Curtis Amy
American jazz saxophonist and musical director for Ray Charles.
Curtis Edward Amy (October 11, 1927 – June 5, 2002) was an American jazz saxophonist. Born in Houston, Texas, he learned clarinet before joining the Army, where he picked up the tenor saxophone. After graduating from Kentucky State College, he worked as an educator in Tennessee while playing in midwestern jazz clubs. In the mid-1950s he moved to Los Angeles and signed with Pacific Jazz Records, often playing with organist Paul Bryant. In the mid-1960s he spent three years as musical director of Ray Charles' orchestra, alongside his wife, Merry Clayton, and Steve Huffsteter. Amy also did session work, playing solos on The Doors' "Touch Me," Carole King's Tapestry, and Lou Rawls' first albums Black and Blue and Tobacco Road. Carole King's song "Jazzman" was inspired by working with him on Tapestry.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Curtis Edward Amy
- Born
- 11 October 1927
- Birthplace
- Houston, Texas, U.S.
- Died
- 5 June 2002
- Place of death
- Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Genre
- Jazz
- Occupation
- Musician
- Instrument
- Saxophone
Facts from the source article.
Background
Curtis Amy's career took off after he relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-1950s and signed with Pacific Jazz Records. There he often played with organist Paul Bryant, and as a leader he released a string of albums for the label: The Blues Message (1960), Meetin' Here (1961), Groovin' Blue (1961), Tippin' on Through (1962), Way Down (1962), and Katanga! (1963). In the mid-1960s he spent three years as musical director of Ray Charles' orchestra, working alongside his wife, Merry Clayton, and Steve Huffsteter.
Beyond leading his own bands, Amy was a sought-after session player. He played the solos on The Doors' "Touch Me" (from The Soft Parade, 1969), Carole King's Tapestry (1971), and Lou Rawls' first albums Black and Blue (1963) and Tobacco Road (1963). He also worked with Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell, and Smokey Robinson, and coincided with Dexter Gordon in the Onzy Matthews big band. Carole King's song "Jazzman," from her 1974 album Wrap Around Joy, was inspired by her experience working with Amy on Tapestry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Curtis Amy born?
Curtis Amy was born on 11 October 1927 in Houston, Texas, U.S.
When did Curtis Amy die?
Curtis Amy died on 5 June 2002 in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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