Terry Knutsen, who performed under the name Terry Teen during the 1960's, died on Friday evening after life support systems were removed, according to sources close to the artist. Mr. Knutsen was seriously injured on Wednesday evening, while riding his bicycle along the outskirts of Tyler, Texas, United States.
Doctors immediately classified Mr. Knutsen's condition as ‘critical’ upon his arrival at the hospital, and further stated that he never achieved notable brain activity while hospitalized. Reports indicate that Mr. Knutsen struck a tow truck while he rode his bicycle along Highway 110 along the outskirts of Tyler, Texas on Wednesday evening. A passerby describes seeing "…a smashed up bicycle covered in…plastic bags and…a yellow raincoat…" lying at the scene of the accident.
Mr. Knutsen achieved some notoriety for his novelty song Curse of the Hearse, which was a staple for many years on Doctor Demento‘s annual Halloween radio program. Before his death, Mr. Knutsen had performed for many years throughout Texas as a professional clown. He made a brief (uncredited) appearance many years ago on one episode of the hit television show In Living Color. Sources indicate he also had minor roles in various films.
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TERRY TEEN
On February 3, 1959 in a field near Clear Lake, Iowa, three rock legends died. Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. ("Big Bopper") Richardson were tragically killed in a plane crash after previously playing at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.
Thousands of people, young and old, were devastated, but for "Terry Teene" that night really hit close to home. Terry was with Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens the night before their deaths.
Terry Knutson or better known as "Terry Teene" is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kermit Knutson.
Terry's musical career started at the mere age of four when he began taking piano lessons. At the beginning of his junior year in high school, Terry was asked to try out for choir; he did and in doing so he changed the course of his life. He started singing regularly in church when a local disc jockey urged him to appear on a local television program. After appearing for eight straight weeks, Terry had his own band, Terry and the Pirates, and was on his way to stardom.
After graduating from EGHS in 1960, Terry headed for Minneapolis, MN, to make a record but the leader of the band didn't think the song material was good enough. That didn't make him give up. He then packed his bags once again and ventured to Clovis, NM where he recorded two songs, "Just Wait Til I Get You Alone" and "Orchids Mean Good-bye," under Norman Petty.
Since then, Terry has recorded over 300 songs, about 25 records were released when he was a major artist and about 75 records were released where he played a part. At his last count he believes he has recorded using 70 different names. Some of his song titles are "Curse of the Hearse," "Pussy Galore," "Happiness is Coming," (which he recorded under the name of Blaine Bel Aire), and "We're Going to put Iowa on the Map." Terry's personal favorites are "Fun To Be With" and "Perfect 36."
"Terry Teene" appeared in concert with Alice Cooper, Nazerath, Flo and Kinks, S H A N A N A, Knack, Cheap Trick, Bobby Vee and many, many more. He was the opening act for Kenny Rogers on New Year's Eve in 1981 and 1984 in Los Angeles Forum with 18,000 plus in attendance. Loretta Lynn, Larry Gatlin, Rick Dees, The Solid Gold Dancers and Dolly Parton were all the featured performers.
"Terry Teene" has performed private parties for such celebrities as Sonny and Cher, Helen Reddy, Jo Ann Flugg, Olivia Hussy, England Dan, Ray Ruff and Susie Allenson, and Jay Burnstein.
by Tiffini Riley
source: Rockabilly Hall
