
Artist
King Curtis
King Curtis is a musical artist formed in 1934. 83 releases are catalogued on Riffiter.
- 83
- Releases
- 1960–2025
- Active years
- 1934
- Formed
Discography
83
Most popular
Soul Meeting
2015
Upcoming shows
About
Curtis Ousley (February 7, 1934 - August 13, 1971), who performed under the name King Curtis, was an American tenor, alto, and soprano saxophonist who played rhythm and blues, soul, rock, and soul jazz. Curtis was born in Fort Worth, Texas. During the 1950s and early to mid 1960s he both worked as a session player on such records as Yakety Yak and recorded his own singles. His best known singles from this period are "Soul Twist" (Enjoy) and "Soul Serenade" (Capitol). In 1965 he moved to Atlantic Records, where his most successful singles were "Memphis Soul Stew" and "Ode to Billie Joe." He led Aretha Franklin's backup band, The Kingpins, and produced records, at first with Jerry Wexler and then by himself. Curtis guested on John Lennon's Imagine and was capable of attracting the best session musicians to put in appearances for his own albums, including Eric Clapton, guitarist Duane Allman on Instant Groove, and organist Billy Preston and drummer Bernard Purdie on Live At Fillmore West. On Saturday August 13 1971 he was stabbed outside his apartment and pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital.
King Curtis in brief
- How many King Curtis releases are on Riffiter?
- 83 releases are catalogued, spanning 1960 to 2025.
- When was King Curtis formed?
- King Curtis formed in 1934.
- What is the most recent King Curtis release on Riffiter?
- It's Party Time, released in 2025.














































































