The Suburban Knight

A crucial figure on the outskirts of Detroit techno since the mid-'80s, James Pennington's recordings as The Suburban Knight pioneered the moodier side of the Motor City with classics like "The Art of Stalking" and "The Groove." And though he collaborated on the biggest hit to come out of Detroit, the techno-pop monster "Big Fun" by Inner City, he later recorded with subterranean mainstays like Underground Resistance. It was through his connection with another Detroit mainstay, Derrick May, that Pennington began recording. May had set up his own Transmat Records in 1986, and Suburban Knight debuted the following year with the third release for the label, "The Groove." He had also been working with Kevin Saunderson, and co-wrote "Big Fun" with Saunderson and Art Forrest. After vocals were added by Paris Grey and the record was released, it became a worldwide hit and virtually defined early Detroit techno for many foreigners.



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