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Today's Featured Biography

james (jimmy) knight

James Knight attended North Texas State University (now The University of North Texas) where he studied composition under Samuel Adler for four years, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition. During his years at NTSU, he was a principal arranger/composer for the renowned One O’clock Lab Band. His contributions were instrumental in the One O’clock Lab Band winning many prestigious awards, among them “Best Band” at the 1960 University of Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival. His Ronda for Trumpet and Piano received accolades from visiting composer, Aaron Copland and his First String Quartet established Mr. Knight as one of the most promising composers coming out of NTSU.

After college, James joined the Stan Kenton orchestra as a staff arranger/composer. He later served as assistant conductor for the 6th army band in Fort Ord, California. After the army, he settled in Los Angeles with his wife and two daughters.

In 1965, he was commissioned by The Los Angeles Neophonic Orchestra under the direction of Stan Kenton, to contribute a composition for the inaugural season. His “Music for an Unwritten Play,” conducted by renowned composer, Michel Legrand, was performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 1st, 1965, receiving a rave review by legendary jazz critic, Leonard Feather. A second commission, entitled "Two Voices," for the 1966 Neophonic season also received critical acclaim.

In 1967, Capitol Records released an album of Neophonic compositions under the title "Stan Kenton conducts the Los Angeles Neophonic Orchestra." The five composers represented were John Williams, Alan Ferguson, Russ Garcia, Hugo Montenegro and Mr. Knight.

During his time as a composer/arranger, Mr. Knight worked for various artists including Joanie Summers, The Joey Bishop Show, Tribe and various other artists. In 1991, he composed and arranged two works for the Bill Perkins Big Band in honor of Woody Herman. In 2003, he was commissioned to compose a major orchestral work entitled "Ceremony" for the opening of The John Gilbert Reese Center in Newark, Ohio.

In 1973, Mr. Knight returned to an academic life, earning a Juris Doctorate Degree in Law. From 1979, to present, Mr. Knight's company, Sessions Payroll Management, Inc., has processed payroll for over 1000 motion pictures and television projects. He continues to divide his time between compositions in jazz and classical idioms and acting as President and CEO of Sessions.

Mr. Knight resides in Glendale, California.

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