King Curtis
King Curtis was an influential American saxophonist renowned for his work in rhythm and blues, jazz, and rock and roll. Born Curtis Ousley on February 7, 1934, in Fort Worth, Texas, he rose to prominence as a session musician and bandleader.
Curtis began playing saxophone at age 12 and attended I.M. Terrell High School, where he performed alongside Ornette Coleman. He turned down college scholarships to join Lionel Hampton's band, learning guitar and arranging music during his time there.
After moving to New York in 1952, Curtis recorded with artists like Buddy Holly, The Coasters, and Nat Adderley on labels including Prestige and Capitol. Hits like "Soul Twist" topped the R&B charts in 1962, while later Atlantic tracks such as "Memphis Soul Stew" and "Soul Serenade" defined his style. He backed major acts including Aretha Franklin as musical director and collaborated with Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon.
Curtis died on August 13, 1971, at age 37 after being stabbed outside his Manhattan apartment during a confrontation. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000, his honking tenor sax sound shaped rock and R&B.
Soul Twist
A2 Twisting Time 2:37
A3 What'd I Say
Written-By – R. Charles 2:28
A4 I Know
Written-By – B. George 2:52
A5 Sack O' Woe Twist
Written-By – J. Adderley 2:35
A6 Camp Meetin'
Written-By – Ousley, Pierce 3:07
B1 Wobble Twist 2:28
B2 Irresistible You
Written-By – Kasha, Dixon 2:44
B3 Big Dipper 2:31
B4 Twisting With The King 2:38
B5 Midnight Blue
Written-By – Butler, Ousley 5:37
Label: Enjoy Records – ENLP 2001
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1962
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Instrumental
Soul Twist With King Curtis (often just Soul Twist) is a foundational 1962 instrumental R&B/Soul album by King Curtis & The Noble Knights, featuring his massive crossover hit "Soul Twist," showcasing his powerful, syncopated saxophone over groovy, danceable tracks, blending jazz-influenced R&B with popular dance crazes like the Twist, solidifying Curtis's reputation as a versatile session musician and bandleader.
The album is built around the iconic instrumental "Soul Twist," which went to #1 on the R&B charts and crossed over to the Top 40 pop charts.
Features driving rhythms, strong basslines, prominent saxophone (Curtis's signature), and a raw, energetic sound that defined early soul and R&B. Beyond Curtis's sax, it features his tight band, The Noble Knights, including future legends like Richard Tee (piano) and Cornell Dupree (guitar). Captures the dance craze era, with tracks like "Twisting Time," making it perfect for parties and clubs.
A landmark album in instrumental R&B, it cemented King Curtis's status as a major force in soul music, paving the way for his later work with Aretha Franklin and his own hit "Memphis Soul Stew".
In essence, it's a pure, energetic dose of early 60s soul, defined by King Curtis's incredible saxophone talent and irresistible dance grooves.