Ken Knox
Birth nameCharles Kenneth Knox
Born (1952-01-13) January 13, 1952
Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.
OriginDetroit, Michigan, U.S.
Occupation(s)Singer, musician, songwriter
Instrument(s)Saxophone, vocals
Years active1968–present
WebsiteChairmen of the Board

Ken Knox (born Charles Kenneth Knox, January 13, 1952) is an American rhythm and blues musician, vocalist and songwriter, who is best known as a member of the soul group, Chairmen of the Board.[1]

Early years

Knox was born in Charleston, West Virginia to Leonard and Virginia Knox. He was one of nine children. The family moved to Detroit, Michigan when Knox was 3 months old. Knox began playing saxophone at age 15. His early influences were Junior Walker, Boots Randolph and King Curtis. His older brother Leonard, who played the sax was his biggest influence. His older sister Betty Knox along with singer Kim Weston were a members of the Gospel group, The Wright Specials, which was under the direction of Gospel singer Rev. James Cleveland.[2] While in High School Knox was part of a touring band. Knox break came when he landed a spot in the band with James Barnes & The Agents, who had a hit in the 60's, entitled, "Free at Last". He also played for The Detroit Emeralds, Ivy Joe Hunter, and Walter (Junie) Morrison.[3]

Chairmen of the Board

Knox met Danny Woods, a member of the band Chairmen of the Board in 1973 and soon after he began to perform with their backing band. Chairmen of the Board's members included, singer songwriter, record producer and front-man of the band, General Johnson, Danny Wood, lead vocalist Harrison Kennedy and Eddie Curtis. They recorded the hit songs, "Give Me Just a Little More Time", and "Pay to the Piper".

In 1974, Kennedy left Chairmen of the Board and by 1976 Johnson moved Knox upfront as part of the group.[4]

By 1978, General Johnson along with Woods and Knox, became a major group on the Beach Music scene on the Stateside of the East Coast.

In 1980, Chairmen of the Board founded Surfside Records based in North Carolina. Knox was vice president.[5]

In 1999, Knox along with Johnson and Wood were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.[6] This unit continued to tour together until 2010.

On October 13, 2010, front-man General Johnson died due to complication from lung cancer.[7]

Knox continued touring with the band members after Johnson's death. Thomas Hunter joined the band in 2010 and Brandon Stevens joined in 2013. They release an album entitled, Words Left Unsaid, in 2017.[8] Co-founding member Danny Woods died on January 12, 2018, at the age of 75.[9] Knox recorded twelve albums with Chairmen of the Board from 1974 through 2017.

As of 2022, Knox, Hunter and Stevens are still performing and continuing the legacy of Chairmen of the Board.[10]

Personal

Knox is married to Stephanie Hodge Knox and he has four children. Knox and his wife reside in York, South Carolina.

Discography

Studio albums

  • 1974 – Skin I'm In
  • 1980 – Success
  • 1983 – A Gift of Beach Music
  • 1987 – Music
  • 1990 – Alive and Kickin'
  • 1993 – What Goes Around Comes Around
  • 2002 – Timeless Volume 1
  • 2003 – Timeless Volume 2
  • 2005 – All In The Family
  • 2006 – Beach Music Anthology
  • 2010 – Soul Tapestry
  • 2017 – Words Left Unsaid

References

  1. ↑ Record, Ann Fish Special to the News & (July 21, 2019). "Music legacy remains strong with Chairmen of the Board". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Wright Specials". Motown Junkies. December 10, 2013. Retrieved December 15, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Ken Knox And Co – Give Me Just A Little More Time". Soul Source. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  4. ↑ Eagle, Bob L.; LeBlanc, Eric S. (May 2013). Blues: A Regional Experience. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-0-313-34424-4. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  5. ↑ Record, Ann Fish Special to the News & (July 21, 2019). "Music legacy remains strong with Chairmen of the Board". Greensboro News and Record. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  6. ↑ "1999 Inductees Archives". North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  7. ↑ Keepnews, Peter (October 16, 2010). "General Johnson, Singer and Writer of Hit R&B Songs, Dies at 69 (Published 2010)". The New York Times. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Words Left Unsaid (2017)". SoulTracks – Soul Music Biographies, News and Reviews. November 26, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  9. ↑ link, Get; Apps, Other. "Passings: Danny Woods, Co-Founder of Chairmen of the Board (1944–2018)". Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Words Left Unsaid (2017)". SoulTracks.com. November 26, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
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