Jerry Knight

Bassist Jerry Knight was a founding member of Raydio and remained with them until 1980. Knight had previously played with Bill Withers before being invited by Ray Parker, Jr. to join Raydio. It was Knight's lead vocal on the group's first hit, "Jack and Jill." Knight left for a solo deal with A&M in 1980. But while "Overnight Sensation" and "Perfect Fit" each made the R&B Top 20, none of his LPs generated consistent sales, and Knight departed the label in 1983. He recorded with Polydor in 1984 as half of a duo billed as Ollie & Jerry. Knight also enjoyed some success as a composer, writing "Tonight" for the Whispers and "Desire" for Phillip Bailey in 1983. He produced Howard Hewitt's "Challenge," and played bass on many sessions. He died of cancer in December 1996 at the age of 44.
© Ron Wynn /TiVo