Alexander Nicholas “Sandy” McKnight Jr., 70, of Lee, died at home on May 22, 2024, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in the presence of his loving wife Liv Cummins, his sister Lola McKnight, and his brother-in-law Chris Silagyi. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on July 1, 1953, to Arcangela and Alexander McKnight Sr., Sandy attended Brooklyn Tech and Lafayette High School, later graduating from Germantown High School in 1972. In Brooklyn, Sandy developed his interest in rock music, songwriting, and the New York Mets.
After a move west, a first marriage, and the birth of his son Alex, Sandy met his wife Liv at a songwriting workshop in Los Angeles. Kindred spirits, they married in 1997, becoming creative collaborators for decades. Sandy was a 50-year veteran in the music business: writer, bass player, producer, and solo artist. He published a memoir, “Kid69”; a blog, “Gems and Jams”; and, most recently, an award-winning film, “Band Boy.” But he was, first and foremost, a songwriter. He wrote witty, heartfelt songs easily, often almost accidentally, a truly skilled craftsman. In his lifelong devotion to his art, he often felt set apart from the world, even as he dedicated himself to connecting with it. Yet there was no other life he wanted.
Sandy was a generous friend, husband, father, and mentor. He was guided by a deeply moral code: do good to others, help those in need, show compassion, love deeply. His son Alex said, “He believed in me more than I usually did in myself.” Sandy is survived by his wife Liv, son Alex, sister Lola, brother-in-law Chris, countless friends and fellow artists, and his beloved cats, Carmella and Zola.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 6, at 1 p.m., at Morgan House in Lee. To honor Sandy’s memory, consider donating in his name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
