Curtis Kinnard Hairston
Born: October 10, 1961 – Died: January 18, 1996
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.A.
Curtis Hairston was an American soul and R&B singer born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Showing a natural gift for music from a young age, he began singing at just 3 years old, participating in his local Tot’s Choir, Children’s Choir, and later, the Spiritual Choir. He first gained recognition locally for his moving rendition of “We Are All God’s Children,” a song he performed at his grandfather’s church.
By the age of 13, Curtis had firmly decided to pursue music professionally. He received his early education in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school system and continued to Winston-Salem State University. His musical training was further honed at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in New York.
An important connection came when former NBA star Earl Monroe, who had started his own record label, Pretty Pearl, visited Winston-Salem. The two had attended the same school and quickly bonded. After hearing Curtis’s demo tape, Monroe signed him to his label.
Curtis Hairston’s debut single, “I Want You (All Tonight),” was licensed to RCA in the U.K. and broke into the Top 50 in 1983. His follow-up single, “I Want Your Lovin’ (Just A Little Bit),” climbed even higher, becoming a Top 15 hit in the U.K. in 1985. In the U.S., he scored an R&B hit with his cover of Jimmy Cliff’s “We All Are One.”
After signing with Atlantic Records, Curtis collaborated with legendary singer Nona Hendryx on his self-titled debut album released in 1987. The album featured the single “Chillin’ Out,” which reached the U.K. Top 60. He also fronted an album for the funk/disco group B.B.& Q. (Brooklyn, Bronx & Queens Band), though he was not credited for his vocal work.
His solo album featured contributions from notable artists such as Alyson Williams, Jocelyn Brown, Barbara Pennington, and Nona Hendryx. Luther Vandross also lent his background vocals to Hairston’s work at one point. One of the standout tracks from the album, “The Morning After,” became particularly popular in the U.K.
Curtis later collaborated with the jazz group Ready For Reality, contributing to their 1990 album released on Next Plateau Records. Throughout his career, much of his material was written and produced by Greg Radford, who was behind an estimated 90% of Hairston’s work.
Unfortunately, Curtis’s musical journey was challenged by chronic health issues. A lifelong battle with diabetes eventually led to kidney failure. As his condition worsened, he returned to his hometown of Winston-Salem for treatment. Even in his final days, Curtis remained connected to music and faith — performing before his church congregation just two weeks before his death.
Curtis Hairston passed away on January 18, 1996, at the N.C. Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. He was only 34 years old.
Though his life was brief, Curtis Hairston left a legacy of heartfelt music and vocal brilliance that continues to resonate with soul and R&B audiences around the world.