Jan Kurtis

Norwegian-born American drummer, producer and engineer. Jan immigrated with his family to the United States from Stavanger Norway as a young boy, eventually settling in Seattle Washington. Jan began playing drums at 15 and soon joined the school band. Jan became a member of the Grand Ol' Opry as a Texas Troubadour, becoming one of the first drummers to play a full set of drums on the Grand Ol' Opry which at that time was forbidden. In Nashville Jan continued work with Ernest Tubb as a Texas Troubadour backing such artists as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Faron Young, Jim Reeves, and Webb Pierce among many others. Jan then moved, along with Buddy Emmons, on to become a Cherokee Cowboy as a member of Ray Price's band. A new job offer prompted Jan Kurtis to move to Los Angeles where he became the house drummer at the Palomino club. Jan did many recording sessions, notably Terry Stafford's, "Suspicion" and the single "Wipeout" during his time in LA and was awarded the "Drummer of the Year" by DJ Magazine. Jan returned to his roots in Seattle and apply his musical education to the role of recording engineer, studio drummer and record company owner. He started Camelot Records (Camelot Record Co.) which became one of the founding labels for the beginning Seattle Sound. Jan was also one of the few recording engineers to go on location and capture live performances. He recorded John Coltrane both live and in his Camelot Studio and the recording became Coltrane's OM and Live in Seattle albums. After a very succesful career with Bobby Goldsboro, Jan decided to venture out into new territory. He became the personal manager and booking agent for such artists as: Vern Gosdin, Eddy Raven, Charlie McCoy, Barefoot Jerry, Larry Jon Wilson, Johnny Carver, Tommy Overstreet and Frizell and West. He worked closely with Fred Foster of Monument Records helping to produce and manage Monument artists during this time. Jan also went back to good friend Ray Price and became his exclusive booking agent and co-manager with Ray's wife Janie Price. He continued his studio work and production work including co-producing the Four Freshman with Pete Drake and Vern Gosdin with Gary Paxton. Jan moved back to Seattle and established his own production company and resurected Camelot Records. Jan hooked up with Ironwood Studios for a four year stint as in house producer, producing local talent. At this time Jan's recording of Ernest Tubb Live was released on Rhino Records to tremendous success. While producing local talent Jan produced a single Civil War recording for the 125th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg by vocalist and songwriter Dave Mathews. Jan began producing videos on the Civil War that complemented the recordings and the series became a mainstay of libraries and schools across the States. During this time Jan produced an album on the Jazz Police and long time partner and vocalist Susan Jacobson that won the best produced album of the year at the NAMA awards in Seattle. Currently Jan heads up Camelot Records now Camelot Media with his partner Susan Jacobson. They have added a full video studio. In addition to video production Jan still produces music and performs.