ERIC KNIGHT Obituary

KNIGHT--Eric W. Maestro Knight passed July 21, at home surrounded by his loving family, he was 89. A native of New York City, Eric held a Masters in Composition from Columbia University. Eric was a tour-de-force conductor, arranger, composer, and pianist extraordinaire. His talent came naturally, from leading the 12th Infantry Regimental band, to conducting around the country with over 60 different orchestras. He worked as an arranger for the Boston Pops Orchestra during the last ten years of Arthur Fiedler's life, and was the Principle Conductor at the Baltimore Pops and North Carolina symphony. He was also the Musical Director Emeritus at the former Tupelo Symphony. His distinguished career included associations with The Montauk Manor, First Moog Quartet, Dangerfield's Night Club, New York City Opera. He toured and conducted Ethel Merman for 17 years; as well as Robert Goulet, Carol Lawrence, Sergio Franchi and Ella Fitzgerald among others. He loved to entertain extended family and friends with his brilliant music, wit, and gourmet cooking. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Joan R. Knight, his children Jenny, Regina, son-in-law Timothy Donovan, cherished grandchildren Reid, William, and the Pischnotte family.

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Published by New York Times on Jul. 31, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for ERIC KNIGHT

10 Entries

Huber Family

March 29, 2025

My grandfather owned a bakery on Rockaway Ave. Eric, my mother and my aunt were good friends. When my aunt past in 2020 I contacted Eric and told him who I was and we spoke for some time. Eric invited me to his place in NYC and said he may be leaving to spend time at his other location out on Long Island were I live. I was very excited to visit but unfortunately I became ill and spent many months in a nursing/rehab. I was hoping to see him and exchange photos because he was the only person that had photos of Hubers Bakery with my mom and aunt standing in front of the store. I had lost Eric's phone number and did not have any of the other Pischnottes contacts and thought I lost my opportunity to receive the photos and enjoy a visit talking about mymom and my aunt with Eric. I no this is years later but if any family members read this please try to contact me if you come across any photos. Thank you So sorry for your loss. Eric and the family growing up in Brooklyn gave me alot of great story's about my family as well. Hubers granddaughter Laura 631 650-5304 please leave a message and I will return your call Thank you

Mike Bryant

November 1, 2024

I just found out about Eric´s passing. I had the opportunity to play trombone under his baton several times and he was absolutely fabulous as an arranger and conductor. The entire world will miss this great, talented man!!

Diana Barnes

July 25, 2023

Eric will always hold a very special place in my heart. From the time we spent in Dangerfield's when I was just getting started with my singing career to the symphonic program he designed and arranged, he will always be remembered as a dynamic, loving funny man. I can still hear his laughter! He wasn't just my arranger, he was loved like a member of my family.

Diana Barnes(Nathanson)

Planted Trees

Steven Danenberg

September 3, 2022

We worked with each other at Wedo's Music for close to twenty years. What a talent, what a friend, always humorous and caring. Delightful nature and brilliant with languages as well as music. Every morning he did the Times cross word puzzle and timed it with his watch. He was also very entertaining. Wow, he will be misswed by many. Rest in peace.

Bill Robinson

August 11, 2022

I met Eric Knight over 40 years ago when I was just
starting out in the music business and he was already
well well established. He had a love for music that went
way beyond money or fame if he saw something in a
person that he felt other people should hear he would
help. At that time I was just starting out my pockets
were empty and what he charge me for musical
arrangements the paper that he wrote the music on,
cost more than what he charged me. His musical
arrangements helped me to get steady work with Joan
Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Atlantic City, Las
Vegas, and perform in 47 countries around the world.
Every musician would always ask me who did your
arrangements, and I proudly responded Maestro Eric
Knight. Eric became my brother, a family member to me.
We would talk every monthly, and at the close of our
beautiful conversations he would always have a joke
and we would laugh and laugh and laugh. He would call
me EVERY birthday. Out of all of the people that I
known, or will ever know there will never be another
Eric Knight. Rest in peace my brother I know you are
conducting that full orchestra in heaven.

Bill Robinson

August 10, 2022

I met Eric Knight over 40 years ago when I was just starting out in the music business and he was already well well established. He had a love for music that went way beyond money or fame if he saw something in a person that he felt other people should hear he would help. At that time I was just starting out my pockets were empty and what he charge me for musical arrangements the paper that he wrote the music on, cost more than what he charged me. His musical arrangements helped me to get steady work with Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and perform in 47 countries around the world. Every musician would always ask me who did your arrangements, and I proudly responded Maestro Eric Knight. Eric became my brother, a family member to me. We would talk every month, and at the close of our beautiful conversations he would always have a joke and we would laugh and laugh and laugh. He would call me EVERY birthday.
Out of all of the people that I known, or will ever know there will never be another Eric Knight. Rest in peace my brother I know you are conducting that full orchestra in heaven.

Bill Robinson

August 10, 2022

Please call me 631-949-0771

Steve Cohen

August 5, 2022

Eric and I worked together for many years as copyists at Wedo Music in NYC. He was a respected and beloved presence there, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jerry

August 5, 2022

He was my friend and neighbor for 50 years plus. A special person and one of a kind. . . he´s missed already.
7W

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