LARGO, Fla. — Daniel Edward “Nick” Knowlton, 65, passed away at home June 23 with his family by his side. He’s now a member of rock ‘n’ roll heaven.

Born in Lewiston, July 16, 1951, he was the son of Carmella and Clinton Knowlton. He attended Lewiston High School. Daniel was widowed in 2007 with his wife, Joye, passing at the age of 52. Together they had two children, Krista and Nicholas, both of Lewiston.

Daniel “Nick” was a well-known entertainer throughout Maine and much of New England. His musical career started in the early ’60s with his first band, Terry & the Telstars. He performed in several bands through the years, including Katahdin, Katfish, Good n’ Plenty, Eye 2 Eye, Next Exit, Speed Limit, U.S. Pure and Phoenix, to name a few. In 1975, he had a Billboard top 100 hit with his remake of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence” with the band Katfish. Nick’s career included traveling the country to open for major acts such as Jimi Hendrix, Cheap Trick, The Cars, The Marshall Tucker Band and several more. He went on to deejay hundreds of weddings over the past several years and was dubbed “The Original Wedding Singer.” Among his proudest moments was his ability to coordinate the PAL Hop Reunion in 2010, an event that drew thousands to see rock bands from the Lewiston-Auburn area from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, hosted at the Colisee. He is well-known for his voice on many radio jingles, including Marden’s, Sam’s, VIP Auto, Gipper’s Sports Grill, Lost Valley, Northern Mattress & Furniture, Delekto Bros. and Lewiston Maineiacs. He also wrote and sang the jingles for Champoux Insurance and Community Credit Union.

He was also recognized for his volunteerism in the Lewiston-Auburn community. He was a key member of boards and campaigns for many local organizations, including the Liberty Festival, Great Falls Balloon Festival, March of Dimes, Friends of Pettingill and United Way. He was instrumental in creating the U Booze U Looze campaign against underage drinking. He was also part of the 2007 All-America City Campaign for the city of Lewiston. He often volunteered his musical services to several festivals, parades and memorial services throughout Lewiston-Auburn. During his illness, the city of Lewiston proclaimed March 12 “Nick Knowlton Day” in the city, an honor he was very humbled by.

Among his likes and passions, he enjoyed golfing with his best friend, Doug Haines, and camping with his family. Daniel was most proud of his family, including his two children and five grandchildren.

In 2012, Daniel moved to Largo, Fla., to continue entertaining with his musical talents year-round. He entertained thousands of vacation goers and residents. While in Largo, Daniel found love again with Robin “Mollie” Grondin. They together shared a love of music and entertainment and had future plans. Mollie was the primary caregiver for Daniel during his illness and was at his side around the clock with unwavering love and support.

Daniel is survived by his daughter, Krista, her love, Zachary Pomelow, and her three children, Madison, Zakary and Ava; his son, Nicholas, wife, Brie, and their children, Evan and Natalee; his sisters, Elaine Poulin and Diane Knowlton; brothers, Clint and Steve Knowlton; his girlfriend, Robin “Mollie” Grondin; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family.

Daniel was predeceased by his mother, Carmella; his father, Clinton; and his wife, Joye.

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