Beverley Knight
Encyclopedia
Beverley Knight MBE (born 22 March 1973 in Wolverhampton
, Staffordshire
) is a British soul
and R&B
singer, songwriter, and record producer who released her debut album in 1995. Heavily influenced by soul greats such as Sam Cooke
and Aretha Franklin
, Knight has released six studio albums to date. Widely labelled as one of Britain's greatest soul singers, Knight is best known for her hit singles "Greatest Day
", "Get Up!
", "Shoulda Woulda Coulda
" and "Come As You Are
".
In 2006, Knight solidified her transmission into the mainstream by starring in BBC One
music TV show, Just the Two of Us, a role she reprised in 2007. After releasing a platinum-selling compilation album in 2006, Knight went on to tour the UK with a reformed Take That
. She has also hosted 4 series of the Radio 2
show Beverley's Gospel Nights, which explores the origins and impact of gospel music
. To date the show has run for four seasons and has featured interviews with stars such as Destiny's Child
and Shirley Caesar
.
Knight is an ambassador for many charities such as Christian Aid
and has travelled to areas affected by disease and poverty to help raise awareness. She is an active campaigner for anti-Aids organisations such as the Stop AIDS Campaign
and The Terrence Higgins Trust
and is also a vocal campaigner against homophobic lyrics in urban music. On Saturday 15 August 2009 she performed live at the 4th annual UK Black Pride event in Regents Park.
On Friday 4 December 2009, at the invitation of Sarah Brown
, wife of Prime Minister, Knight performed 2 songs "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" and "Gold" to an invited audience at 10 Downing Street
in support of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood
Million Mums charity.
After more than a decade in the industry, Knight was made an MBE
by Queen Elizabeth II
in February 2007 in recognition of her charitable work and the contribution she has made to British music. In September 2005, Knight was made an honorary Doctor of Music
from the University of Wolverhampton
. After receiving a host of awards, including three MOBO Awards
, Knight was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 at the Urban Music Awards in London.
Knight was born to Jamaica
n parents, and she grew up in a strict Pentecostal household where church attendance was commonplace. It is here where she began her singing career: "The first time I heard music would have been in church. My mum was often called upon: 'Come on sister Dolores. Lead us in song!' Singing was the most natural thing in the world. I thought, doesn't everybody's mum lead the congregation at church in song?" Knight continued singing in her local church throughout her childhood, and her musical education was continued at home where she was often exposed to gospel music
. Due to her parents' religious beliefs, secular music was largely frowned upon, but artists such as Sam Cooke
and Aretha Franklin
played a big part in her childhood.
Knight began writing her own songs – with varying degrees of success – at the age of thirteen. It was not until she turned seventeen, though, that she began to take her craft seriously. Knight began performing the songs that she had written on stage in local clubs in her hometown. At the age of nineteen, she was heard singing at a local nightclub by a record company executive and was offered a recording contract. She was adamant that her education should come first and that she should have something to fall back on, and so went to Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education to study Religious Theology and Philosophy.
. Also Klarmann/Weber
the German songwriter/producer team (Chaka Khan
, Randy Crawford
) contributed two songs. The result was the album The B-Funk
– hailed as "the best British soul album ever" by critics when it was released in November 1995. Knight went on to win two Black Music Awards in 1996 ("Best R&B Artist" and "Best Producer" for 2B3) and was named Best R&B Act by Blues and Soul Magazine, beating a host of American stars. However, the commercial success of the album failed to match its critical success and the album peaked on the UK album chart at number one-hundred-and-forty-five. Several singles were released from the project, the biggest being "Flavour of the Old School
", which peaked at number thirty-three in March 1996 when it was re-released.
In February 1997, Knight left Dome Records after disagreements, and signed a new four-album deal with EMI
-controlled Parlophone
. After returning to the studio with 2B3 and Don E and teaming up with new producers Dodge and Carl McIntosh, Knight released her second album Prodigal Sista
in August 1998. Peaking at number forty-two in Britain, the commercial success of the album proved to be much greater than her debut. The album went on to sell 150,000 copies in Britain and be certified Gold in 1999. It contained five top forty hits – the biggest of which were "Greatest Day
", peaking at number fourteen, and "Made It Back 99" featuring US rap star Redman, which peaked at number nineteen.
