Dewayne performed with a number of bands dating back to the 1960s. Just a few of them included The Exotics and Nu Life during the 1970s, and he was an early member of The Fabulous Flashbacks.
I can't recall for sure exactly when I first met Dewayne; I think it was in the early 1990s during his involvement with the oldies concerts that happened at the Jaffa Shrine and Mansion Park. I had met Dewayne's son, John McKnight, not long before I met Dewayne. What immediately stood out to me about Dewayne was his big, friendly, up-front personality. You knew when he was in the room, and you eagerly listened to what he had to say.
Through the years, I enjoyed Dewayne as a musician and a friend. He played drums, he sang, and I remember seeing him performing in barbershop quartets, doo wop groups, oldies and rock'n'roll situations. It was always great to see him on stage during various jam situations, especially in recent years at the Unter Uns, where I even got to perform alongside him a few times.
I always looked forward to chatting with Dewayne whenever I saw him out and about. He always kept me updated on John's endeavors after John relocated to Atlanta, and I'll remember how proud Dewayne was of John and his accomplishments.
I also liked chatting with Dewayne for a deeper reason: I always learned from him. He often shared his wisdom with me, from music to living life. I remember one chat, probably after I had lost one of my full-time radio gigs, where Dewayne talked about not being afraid to try new opportunities, and he mentioned that he had recently started working at selling used cars. It wasn't too long after that talk that I actually ended up buying a car from him (my previous "Professor-mobile," the Kia Spectra 5, at Park Motors). I thought of that conversation about trying new endeavors when the opportunity to try college teaching was presented to me. Dewayne's wisdom helped guide me in making my decision.
And as he faced his battle with cancer, he was inspirational. He fought the fight, accepting the hand he was dealt, and never felt sorry for himself. He handled the situation with bravery, dignity and grace. He was determined to live each day to its fullest, and to savor what life had to offer him.
I will always have fond thoughts and memories of Dewayne, and am thankful for his friendship, wisdom, inspiration and guidance. He was a strong role model on how to live life to its fullest, and I hope all who were touched by this man will continue to celebrate him as we proceed forward.
Below are two pictures from a special night that Dewayne was involved with. This was during one of Felix & the Hurricanes' weekly Sunday night jams at the Hitching Post in Altoona, from December 18, 2005. Dewayne's son, John McKnight, was back in town for the holidays, and both he and Dewayne - as well as several other musicians - showed up at the Hitching Post to make some music together with Hurricanes Felix, Bobby and Jeff. The house was packed, and everyone was treated to excellent music and happy vibes. These photos show father and son, with Dewayne on drums and John singing, plus Dewayne with Felix Kos. Also on the stage this night was harmonica man Barney Sledge, Redawg Solinski, Brian Cupples, Rick Ramsey, Lauren Johnson and more.
