Died On This Date (January 18, 2013) Steve Knight / Keyboardist For Mountain
themusicsover Steve Knight
1935 – January 18, 2013
Steve Knight is best remembered as the original keyboardist for American hard rock band, Mountain. Formed in 1967 by bassist and famed Cream producer, Felix Pappalardi, the band, which also included singer and guitar great, Leslie West, went on to have one of the era’s most familiar songs, “Mississippi Queen.” Climbing!, their debut album from which it came, reached #17 on the Billboard charts and achieved Gold status. Their two follow-up albums failed to produce any hit singles but did achieve Gold status as well. In 1969, Mountain was one of the highlights of Woodstock with just their fourth live performance ever. Although they can be heard on the album, they did not appear in the legendary film of the event. After Mountain broke up in 1972, Knight returned to his first love, traditional jazz. He enjoyed a long musical career as a sound engineer, author, songwriter and session player. He was known to pop up on stage with West from time to time as well. During the mid 90s, Knight settled in Woodstock, New York, where he was active in local politics, serving two terms on the Woodstock Town Board. Steve Knight died of Parkinson’s disease on January 18, 2013.
Thanks to David Plastic from erockphotos.com for the assist.
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