The commercial success of Prodigal Sista marked a big step forward in Knight’s career and was reflected in the widespread critical acclaim of the project. Q Magazine called the album "a triumph not only of Knight’s musical vision but also of the strength in her character" while The Times
remarked "Prodigal Sista is a joy to hear – her vocal and intricate self devised and performed harmonies can make you catch your breath in wonderment". Labelled as one of the greatest British soul albums of all time, the album won three MOBO
(Music Of Black Origin) Awards with "Made It Back" and "Greatest Day" winning Best R&B Act in 1998 and 1999 respectively, and Prodigal Sista winning the Best Album Award.
, Che Guevara, Derrick Joshua & Derrick Martin, D’Influence, Mike Spencer
and Colin Emmanuael. The result was Who I Am, which was released in March 2002. It was preceded by two singles, "Get Up!
" and "Shoulda Woulda Coulda
" which was a first in that it introduced Knight to the world of Nashville and one of its most famous son's Craig Wiseman a giant in the country music business. This partnership became Knight’s most successful single up to that point, peaking at number ten on the UK singles chart. The success of the singles, together with wide critical praise, propelled the album to number seven on the album chart making Who I Am her most commercially successful album to date. It was re-released with new versions of the singles "Gold
" and "Shape Of You (Reshaped)
" and has sold 215,000 copies in Britain, earning it a Gold sales certificate.
The critical response to Who I Am was largely positive, with The Guardian
stating "every song bubbles with the kind of expensive, polished confidence that often eludes British contenders, and she sings with the poise of an artist at the height of her powers" whilst the BBC remarked "Who I Am marks a significant change in direction for this tenacious 28-year-old singer, signifying her own personal growth as a true artist and developing songwriter....on this her most personal work to date, she takes us on an intimate journey where she bares her soul with such raw honesty that you get the distinct impression a healing process is taking place". Although the album failed to match the widespread and unanimous acclaim of Knight’s first two albums, it still earned her two BRIT Award
nominations ("Best Female", "Best Urban Act") and the album was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2002.
After touring Britain in 2002, Knight set about creating her fourth album and entered the studio in the summer of 2003. Without the architect of her most successful song in her camp her new A&R team attempted to appeal to a larger mainstream audience, they enlisted the help of pop producers such as Guy Chambers
and Peter-John Vettese
as well as collaborating with R&B producers such as DJ Munro. The result was Affirmation
, which was released on Parlophone
in June 2004. The album entered the charts at number eleven and was preceded by the single "Come As You Are
" – a rock/pop orientated song written with and produced by Chambers. The song marked a more mainstream pop sound that alienated Knight’s largely urban fan base and the song was not well received by urban radio stations. Nevertheless it became her biggest hit to date, peaking at number nine on the singles chart. The song was followed by two more singles, "Not Too Late for Love
" and "Keep This Fire Burning
", which helped boost album sales and resulted in the album being awarded a Gold sales certificate in December 2004.
The themes running throughout the album, which were influenced by the events she had witnessed over the previous two years, marked a milestone in Knight’s career as a lyricist
. The main essence of the project was centred on Knight’s relationship with Tyrone Jamison – a gay man whom she described as her "soul mate" and who died of an AIDS
-related disease in 2003. Throughout the album, lyrics on tracks such as "Remember Me" ("One day we will be reunited, least I hope that is our destiny, so while you chill in the arms of angels, remember me, remember me") and "No One Ever Loves In Vain" clearly point to her close relationship with Tyrone and rank as her most personal work to date.
