Walt "The Bluesman" Knies

Walt “The Bluesman” Knies signed off the air for the final time on Friday, February 10, 2023.  He was born January 3, 1963, in Aurora, Illinois, and was of German descent, which explained his love for potato pancakes.  Walt loved the Chicago Bears, Neil Young, Jimi Hendrix, all things guitar, and his beloved farm, where he enjoyed nature and watching wildlife. 

Walt was an iconic DJ at WPBK radio, where he hosted the afternoon show, “Higher Road Home” as well as his Monday night “Buried Alive in the Blues” special, where he would sometimes serenade listeners by playing his guitar live on the air.  He was one cool dude.

Walt lived a modest life, but he was rich with the many friends and fans he had from all over the world.  He will be missed by his companion, Jen, his nearest and dearest friends, David and Betty, a nephew, Casey, and niece, Stephanie, alone with his pups, Bonnie and Ella, and his cat Biter, who loved to bite.

Music was Walt’s passion.  His favorite singer was John Prine; and it is most fitting that lyrics from one of his songs perfectly honor and memorialize Walt, as it had special meaning to him.  It goes:

“Then I’m gonna get a guitar

And start a rock-n-roll band

Check into a swell hotel

Ain’t after-life grand?

And then I’m gonna get a cocktail

Vodka and ginger ale

Yeah, I’m gonna smoke a cigarette that’s nine miles long

I’m gonna kiss that pretty girl on the tilt-a-whirl

‘Cause this old man is goin’ to town!”

Per Walt’s request, no public services will be held. 

Fox & Friend Funeral Home, Stanford, is entrusted with Walt’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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