Who is Chris Knight and what are his primary musical genres?

Chris Knight is an American singer-songwriter born on June 24, 1960. His music primarily falls into the genres of rock, folk rock, country rock, and Americana.

Where was Chris Knight born and where did he grow up?

Chris Knight was born in St. Louis, Missouri, but he grew up in Slaughters, Kentucky. His extended family also resides in the same area of Kentucky.

What was Chris Knight's early exposure to music and his initial musical inspirations?

Chris Knight's interest in music began early; he asked for a guitar at age three. By age 15, he started teaching himself songs by his musical hero, John Prine, on his brother's guitar, eventually learning to play around 35-40 of Prine's songs.

What was Chris Knight's career path before becoming a full-time musician?

Before pursuing music, Chris Knight earned a degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University. He then worked for a decade as a mine reclamation inspector and a miner's consultant for the Kentucky Department of Surface Mining.

When did Chris Knight begin his music career in earnest?

Chris Knight started composing songs at the age of 26 but did not begin performing until he was 30. He secured his first record deal at the age of 37.

What event prompted Chris Knight to start writing songs, and how did he begin his career in Nashville?

Hearing Steve Earle on the radio in 1986 inspired Chris Knight to start writing songs. After six years of writing, he moved to Nashville and earned a spot performing at the Bluebird Cafe during a songwriters' night.

Who discovered Chris Knight, and which record label initially signed him?

Music producer Frank Liddell took an interest in Chris Knight and signed him to Bluewater Music. When Liddell moved to Decca Records for an A&R position, Knight also received a contract with Decca, leading to the release of his self-titled debut album in 1998.

What was Chris Knight's living situation around the time of his debut album release?

When his self-titled debut album was released in 1998, Chris Knight was still living in a 10'x15' trailer on 90 acres of land in Slaughters, Kentucky.

What happened to Decca Records, and which label did Chris Knight sign with afterward?

Decca Records folded at the end of the 1990s, shortly after Knight joined the label. After a period without a label, Knight signed with Dualtone Music Group.

How did Chris Knight eventually transition to releasing his music independently?

After licensing two records to Dualtone Records, Chris Knight decided to release his music independently, with the assistance of his manager.

What is Chris Knight's connection to Texas, and what recognition did he receive there?

Chris Knight is notably popular in Texas. In recognition of his fame in the state, he was named an "Honorary Texan" in 2006 by then-Texas Governor Rick Perry.

How did Chris Knight's early demo tapes, 'The Trailer Tapes,' come about and what was their release status?

Chris Knight recorded his first demo tapes, known as 'The Trailer Tapes,' while living alone in a trailer on his property outside Slaughters. These tapes were initially bootlegged and self-released before being officially issued in 2007.

What was the significance of 'The Trailer Tapes' in Chris Knight's discography?

'The Trailer Tapes,' officially released in 2007 after initial bootleg and self-release, became one of Chris Knight's best-selling records.

Which notable artists collaborated with Chris Knight on his 2012 album, 'Little Victories'?

Chris Knight's 2012 album, 'Little Victories,' featured collaborations with Lee Ann Womack on the song "You Lie When You Call My Name," and his long-time musical hero John Prine sang on the title track. Buddy Miller also contributed guitar and vocals to two tracks: "Missing You" and "Nothing on Me."

What are the main genres associated with Chris Knight's music?

Chris Knight's music is associated with several genres, including Rock, Folk Rock, Country Rock, and Americana.

What are the years Chris Knight has been active as a musician?

Chris Knight has been active in his music career from 1998 to the present.

What record labels has Chris Knight been associated with throughout his career?

Chris Knight has been associated with labels such as Decca Records and Dualtone Records. He also releases music through his own Drifter's Church Productions.

What information is provided about Chris Knight's self-titled debut album?

The self-titled debut album, 'Chris Knight,' was released on February 10, 1998, under the Decca Nashville label. It did not chart on the US Country, Billboard 200, Heatseekers, or Independent Albums charts.