Compared to the praise of her previous albums, the critical response to Affirmation was mixed. The mainstream press such as The Guardian praised her for branching out, whilst the black music press such as The Voice and Blues and Soul accused Knight of selling out and being manipulated away from urban music by her record label, a claim she flatly denies: "Everything I’ve done musically has been completely me. I write my own songs so I’m not just a vocalist who can easily be dictated to."
on their reunion arena tour. Take That - The Ultimate Tour 06, which ran from April to July 2006, sold 270,000 tickets in less than four hours on sale at the box office and featured Knight as a support act.
In March 2006 Knight released her fifth album, a compilation set featuring the majority of her top forty UK singles entitled Voice - The Best Of Beverley Knight
. The album, which was certified Gold less than a month after its release, became her second highest charting of her career when it entered the UK albums chart at number ten and rose to number nine a month later. It was preceded by the single "Piece of My Heart
" – a cover of the Erma Franklin
classic made famous by Janis Joplin
and entered the singles chart at number sixteen, spending eleven weeks inside the UK top 75 singles chart and becoming her longest-running chart single to date.
In October 2006, Knight recorded her fifth studio album, Music City Soul
, in Nashville
. Completed in less than five days, the album was released on 7 May 2007 and features collaborations with musicians such as Ronnie Wood and Scotty Moore
. It spawned three singles, "No Man's Land
", released on 16 April 2007, "After You
", released on 2 July 2007 and "The Queen of Starting Over
", released on 15 October 2007. This turned out to be her final album for Parlophone
.
records after eleven years and would be releasing new material through her own label, Hurricane Records. Knight also announced that her sixth studio album would be released in summer 2009, having a more contemporary feel in comparison to previous retro soul album Music City Soul. New songwriters and producers associated with the project include Jam & Lewis, (whose previous credits include Janet Jackson, Usher and Mariah Carey) and The Rural along with previous collaborators Guy Chambers
and DJ Munro.
On 31 March 2009 Knight confirmed that she would be releasing her sixth studio album in September through her own record label, Hurricane Records. In a video blog on her website she said that "for the past year, I've been writing for the record. I've been working with some new names and some old names for the album." She also confirmed that she is expecting to go on tour in support of the album later this year.
The album is titled 100%. The first finished track revealed from the album was Knight's collaboration with US producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, titled "Every Step". The lead single from the album was "Beautiful Night
", co-written with Amanda Ghost
and produced by The Rural. The album was released the same week on 7 September 2009 and entered the UK Albums Chart at number 17. The second single "In Your Shoes" premiered on BBC 1Xtra on 5 October. The radio remix features UK rapper Chipmunk
.
In 2010, Knight made 6 guest appearances as a panellist on ITVs flagship show Loose Women
.
In March Beverley also announced (via her official mailing list) a one-off gig to be held at the Porchester Hall, London to record a live DVD which will be included in the album's release. She also confirmed that the album would be released on 27 June (later changed to 4 July). Whilst performing the one-off gig at the Porchester Hall Beverley confirmed the album would be titled "Soul UK
". The first single to be released from the album will be "Mama Used to Say
", a hit single originally recorded by Junior Giscombe. The single will be released on 27 June. Other artists whose songs are covered on "Soul UK
" include: Soul II Soul
; Loose Ends
; Omar
; Jamiroquai
; George Michael
; Princess; Lewis Taylor
; Heatwave
; and Jaki Graham
.
. In 2005, Knight revisited her childhood when she hosted Beverley’s Gospel Nights, a BBC Radio 2
series exploring gospel music. Featuring interviews with artists such as Shirley Caesar
, Percy Sledge
and Destiny’s Child stars Kelly Rowland
and Michelle Williams
, the six-part series explored the roots of gospel music
and the impact it had upon the black community. Such was the success of the show that a second six-part series was commissioned and began in March 2006 and featured new interviews with artists such as Candi Staton
, David McAlmont
and Marvin Winans. Knight's interview technique and her ability to get her guests to open up and discuss issues in their personal lives such as domestic violence
and depression received favourable reviews and led the Radio Times
to comment "Knight's passion for the music is obvious - but so is her warmth, which makes her a rarity among interviewers."
