Josh Knight: Mesquite’s Blues Legend

From humble beginnings, including a period of homelessness in his late teens, to stages alongside Grammy Award-winning artists, Josh Knight’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and talent. Growing up in Mesquite, Texas, Josh honed his craft while overcoming personal challenges, even spending nights behind a Whataburger in Irving, TX, on O’Connor and Highway 183. It was during these difficult times that Josh’s love for the blues deepened, inspiring him to become the virtuoso he is today.

His guitar speaks the language of the blues, a voice honed by years of dedication and respect for the craft. A native son of Mesquite, Josh’s name is synonymous with the rich musical traditions that have shaped both his career and his community. He’s been featured on the cover of the Mesquite News multiple times, celebrated not just for his talent but for his embodiment of the spirit of Texas blues.

In addition to his music career, Josh is also an accomplished film writer and director, and a proud graduate of Full Sail University, where he earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in entertainment and music-related fields. Josh is a member of the National Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), a voting member, and an alumnus of GRAMMY University (Grammy U). He was also formerly a member of the NARAS Producers & Engineers (P&E) Wing.

A Legacy Built with Legends

Josh Knight’s journey began early, with the sounds of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble filling his childhood home. At 16, Josh was mentored by blues legend B.B. King, setting him on the path to becoming a renowned guitarist. Over the years, Josh has shared the stage and studio with some of the most influential names in music, including Grammy winners and Rock N Roll Hall of Famers.

Josh’s connection to the Vaughan family runs deeper than music. His grandmother cared for Vera Bell Vaughan-Klutts, the sister of Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan’s father, Jimmie Lee Vaughan. Growing up, Josh and his family viewed the Klutts/Vaughan family as their own. Vera’s son, Sammy Klutts, often shared personal stories and photos of Stevie Ray and Jimmie, giving Josh a unique, behind-the-scenes look into the Vaughan legacy.

Later, through genealogical research, Josh discovered a distant familial connection to Stevie Ray Vaughan’s mother’s side, the Cooks. This discovery, alongside the close bond he shared with the Klutts/Vaughan family, deepened his appreciation for the musical heritage that influenced his own career. While always respectful of this connection, Josh sees it as an unexpected thread in his personal and musical history, further rooting him in the Texas blues tradition.

After this discovery, Josh connected with Jimmie Vaughan’s son, Tyrone Vaughan, and the two began touring and making music together, further cementing the bond between their families and their shared love of the blues.

Josh’s connection to the blues community was further solidified when Tommy Shannon invited him to be his guest at the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN, a year before Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During that week, Josh had the opportunity to meet and connect with legends such as Peter Frampton, the Oak Ridge Boys, Chris Isaak, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Billy Gibbons, and many more, further reinforcing his standing among some of the most respected names in the industry.

Josh’s influence extends far beyond the blues. His collaborations span across genres—from rock to gangsta rap—including a standout single with Bushwick Bill of the Geto Boys. In addition to his musical collaborations, Josh has worked closely with MTV’s Totally Pauly host, Pauly Shore. Their longstanding friendship, with Pauly personally endorsing Josh’s work, reflects the diverse and wide-reaching connections Josh has in the entertainment world.

A Historical Journey with Deep Texas Roots

Josh’s dedication to preserving blues history has been a defining factor in his career. His album Sessions at the Gunter Hotel: Inside Room 414 was recorded on the exact days and in the very room where Robert Johnson immortalized his groundbreaking blues tracks. With this 16-song collection, Josh didn’t aim to imitate Johnson but to honor him, preserving the spirit and energy of a time that changed music forever.

Josh’s Texas roots run deep, with his performances celebrated not just across the state but on national stages. His love for Deep Ellum’s historic contributions to the blues and his extensive study of Robert Johnson and B.B. King’s legacy have made him a respected authority in the genre. Josh has worked with Grammy Award-winning producer Art Greenhaw on numerous Grammy Award projects, contributing to artist collaborations with legends such as Nokie Edwards, the Light Crust Doughboys, Elvis Presley’s Jordanaires, Ann-Margret, Stan Lee, and Engelbert Humperdinck.

Josh’s debut blues album, World N’ Trouble, released in the fall of 2013, featured Tommy Shannon, the bassist for Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble, further cementing his place in the blues world. In 2014, Josh released Still Raisin’ Cain: Tribute to Johnny Winter alongside his cousin Tyrone Vaughan (son of Jimmie Vaughan). This album was also considered for a Grammy nomination, marking another key moment in Josh’s evolving career.

The King Collaboration: A Grammy-Considered Project

One of the crowning moments in Josh’s career was collaborating with Rita Washington King, daughter of the legendary B.B. King. Together, they recorded We Called Him King of the Blues, I Called Him ‘Dad’, a spoken-word album reflecting on their personal experiences with the King of the Blues. This heartfelt project earned consideration for a Grammy nomination in 2021, a testament to Josh’s ability to blend personal history with musical excellence.

Their collaboration is also featured in Rita King’s book After My Father Died, released in the fall of 2021. In the book, Rita King reflects on their work together, the Grammy consideration for their album, and how the blues community continues to support and influence her journey following her father’s passing.

Mesquite’s Own—A Local Legend

Josh’s story is inseparable from his hometown of Mesquite, where he has consistently been honored for his achievements. His name has graced the covers of local newspapers, and his performances are always eagerly anticipated by those who have followed his career from the start. To his community, Josh is more than a musician—he’s a symbol of what passion and perseverance can achieve.

Looking Ahead

Josh Knight’s journey continues with the upcoming release of his new album, Blind Man Walking, inspired by his personal battle with Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid (OCP), a rare autoimmune disease that has resulted in his gradual vision loss since being diagnosed in 2017. Although diagnosed several years earlier, Josh waited until after his surgery in 2022 to share his story publicly. He often wears sunglasses in public, even at night, due to feeling self-conscious about the appearance of his eyes. The album reflects the emotional and physical challenges he’s faced while coming to terms with this condition, using music as a platform for expression, healing, and his deep love for God. His spirituality plays an essential role in his life and influences both his music and his outlook.

In addition to creating new music, Josh has begun sharing his story of perseverance with high school students across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, aiming to inspire younger generations through his experiences. He continues to periodically perform with Tyrone Vaughan, often appearing as an opener for his shows, with plans for a full tour following the release of Blind Man Walking.