After attending Salisbury State College from 1980-1982 Sol started performing as a full time musician. From  the age of 20 Sol worked with numerous groups including The Backstreets Show band out of Canton, Ohio....The Cutters oldies Rock n Soul review out of Milford,DE. In 1987 Sol performed on The Nashville Network making it to the final 44 contestants out of 3000 entries on TNN's You Can Be a Star. In 1990 Sol flirted with a short but exciting record contract with Atlantic Records while playing guitar with regionally popular Mike Hines and The Look. In 1992 Sol sung for President George Bush at a rally in Dover,DE.

Most of the years Sol has performed solo and during those years has developed his songwriting with the help of his friend and mentor Doug James (best known for co-writing "How Am I Supposed To Live Without You" with Michael Bolton). 


Influences
by: Sol Knopf

Throughout the course of my life many special people have influenced me as a human being and as a musician. It would be impossible to list all of those who have helped to mold me into the person that I am. Plus, it would probably make for rather boring reading for everyone except me.

Nonetheless, I feel it necessary to recognize and give thanks to those who have positively contributed to my performing and songwriting development.

1) Jeff Kern -(My High School Chorus director from 1978-1980 and Community Singer's director of "Hello Dolly" and "Mame" ) Jeff was instrumental in my early development as a singer and performer. Jeff taught me how to read music, how to breath and sing properly and the theory and techniques of harmony. Most of all, his belief in me as a singer and actor gave me the confidence to develop my talents further. Jeff...thank you so much for playing such an important role in my early development.

2) Mike Hodgeman-(Former Singer for "The Admirals") The first time I heard Mike Hodgeman sing was at the top of the Fenwick Inn near Ocean City, MD. in 1981. The experience truly changed my life. I had never heard a human being sing with such soul , power and feeling. To this day whenever I sing a song...I always consider how Mike would sing it. Unfortunately, God did not bless me with the same power or range as Mike...but I will always be thankful for his influence on my singing style.

For all of these years whether I was on the road with a band or performing local, whenever anyone asked me who influenced me the most as a singer...I would always say "Mike Hodgeman". Fast forward to November 25, 2005...I was performing at The Lobby Bar in the Dover Downs Hotel. (At the time I was rather depressed over a 4 year relationship that had not worked out) When this beautiful, tall girl walked in to join some friends of mine that had stopped out to see me. I could tell that she was a bit depressed as well...but when we saw each other...we both smiled and it was obvious we had an instant connection. On my break I , of course, made my way over to find out who she was. She said her name was Toni. As we all started to talk about things the question came up, out of the blue, "so Sol....who influenced your vocal style ?". As I had been answering that question for 25 years...I said, "Mike Hodgeman". Well...the look on Toni's face was that of disbelief. She said, "you've got to be kidding me?"...I said, "Why?"....she said, "Mike Hodgeman is my Dad!" We all got goose bumps! and looked at each other like we couldn't believe what had just happened. I knew right there and then that our meeting was no accident. We were married on October 4, 2006 in Hawaii and our lives are an absolute miracle.

3) Greg Gantzer - (My roommate on the road with "The Backstreets Band" 1983-1984) I met Greg when I was just shy of my 21st birthday. I had joined a band out of Canton, OH called the Backstreets Band and Greg was just joining as the bass player. We roomed together for over a year. It was a year of very hard work and travel. Greg took me under his wing and taught me a lot about musicianship, technology and songwriting. To this day he advises me on numerous musical issues. Greg- thank you so much for your guidance and friendship.

4) Doug James (Songwriter/Producer) Doug is by far the most influential mentor in my musical journey. He is probably best known for co-writing the huge hit "How am I Supposed to Live Without You" with Michael Bolton. Doug has written songs for some of the greatest recording artists of our time....from Joe Cocker to Cher. He has unselfishly given me his time and care while teaching me how to unlock my hidden talents as a song writer. Doug has offered me constructive criticism and direction with lyric writing that I desperately need. He has opened up a whole world to me that I cherish every day. Doug-I will always be so thankful for your guidance and friendship...thank you so much!

5) Mike Hines (Singer/Songwriter, Actor and Performer) I believe that certain talents are given to us by God and can not be learned. Mike's talent as a performer is his gift. His ability to captivate and hold an audience is unlike any other performer I have worked with. When it comes to entertaining, my skills have always been somewhat pathetic...but working with and learning from Mike helped develop me into a better performer. Mike-thank you for being my friend and for giving me the distinct opportunity to learn from you.


Here is a timeline of my Musical experiences:

After graduating from Dover High in 1980, Sol attended Salisbury State College. He left Salisbury in 1982 to make music his full time career. Here is a list of Sol's musical experiences:

	1981-1983 Martha and Sol Duo
	1983-1984 Backstreets Show band out of Canton, Ohio
	1984-1985 The Cutters Oldies Revue Clockwise starting in the front with Sol: Kendall Dixon-Drums Mike Halverson-Keyboards and Vocals Pedro Miller(in top hat)-Keyboards, Guitar and Vocals Gene "Grady" Griggs- Saxophone & Vocals Bobby Bar - Bass, Saxophone & Vocals
	1986 Double Vision duo with Greg Gantzer in Battle Creek, Michigan
	1987 performed on TNN's "You Can Be A Star"
	1987-1989 performed solo
	1989-1990 Played guitar for Atlantic Recording Artists Mike Hines and the Look From left to right: Sol, Dave Simmons (Drums & Vocals), Mike Hines (Lead Vocals), Jon Benson (Bass, Guitar & Vocals) and Dean Teate (Key boards)
	1991- present Solo Performer