What were the chart performances of Chris Knight's album 'A Pretty Good Guy'?

Chris Knight's album 'A Pretty Good Guy,' released on September 11, 2001, by Dualtone Records, did not chart on the US Country, Billboard 200, Heatseekers, or Independent Albums charts.

Which album by Chris Knight reached number 67 on the US Country chart, and what was its release date?

Chris Knight's album 'The Jealous Kind,' released on August 19, 2003, by Dualtone Records, reached number 67 on the US Country chart. It did not chart on the Billboard 200, Heatseekers, or Independent Albums charts.

What were the peak chart positions for Chris Knight's 2006 album 'Enough Rope'?

Released on July 11, 2006, by Thirty Tigers, Chris Knight's album 'Enough Rope' charted at number 49 on the US Independent Albums chart and number 48 on the US Heatseekers chart. It did not chart on the US Country or Billboard 200.

How did 'The Trailer Tapes' perform on the music charts?

Released on April 3, 2007, by Thirty Tigers, Chris Knight's album 'The Trailer Tapes' reached number 68 on the US Country chart and number 40 on the US Heatseekers chart. It did not chart on the Billboard 200 or Independent Albums charts.

What were the chart positions for Chris Knight's 2008 album 'Heart of Stone'?

Chris Knight's album 'Heart of Stone,' released on August 19, 2008, by Drifter's Church, reached number 37 on the US Country chart and number 7 on the US Heatseekers chart. It also charted at number 31 on the US Independent Albums chart but did not chart on the Billboard 200.

What were the chart performances for Chris Knight's 2009 album 'Trailer II'?

Released on September 15, 2009, by Thirty Tigers, Chris Knight's album 'Trailer II' reached number 64 on the US Country chart. It did not chart on the Billboard 200, Heatseekers, or Independent Albums charts.

Detail the chart performance and sales figures for Chris Knight's 2012 album 'Little Victories'.

Released on September 11, 2012, by Drifter's Church, 'Little Victories' reached number 25 on the US Country Albums chart and number 148 on the Billboard 200. It also charted at number 4 on the US Heatseekers chart and number 33 on the US Independent Albums chart. Sales reported were 3,000 units in the US.

What were the chart positions and reported sales for Chris Knight's 2019 album 'Almost Daylight'?

Chris Knight's album 'Almost Daylight,' released on October 11, 2019, by Drifter's Church, charted at number 3 on the US Heatseekers chart and number 12 on the US Independent Albums chart. It did not chart on the US Country or Billboard 200. Reported US sales were 2,800 units.

What does the symbol "—" signify in the discography table?

In the discography table, the symbol "—" indicates that a particular release did not chart on the specified music chart.

List the singles released by Chris Knight and the albums they are associated with.

Chris Knight released the following singles: "Framed" (1998) from 'Chris Knight,' "It Ain't Easy Being Me" (1998) from 'Chris Knight,' "Becky's Bible" (2001) from 'A Pretty Good Guy,' "Oil Patch Town" (2002) from 'A Pretty Good Guy,' "The Jealous Kind" (2003) from 'The Jealous Kind,' "Cry Lonely" (2006) from 'Enough Rope,' and "In the Mean Time" (2012) from 'Little Victories'.

What music videos has Chris Knight released, and who directed them?

Chris Knight has released music videos for "Framed" (1998) and "It Ain't Easy Being Me" (1998), both directed by Roger Pistole. He also released "Oil Patch Town" (2002) directed by Roger Pistole, "Cry Lonely" (2006) directed by Milton Sneed, "In the Mean Time" (2013) directed by James Weems, and "I'm William Callahan" (2019) directed by Nathaniel Maddux.

Which artists have recorded songs written or co-written by Chris Knight?

Chris Knight's songs have been recorded by various artists including Confederate Railroad, John Anderson, Randy Travis, Gary Allan, The Yayhoos, The Von Ehrics, Jason McCoy, Blake Shelton, The Great Divide, Ty Herndon, Montgomery Gentry, The Road Hammers, Matraca Berg, Fred Eaglesmith, Stacy Dean Campbell, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Dan Baird, and Lee Ann Womack.

