A house RESOLUTION

 

to recognize and honor celebrated performer Anthony Jerome McKnight for his distinguished career as a singer and entertainer.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives pause in their deliberations to commend and celebrate the remarkable career and achievements of the talented Anthony Jerome McKnight, whose dedication to music and community service has left a lasting impact; and

 

Whereas, Anthony Jerome McKnight was born on October 12, 1953, the youngest son of Felix Sr. and Everlina B. McKnight. Affectionately known as "McKnight" to his friends, he attended Burke High School in Charleston, graduating in 1972. While in high school, he formed the vocal group "Dynamic Diamonds," which gained recognition for winning numerous school talent competitions; and

 

Whereas, in 1973, McKnight enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Orion (AS-18), homeported in Charleston. During his military service, he reorganized his former vocal group and renamed it "The Black Velvets," continuing to pursue his musical aspirations; and

 

Whereas, McKnight was honorably discharged from the Navy on January 23, 1975. Decades later in 2013, he became a dedicated advocate for fellow veterans, serving as a Disabled American Veteran annual service officer for the Roderick G. Patterson Chapter 77 in South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, in 1997, McKnight founded Oceanfront Productions Recording Studio in Pawley's Island, where he serves as CEO. He also holds the esteemed position of president of the South Carolina Chapter of the Motown Alumni Association and remains actively involved in composing and recording music; and

 

Whereas, inspired by the values instilled by his parents, trust in God and the importance of hard work, McKnight has remained committed to his passion for music. He has released several CD's: The Black Velvets (1997), Just Being Me (2010), Old School Girl (2011), It's Cool to Fall in Love (2013), a cover of the Temptations' You're My Everything (2014), and his last recorded single, Keep It on the Low (2016). His music was played on local radio stations gaining The Black Velvets notoriety and many fans who loved and appreciated their music. Fans would call in to request the DJ to play Anthony McKnight's CDs during the R&B segment on Saturday mornings; and

 

Whereas, McKnight has written and cowritten theme songs for radio disc jockeys Mikey D. and Cee Cee Edwards of Pawley's Island, the late Frankie "The Big Bopper" Green and the late Ken Moore from radio station Magic 107.3 in Charleston; and

 

Whereas, McKnight also was instrumental in securing a headstone in 2019 for his cousin James Jamerson, an American bassist who was uncredited on most of Motown Records hits in the 1960s and early 1970s. Regarded as one of the greatest and most influential bass players in modern music history, Jamerson was a session musician with Motown Records' Funk Brothers in Detroit, Michigan. In 2017, Jamerson was honored with a resolution from the City of Edisto Island. In 2018, McKnight accepted the Independent Tone Award for Jamerson aboard the USS Yorktown in Charleston. Other honors posthumously given to Jamerson in 2018 include the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Keeper Award, the Lowcountry Hall of Fame Award, and the Carolina Beach Award from Greensboro, North Carolina; and

 

Whereas, in 2020, McKnight also garnered a proclamation from the City of Charleston for Jamerson. That same year Jamerson received the Charleston County Republican Party North Star Award. McKnight has produced five Jamerson Bass Symposiums in his hometown and in 2023, McKnight helped spearhead a campaign to have a street in Jamerson's hometown of Edisto Island named in his memory. On April 23, 2024, James Jamerson Sr. was inducted into the South Carolina Entertainers & Musicians Hall of Fame; and

 

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives appreciate the unparalleled talent and widely varied work of Anthony Jerome McKnight and are grateful for his outstanding contributions to the music industry and to the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor celebrated performer Anthony Jerome McKnight for his distinguished career as a singer and entertainer.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Anthony Jerome McKnight.

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