The first artist to make an impact upon Knight was one of the true founders of contemporary gospel and soul music
, Sam Cooke
. Despite his untimely death in 1964, his music endured and became a staple part of Knight's childhood:
Indeed the impact of Cooke can be seen throughout Knight’s career as she has often performed and recorded Cooke classics, the most notable of which is "A Change Is Gonna Come
". The track, which came to exemplify the Civil Rights Movement
in the 1960s, has featured in many of Knight’s live performances (usually with the aid of the London Community Gospel Choir
) and she even recorded a studio version with musician Jools Holland
, which featured on his Small World, Big Band Volume 2 album.
In addition to Cooke, another major influence in Knight’s childhood was Aretha Franklin
. Besides leading a tribute to Franklin at the BBC's Music of the Millennium
concert in 1999, Knight has recorded several of Franklin’s tracks, most notably "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" and "Think", both of which were released as B-sides on Knight's singles "Rewind (Find a Way)
" and "Made It Back 99
" respectively. It was Franklin’s vocal delivery that has most had an impact upon Knight:
Knight has also recorded songs from of other artists such as Stevie Wonder
("Love's in Need of Love Today", which featured on the Warchild
album Hope) and Curtis Mayfield
("Hard Times", which appeared on Courtney Pine
’s Back in the Day album). But this influence has also manifested itself on stage where Knight often incorporates songs by her heroines such as Nina Simone
("Feelin’ Good"), Chaka Khan
("I Feel For You" and "Sweet Thing") and Billie Holliday ("God Bless the Child") into her live performances.
In addition to the pioneering soul and gospel artists of the mid-twentieth century, modern artists such as Mary J. Blige
and D'Angelo
have also played a role in shaping Knight’s musical outlook. The most significant of her contemporary peers comes in the form of Prince, a man she describes as one of her heroes: "Prince goes back to me listening to preachers when I was a child, who tell a story to illustrate a point...the first song I heard by him was "Little Red Corvette", when I was nine. Of course, I didn't have a clue about what he was singing about; the sexuality is implicit and I love that." The influence of Prince, whom Knight even mentions on her Prodigal Sista
and Who I Am album sleeves, can be seen throughout her back catalogue with songs such as "Get Up!
", "Hurricane Jane" and "Supersonic" being compared to Prince due to their mix of funk
and soul.
Throughout her childhood, Knight’s musical exposure developed as she got older. Gospel led to soul, which led to funk
which led to R&B – but growing up in the Midlands
meant that she was exposed to lots of other different influences too: "It wasn’t a case that there was a huge black community who all stuck together and only listened to reggae
or R&B or strictly black music. I find that London is a bit more segregated. In Wolverhampton
, black people weren't so segregated and I think that had a massive impact on my musical influences." This diversity is illustrated best by Knight’s fourth studio album, Affirmation
. After working with Guy Chambers
, the album had a more mainstream flavour compared to her previous albums and was led by the rock guitar driven single "Come As You Are
". Although the song became her highest charting single to date, Knight was largely criticised by urban radio and media for moving too far away from her urban sound. Nevertheless the song illustrated Knight’s determined effort not to become boxed in and "ghettoised".
in acknowledgement for her services to music and the work she does on behalf of several charities. She was presented with the accolade by Queen Elizabeth II
at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace
in February 2007. After the ceremony Knight remarked that the recognition "reflects not only on my whole career but the work I do for charities which is immensely important to me. I do not do that to be awarded for it, I just do it because it's in my heart, but to be recognised for it, hopefully will put the magnifying glass on to them as well".
In September 2005 Knight was presented with an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton
"in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music and the local community, and in recognition of her extensive charity work." Upon being made a Doctor of Music
, she stated she was proud to be black, female, and British, adding: "it is still all me, I have not forgotten my roots."
On 7 January 2010 Knight won an edition of the BBC's television quiz series Celebrity Mastermind
, answering questions on 'The Life and Times of Prince
'. Knight's chosen charity for the show was the Terrence Higgins Trust
.
