Based in Chicago, Illinois,[1] Knox rose to prominence through his collaborations with David Lynch, Jarvis Cocker, the Handsome Family, Rufus Wainwright and Nina Nastasia.
[5] Knox had an early interest in cinema and enrolled in the film program at Columbia College Chicago,[5] only to drop out after a year, citing his disillusionment with the collaborative process.
[5] Knox worked many odd jobs[5] and eventually became a projectionist at Chicago's Music Box Theatre.
[1] In 2007, Knox was invited by art director David Coulter to perform at the Barbican Center alongside musicians including Rufus Wainwright, the Handsome Family and Damon Albarn.
[7] Knox has cited Judy Garland, Al Jolson and Maurice Chevalier as early musical influences.