Can you name a few specific songs written by Chris Knight that were recorded by other artists?

Yes, for example, Confederate Railroad recorded Knight's song "I Don't Want to Hang Out With Me." John Anderson, Jason McCoy, and Blake Shelton have all recorded "It Ain't Easy Being Me." Gary Allan, The Yayhoos, and The Von Ehrics recorded "Highway Junkie."

In what television program did Chris Knight make an appearance?

Chris Knight was featured in Season 1, Episode 2 of CarbonTV's original series, 'American Elements,' in 2015.

Describe the image of Chris Knight shown in the article, taken in Amsterdam.

The image shows Chris Knight at WV-HEDW Soccer Club in Amsterdam on February 2, 2007. The photograph captures him during this period.

Describe the image of Chris Knight shown in the article, taken at the Master Musicians Festival.

The image depicts Chris Knight at the Master Musicians Festival in Somerset, Kentucky, on July 19, 2008. This photograph was taken during the festival.

What is Chris Knight's official website address?

Chris Knight's official website can be found at www.chrisknight.net.

What are the studio albums listed for Chris Knight, and in what order were they released?

Chris Knight's studio albums, in chronological order, are: 'Chris Knight' (1998), 'A Pretty Good Guy' (2001), 'The Jealous Kind' (2003), 'Enough Rope' (2006), 'The Trailer Tapes' (2007), 'Heart of Stone' (2008), 'Trailer II' (2009), 'Little Victories' (2012), and 'Almost Daylight' (2019).

Which of Chris Knight's albums are categorized as 'Demo albums'?

The albums listed as 'Demo albums' in Chris Knight's discography are 'The Trailer Tapes' (2007) and 'Trailer II' (2009).

What authority control databases are linked for Chris Knight?

The authority control databases linked for Chris Knight include ISNI, VIAF (with two entries), FAST (with two entries), WorldCat, United States (Library of Congress), and MusicBrainz.

Chris Knight Singer Wiki: Chris Knight: A Chronicle of Americana Songcraft

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Biography

Roots in Kentucky

Born Christopher Knight on June 24, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri, his formative years were spent in Slaughters, Kentucky. Knight's upbringing in this rural setting, alongside his three brothers and sister, provided a rich backdrop for his later lyrical narratives. His father's work as a pipe liner and his own eventual career in mine reclamation and as a miner's consultant offered firsthand experience with the lives and struggles that often inform his songwriting.

Early Musical Awakening

Knight's musical journey began at age three with a request for a guitar. By fifteen, he was seriously dedicating himself to the instrument, mastering John Prine songs. This early immersion in Prine's storytelling style profoundly influenced Knight's own approach to songwriting. He pursued a degree in agriculture from Western Kentucky University, working in related fields for a decade before music fully claimed his attention.

Transition to Songwriting

At age 26, Knight began composing music, but it wasn't until his early thirties that he started performing. The pivotal moment came in 1986 when hearing Steve Earle on the radio inspired him to focus on writing. Six years later, he arrived in Nashville and secured a spot at the renowned Bluebird Cafe, a crucial venue for aspiring songwriters. This led to interest from producer Frank Liddell and ultimately, his first record deal.

Career Trajectory

Nashville Debut

Knight's self-titled debut album was released in 1998 by Decca Records, coinciding with his continued residence in a modest trailer on his Kentucky property. Though Decca Records ceased operations shortly thereafter, Knight's distinctive voice and authentic storytelling had already begun to resonate. This early period established his reputation for crafting raw, honest songs.

Independent Spirit

Following Decca's closure, Knight signed with Dualtone Music Group, releasing two records before opting for greater artistic control. He transitioned to releasing music independently, guided by his manager. This move allowed him to maintain the integrity of his sound and connect directly with his audience, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the Americana music scene.

