Curtis Knight & The Squires

Lore & Background

This period of music history captures a raw, unpolished era where Hendrix was still finding his voice within established group structures. The Squires were known for their tight horn sections and driving rhythms, typical of the era's club acts. Working with them forced Jimi to adapt to arrangements that did not center on his guitar, teaching him discipline and arrangement skills he later used to subvert in his own bands. The atmosphere surrounding these performances was grounded in the gritty reality of touring the Chitlin' Circuit. It was a time of long bus rides, small venues, and audiences expecting specific R&B sounds rather than psychedelic experimentation. Despite this, Hendrix's playing began to stand out even within the confines of standard soul numbers, hinting at the feedback-heavy innovation he would soon unleash upon the world.

In Their Own Story

The stage lights hummed with a low voltage buzz as Curtis Knight leaned into the microphone, commanding the room. In the corner, Jimi adjusted his strap, watching the crowd sway to the horn section's punchy riff. He waited for his cue, fingers hovering over the fretboard of his Stratocaster. When the solo break hit, he didn't just play notes; he poured out a year of frustration and hope into the amplifier. The room went quiet, not because they knew who he was, but because they felt something new in the air.

Reader's Guide

Curtis Knight & The Squires formed as a staple of the American R&B circuit before Jimi joined their ranks during his early professional years. Their musical direction focused on hard-hitting soul and blues-rock, providing a gritty backdrop for young guitarists to develop essential stagecraft. Internal dynamics placed Curtis firmly at the helm as bandleader, while Hendrix served primarily as a sideman guitarist, occasionally stepping into vocal duties to share the load. Key performances took place in smoky clubs across New York City and throughout the Southern Chitlin' Circuit during early 1965. These shows were crucial for Jimi learning to command an audience without his own name attached yet. The lineup eventually shifted dramatically when British manager Chas Chandler spotted Hendrix's raw potential at a gig. This encounter led to a pivotal dissolution of their working relationship, as Jimi departed for London shortly after. He left the Squires behind to form his own legendary group, marking the end of this specific chapter in his journey from anonymous sideman to global icon.

Did You Know?

• Hendrix does sing lead vocals on at least one officially released Curtis Knight recording, such as 'How Would You Feel' (released on the album 'Get That Feeling' in 1967).
• This tenure occurred after Jimi left Little Richard's tour, though contrary to some claims, he never played in Isaac Hayes' backing band.
• Recordings from this period are highly sought after by collectors to hear his early blues style.
• Curtis Knight continued performing long after Jimi departed, maintaining the group's legacy.