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| Jerry Knight |
| Jerry Knight was born in Los Angeles in 1955 and soon after graduation he was in the music business landing a plum job with Bill Withers. After touring with Withers for a number of years he was spotted by Ray Parker Jr. Ray tapped Knight for a new group he was forming. Parker, Knight, Arnell and Darren Carmichael, Charles Fearing and Larry Tolbert comprised the newcleus of Raydio. Knight was the lead singer on the group's first big hit, "Jack And Jill," in 1978. The "Raydio" album also produced the 12" single "Is This A Love Thing." The following year they struck gold again with "You Can't Change That" from their second album "Rock On." By the time of Raydio's third album, in 1980, Knight had exited the group and was replaced by Ollie E. Brown. Knight had struck out on his own and landed a contract with A&M records. His debut album, "Jerry Knight," was an instant smash featuring the stunning 12" single "Overnight Sensation." The rock-laced pop album gave him the exposure that he had never received with Parker and Raydio. He followed that success with 12" single hits of "Perfect Fit" and "She's Got To Be A Dancer." But by the time of his 1982 album "Love Is On Your Side" his contract was up with A&M and was not renewed. After the breakup of Raydio, Ollie E. Brown joined with Knight to form Brown Sugar productions. The duo landed a contract with Polydor records and as Ollie & Jerry they recorded for the soundtracks of "Electric Boogaloo" and "Breakin'." Knight had his biggest hit with "Breakin' (There's No Stoppin' Us)" from the latter soundtrack. As a bass player, producer, and writer he has been a part of many disco hits before and after his own solo career. He is associated with "Funky Situation" (Wilson Pickett), "What Have You Done For Love" (Hodges, James & Smith), "Double Or Nothing" (Lani Hall), "Lead Me On" (Maxine Nightingale), "Rise" (Herb Alpert), "Watch Out" (Patrice Rushen) and works by Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Dionne Warwick and countless others. Since the end of his solo performing career Knight has focused on his family and studio work. He continues to supply his tasty bass licks to a variety of projects and when motivated produces up and coming new artists. Our thanks to a talented and often underrated performer for his disco contributions. |
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