In a 1971 interview with Charlie Gillett he said: "I love the authentic rhythm and blues more than anything, and I also like to live well." From the 1950s until the mid-1960s, he worked as a session musician, recording under his own name and with others such as The Coasters, with whom he recorded " Yakety Yak" and " Charlie Brown", among others. Move into rock Ĭurtis enjoyed playing both jazz and rhythm and blues but decided he would make more money as a rhythm and blues musician. Problems playing this file? See media help. He put together a group during his time as a session musician that included Richard Tee, Cornell Dupree, Jerry Jemmott, and Bernard Purdie. Known for his syncopated and percussive style, he was both versatile and powerful as a musician. Stylistically, Curtis took inspiration from saxophonists Lester Young, Louis Jordan, Illinois Jacquet, Earl Bostic, and Gene Ammons. He recorded with Nat Adderley, Wynton Kelly, Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings and Andy Williams. In 1952 Curtis decided to move to New York and became a session musician, recording for such labels as Prestige, Enjoy, Capitol, and Atco. During his time with Hampton, he was able to write and arrange music and learn guitar. As a student pursuing music, he turned down college scholarships in order to join the Lionel Hampton Band. He took interest in many musical genres including jazz, rhythm and blues, and popular music. Career Ĭurtis started playing saxophone at the age of twelve in the Fort Worth area. Terrell High School, and studied and performed music with schoolmate Ornette Coleman (1930–2015). Early life Ĭurtis Montgomery was born in Fort Worth, Texas, the son of Ethel Montgomery, and was adopted, with his sister Josephine Allen (died 2019), by Josie and William Ousley. He played riffs and solos on hit singles such as " Respect" by Aretha Franklin (1965), and " Yakety Yak" by The Coasters (1958) and his own " Soul Twist" (1962), "Soul Serenade" (1964), and " Memphis Soul Stew" (1967). A master of the instrument, he played tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone. A bandleader, band member, and session musician, he was also a musical director and record producer. Curtis Ousley (born Curtis Montgomery Febru– August 13, 1971), known professionally as King Curtis, was an American saxophonist who played rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and roll.
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