The Texas Connection

Knight's music found a particularly strong following in Texas, earning him significant recognition in the state. His deep connection to the region's musical culture was acknowledged in 2006 when Texas Governor Rick Perry named him an "Honorary Texan," a testament to the widespread appeal and resonance of his songwriting.

Early Releases and Collaborations

His early demo tapes, initially bootlegged and self-released as The Trailer Tapes, were officially issued in 2007 and became one of his best-selling records. The 2012 album Little Victories showcased his collaborative spirit, featuring guest appearances from esteemed artists such as Lee Ann Womack, his long-time hero John Prine, and Buddy Miller, further cementing his place within the Americana music community.

Discography

Studio Albums

Knight's studio albums represent key milestones in his career, charting his evolution as a songwriter and performer.

Title	Album Details	Peak Chart Positions				Sales
Title	Album Details	US Country ¹⁶	US	US Heat	US Indie	Sales
Chris Knight	Release date: February 10, 1998 Label: Decca Nashville	—	—	—	—
A Pretty Good Guy	Release date: September 11, 2001 Label: Dualtone Records	—	—	—	—
The Jealous Kind	Release date: August 19, 2003 Label: Dualtone Records	67	—	—	—
Enough Rope	Release date: July 11, 2006 Label: Thirty Tigers	—	—	49	48
The Trailer Tapes	Release date: April 3, 2007 Label: Thirty Tigers	68	—	40	—
Heart of Stone	Release date: August 19, 2008 Label: Drifter's Church	37	—	7	31
Trailer II	Release date: September 15, 2009 Label: Thirty Tigers	64	—	—	—
Little Victories	Release date: September 11, 2012 Label: Drifter's Church	25	148	4	33	US: 3,000²⁰
Almost Daylight	Release date: October 11, 2019 Label: Drifter's Church	—	—	3	12	US: 2,800²¹
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

Key singles that have defined his presence on the charts and radio.

Year	Song	Album
1998	"Framed"	Chris Knight
1998	"It Ain't Easy Being Me"	Chris Knight
2001	"Becky's Bible"	A Pretty Good Guy
2002	"Oil Patch Town"	A Pretty Good Guy
2003	"The Jealous Kind"	The Jealous Kind
2006	"Cry Lonely"	Enough Rope
2012	"In the Mean Time"	Little Victories

Music Videos

Visual interpretations of his notable songs, often reflecting the narrative depth of his lyrics.

Year	Video	Director
1998	"Framed"	Roger Pistole
1998	"It Ain't Easy Being Me"
2002	"Oil Patch Town"
2006	"Cry Lonely"	Milton Sneed
2013	"In the Mean Time"	James Weems²²
2019	"I'm William Callahan"	Nathaniel Maddux²³

Songwriting Contributions

Notable Compositions

Beyond his own recordings, Chris Knight has penned songs that have become significant hits for other artists, showcasing his versatility and lyrical prowess within the country and Americana genres. His ability to craft narratives that resonate with diverse audiences is a hallmark of his songwriting talent.

"A Pretty Good Guy" – Fred Eaglesmith
"A Train Not Running" – Stacy Dean Campbell
"Becky's Bible" – Jason Savory
"Cry Lonely" – Cross Canadian Ragweed
"Heart of Stone" – Dan Baird
"Highway Junkie" – Randy Travis, Gary Allan, The Yayhoos, The Von Ehrics
"I Don't Want to Hang Out With Me" – Confederate Railroad
"It Ain't Easy Being Me" – John Anderson, Jason McCoy, and Blake Shelton
"Love and Gasoline" and "She's Leaving This Town" – The Great Divide
"Love at 90 Miles an Hour" – Ty Herndon
"She Couldn't Change Me" – Montgomery Gentry
"The Hammer Goin Down" – The Road Hammers
"Devil behind the wheel" - Matraca Berg

Television Appearances

Featured on CarbonTV

Chris Knight's presence extends beyond audio recordings. In 2015, he was featured in the first season of CarbonTV's original series, American Elements, appearing in Episode 2. This appearance highlights his engagement with visual media and broader platforms to share his artistry.

