Chris Knab

Christopher J. Knab died on Sept. 17 in Seattle after a long illness. He was born in Oct. 24, 1944, to Otto and Judith Knab and grew up in Portland, OR. Predeceased by his parents, brothers Klaus and Bernard, and sister Judith Randol, Chris is survived by his partner Sue Cook, son David Mendel, and his nieces and nephews.

Chris’s long career began in the late ’60s at The Magic Flute record store in San Francisco. He owned legendary Aquarius Records in the ’70s and co-hosted (as Cosmo Topper) the first commercial alternative rock radio specialty show in the nation, The Outcaste Hour, and later The Heretics and Modern Humans on KSAN, KSJO, and KTIM. By the mid ’70s, Chris was influential in discovering and introducing progressive rock, punk, and new wave music to his customers and radio listeners, with in-store musician appearances and radio interviews. He became vice president and cofounder (with Howie Klein) of 415/Columbia Records (Romeo Void, The Mutants, The Nuns, Translator, Wire Train, Roky Erikson, the Red Rockers, and more).

Moving to Seattle, Chris became station manager for KCMU (now KEXP) during the grunge era and then for 18 years was the Art Institute of Seattle’s music business instructor. From the mid ’90s and for decades after, his pioneering website was a trusted and free resource for independent musicians. A passionate advocate and educator, Chris co-wrote four editions of the book Music Is Your Business, the Musician’s FourFront Marketing and Legal Guide, a textbook used in music business programs across the country and parts of Europe.

Chris was an avid movie buff, an accomplished poet, and a beloved teacher, mentor, uncle, and friend. He was happiest when sharing his encyclopedic, wide-ranging, and eclectic love of music. His legacy includes beautiful poetry, a lasting influence on the San Francisco and Northwest music scenes, generosity to musicians throughout his career, and the love and friendship of all those who will miss him dearly.