Died On This Date (August 13, 1971) King Curtis / Saxophone Legend
themusicsover “King Curtis” Ousley
February 7, 1934 – August 13, 1971
King Curtis was a revered tenor saxophonist who, as a session man, played on hits by the likes of the Coasters, Aretha Franklin, and Buddy Holly. His most famous playing can be heard on “Yakety Yak” by the Coasters. He also released several albums on his own before his career was tragically cut short. According to reports, Ousley was carrying an air conditioner up to his New York apartment during a sweltering heat wave. En route, he was met by two men doing drugs who wouldn’t let him pass. In the resulting scuffle, Juan Montanez fatally stabbed Ousley. Sam Moore has claimed that he and Aretha Franklin witnessed the attack as they were arriving to visit Ousley. Franklin and Stevie Wonder each performed at his funeral.
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