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:

^ ^a ^b "Lonesome Highway lines up a treat with Kentucky Chris". Edinburgh Evening News. January 19, 2007. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ ^a ^b Banister, C. Eric (October 23, 2008). "Something to Keep Me Going – A Conversation with Chris Knight". AmericanRoots.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ shane e. calhoon (February 1, 2017), chris knight 2011 09 30 st louis, mo, archived from the original on December 15, 2021, retrieved March 20, 2017
^ Mayshark, Jesse Fox (September–October 2001). "Kentucky straight • Chris Knight has no tall tales to tell, but his characters speak volumes". No Depression. The Long Way Around (Feature) (35). Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c Wahlert, Brian. "Chris Knight – Biography – All Music". Allmusic.com. All Media Network, LLC. Retrieved November 2, 2013.
^ "Chris Knight interview & three tracks from Almost Daylight". Americana Music Show. September 2, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
^ Tarradell, Mario. "Interviews: Chris Knight". Lone Star Music. Archived from the original on April 15, 2007. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ ^a ^b Lynch, Bill (July 17, 2013). "Chris Knight makes music on his terms". Charleston Gazette, The (WV). Retrieved November 2, 2013.
^ Nichols, Patrick (July 20, 2006). "Album Review: Chris Knight, Enough Rope". this is texas music. Archived from the original on July 3, 2007. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ Frazier, Chip (September 21, 2012). "Chris Knight – Small Victories". Twangville. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ Dickens, Tad (November 16, 2009). "Chris Knight has won over fans". Roanoke Times, The (VA).
^ Chancellor, Jennifer (September 14, 2010). "Chris Knight sets Cain's Ballroom show date". Tulsa World (OK).
^ Dauphin, Chuck (September 21, 2012). "Chris Knight Scores 'Little Victories,' First Album in 4 Years". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ Shelburne, Craig (September 21, 2012). "Chris Knight Takes Pride in Little Victories". CMT Edge. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ Harrison, Alan (September 20, 2012). "CD Review – Chris Knight "Little Victories"". No Depression. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
^ "Chris Knight > Chart History > Top Country Albums". Billboard.
^ "Chris Knight > Chart History > Billboard 200". Billboard.
^ "Chris Knight > Chart History > Heatseekers Albums". Billboard.
^ "Chris Knight > Chart History > Independent Albums". Billboard.
^ Bjorke, Matt (September 19, 2019). "Chart News For September 19 2012: A "Tornado" of Success For Little Big Town". RoughStock. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
^ Bjorke, Matt (October 21, 2019). "Top 10 Country Albums Sales Chart: October 21, 2019". RoughStock. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
^ "CMT : Videos : Chris Knight : In the Mean Time". Country Music Television. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
^ McKenna, Brittney (September 27, 2019). "Chris Knight Debuts Video For "I'm William Callahan"". American Songwriter. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
^ "Chris Knight : American Elements". CarbonTV. Retrieved February 4, 2016.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Chris Knight (singer) Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data from Wikipedia and has been refined for clarity and depth, but may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

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Chris Knight: A Chronicle of Americana Songcraft

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography 🧑‍🏫

📍 Roots in Kentucky

🎸 Early Musical Awakening

✍️ Transition to Songwriting

Career Trajectory 💼

🎙️ Nashville Debut

⭐ Independent Spirit

🤠 The Texas Connection

🏠 Early Releases and Collaborations

Discography 🎶

💽 Studio Albums

🎵 Singles

🎬 Music Videos

Songwriting Contributions 📝

🌟 Notable Compositions

Television Appearances 📺

📺 Featured on CarbonTV

References 📚

🔗 Source Material

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Roots in Kentucky

Early Musical Awakening

Transition to Songwriting

Career Trajectory

Nashville Debut

Independent Spirit

The Texas Connection

Early Releases and Collaborations

Discography

Studio Albums

Singles

Music Videos

Songwriting Contributions

Notable Compositions

Television Appearances

Featured on CarbonTV

References

Source Material

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice