Fort Worth: King Curtis Birthplace

Curtis Ousley came into the world on February 7, 1934, in Fort Worth’s east side — and promptly set about becoming the most in-demand saxophone man in the history of American popular music. The city called him home for the first eighteen years of his life. The rest of the world claimed him forever.

Born the son of Ethel Montgomery and adopted by Josie and William Ousley, King Curtis started blowing saxophone at twelve on the streets of Fort Worth. His ear was acute, his attack natural, and his ambition bigger than the city could hold. Turning down college scholarships didn’t feel like sacrifice. Joining the Lionel Hampton Band was the obvious move. Getting to New York was the only destination.

What Curtis built there is staggering. He played the sax solo on the Coasters’ “Yakety Yak” in 1958. He led Aretha Franklin’s backing band, the Kingpins — including the famous break on “Respect” that most people can hum without knowing his name. He appeared on John Lennon’s Imagine in 1971, blowing on “It’s So Hard” just months before his death. He also played on Waylon Jennings’ first-ever recording session in 1958 — a connection Fort Worth would’ve savored: two Texas boys making something permanent.

He won the Grammy for Best R&B Instrumental Performance in 1970 for “Games People Play.” He was inducted posthumously into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. The east Fort Worth that made him didn’t offer much — except music. It was enough. For the school where it all took shape, visit the I.M. Terrell Academy a few miles west. Listen to “Soul Serenade” and try to argue it wasn’t worth it.