.

Now for the sad part.  In August 1971, he was murdered during an argument on the steps of his apartment, with a couple of drug addicts who were in his way.  Asked them to move and then dead.  

Tragic.