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Clarence E. Knight

Knight began his introduction to music at the age of 8, playing and studying the clarinet and saxophone, continuing to play at the H.B. Suggs School in his home town. He entered the Howard University School of Music at the age of 16, and was the lead saxophonist from 1954-1958 at the famed Howard Theater in Washington, D.C. Knight’s career in music and musical theater over six decades includes making appearances at the Apollo Theater in New York City; the Regal Theater in Chicago; and the Royal Theater in Baltimore. His career spanned performances with renowned singers Billie Eckstein, Lena Horne, and Pearl Baily. Knight also served as freelance musician with Gladys Knight and the Pips, Aretha Franklin, Lena Horne, Quincy Jones, and Johnny Mathis.

EDUCATION

Knight graduated from Howard University in 1959 obtaining a Bachelors of Music Education, then teaching and developing an Instrumental Music Program at Falkland, North Carolina Elementary School. He then achieved a Master of Music Education from Howard University in 1969. He later obtained a Doctor of Education degree from George Washington University in 1981. Knight joined the faculty of Bowie State University in 1985, his career spanning 30 years. He first occupied the position of Assistant Professor of Music as well as Coordinator of Music and Band Director from 1985-1992. Knight then served as Associate Professor of Music during the period 1992 to 1995. Knight became Interim Chairman and simultaneously Professor of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. In 1997 to his retirement in 2015, Knight served as Chairman and Professor of the Department. Knight established the band program at the university, overseeing a $500,000 program, also being the first African-American musical director, creating the football team jazz ensemble, forming the first community jazz ensemble, and was recipient of Chairman of the Year award in 2003 and 2013.

EARLY MUSIC CAREER

As CEO of CLARENCE E KNIGHT PRODUCTIONS, a musical contracting business established in 1971, he has provided musical services and musicians for some of the leading shows throughout the United States. He has been the music contractor for: Cellar Door Productions, Dimensions Entertainment, The Warner Theater, The Arena Stage Theater, Motown Records, FX Productions, BET Television, The Washington Football Team, Gladys Knight Productions, HBO Television and many other smaller production companies and show promoters throughout the US.

RECORDING CREDITS includes: Smokey Robinson, Lou Rawls, Tina Turner, Tom Jones, Lloyd Price, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and many other lessor know Artists. His

MUSICAL THEATER CREDITS includes: The Wiz, Tap Dance Kid, The King and I, Raisin The Musical, Aida, Ain’t Misbehavin, Annie, Chicago, The Color Purple, Dream Girls, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly, How to Succeed, Jesus Christ Superstar, My Fair Lady, Porgy and Bess, Show Boat, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Sound of Music, and a number of shows with Maurice and Gregory Hines.

R and B CREDITS: Gladys Knight and the Pips, Smokey Robinson, Bill Eckstine, Pattie LaBelle, Lou Rawls, The Dells, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Whitney Houston, Jackie Wilson, Orlando and Dawn, The O’Jays, The Spinners, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Barry White, Earth Wine and Fire, The Miracles, Al Green, James Brown, Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, The Clovers, Clyde McPhatter, The Coasters, Dionne Warwick, Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, The Drifters, The Jackson Five, Johnny Mathis, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Little Richard, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Isaac Hayes, Donna Summer, Marvin Gaye, Mary Wells, The Platters, Brook Benton, Ruth Brown, Sam and Dave, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, The Staple Singers, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Stylistics, Tony Bennett, and many others.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

The CLARENCE KNIGHT ORCHESTRA, has provided musical support for a number of major events: The Congressional Black Caucus Phoenix Awards Dinner (20 years); The Black Engineers Awards Ceremony (5 years); Five Presidential Inaugural Balls (7 events); and many dances, weddings and social events throughout the country.

MILITARY AWARDS/HONORS

Knight was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in June 1960, graduating with honors from the Army Fixed Wing Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama in 1961. He later graduated from Helicopter Transition School at Fort Wolters Texas in 1962. He served in the 1st Cavalry Air Assault Division, 82nd Aviation Battalion, he served as flight instructor in the U.S. Army 1960-1967, and in the Republic of Vietnam, awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal with 20 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Vietnamese Medal of Honor.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS:

National Community Education Association National Association of Black Community Educators National Education Association National Association for State Community Educators Association for Adult Educators National Association for Elementary School Principals Association for School and Curriculum Development Council of School Officers Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity Phi Delta Kappa AAUP International Association of Jazz Educators NAACP MENC Black Music Educators CIAA Band Association Musicians Union – Local 161-710

COMMUNITY/CIVIC ACTIVITY:

State Advisory Council for Community Education Board of Directors, Prince George’s Arts Council Mentoring Program, Prince George’s County School System Consultant, Suitland High School of the Arts Consultant, Anne Arundel High School Consultant, Potomac High School Consultant, Friendly High School Member, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Member, Brotherhood of the Masons D.C. Committee on Crime and Delinquency Association for the Arts Far North-East Neighborhood Planning Committee Area 4-A PTA Council Research and Evaluation Committee for metropolitan YMCA Music and Composition Golfing and Bowling First Minority Band Director for the Washington Football Team Professional Band (1985–2000)