Compilation albums:
and Peter Crouch
's wedding.
An in-depth interview with Knight by Pete Lewis, featured in July 2009 in Blues & Soul
. Knight discusses her forthcoming album '100%', the launch of her new cosmetics range 'K By Beverley Knight', and the UK female soul movement
An interview with Knight by Andrew Losowsky, published in December 2002 and featured in The Big Issue
. The interview touches on Knight's career, religion, morality
and global poverty
In depth article written by Knight detailing her close relationship with friend Tyrone Jamison, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 2003. The article, featured in The Independent
newspaper, was published on 20 June 2004
An interview with conducted by the BBC in November 2004, where Knight discusses Live Aid
and her participation in the re-recording of Band Aid
's Do They Know It's Christmas?
An interview with Knight conducted by Pascal Wyse for The Guardian
newspaper and published on 17 March 2006. The interview features in depth disccussions about Knight's musical education and the artists that have shaped her outlook.
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands, England. For Eurostat purposes Walsall and Wolverhampton is a NUTS 3 region and is one of five boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "West Midlands" NUTS 2 region...
, Staffordshire
Staffordshire
Staffordshire is a landlocked county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes, the county is a NUTS 3 region and is one of four counties or unitary districts that comprise the "Shropshire and Staffordshire" NUTS 2 region. Part of the National Forest lies within its borders...
) is a British soul
British soul
British soul, Brit soul or the British soul invasion is soul music performed by British artists. Soul has been a major influence on British popular music since the 1960s, and American soul was extremely popular among some youth subcultures, such as mods, skinheads and the northern soul movement...
and R&B
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer, songwriter, and record producer who released her debut album in 1995. Heavily influenced by soul greats such as Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke
Samuel Cook, , better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and...
and Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
, Knight has released six studio albums to date. Widely labelled as one of Britain's greatest soul singers, Knight is best known for her hit singles "Greatest Day
Greatest Day
"Greatest Day" is a song by Beverley Knight, released as the fifth single from her album Prodigal Sista. The track became her biggest charting single up to that point when it peaked at #14 in Britain, and still remaims one of her best known hits...
", "Get Up!
Get Up! (Beverley Knight song)
Get Up! was the first single taken from Beverley Knight's third studio album, Who I Am. The track, which was showcased with a performance at the 2001 MOBO Awards, became Knight's third top 20 hit in Britain when it peaked at #17 upon its release ....
", "Shoulda Woulda Coulda
Shoulda Woulda Coulda
"Shoulda Woulda Coulda" is a song by Beverley Knight, released as the second single from her album Who I Am. The song, written about the breakup of her long term relationship because she decided to put her career first, became Knight's first top 10 single in the United Kingdom. It remains her most...
" and "Come As You Are
Come as You Are (Beverley Knight song)
"Come as You Are" is the lead single from Beverley Knight's fourth studio album, Affirmation . It is her highest-charting single to date and became her second UK top ten hit, peaking at number nine. It remained in the UK top seventy-five for ten weeks.-Music video:The promo video for "Come as You...
".
In 2006, Knight solidified her transmission into the mainstream by starring in BBC One
BBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
music TV show, Just the Two of Us, a role she reprised in 2007. After releasing a platinum-selling compilation album in 2006, Knight went on to tour the UK with a reformed Take That
Take That
Take That are a British five-piece vocal pop group comprising Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams. Barlow acts as the lead singer and primary songwriter...
. She has also hosted 4 series of the Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
show Beverley's Gospel Nights, which explores the origins and impact of gospel music
Gospel music
Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
. To date the show has run for four seasons and has featured interviews with stars such as Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
and Shirley Caesar
Shirley Caesar
Shirley Ann Caesar is an American Gospel music singer, songwriter and recording artist whose career has spanned six decades...
.
Knight is an ambassador for many charities such as Christian Aid
Christian Aid
Christian Aid is the official relief and development agency of 40 British and Irish churches and works to support sustainable development, alleviate poverty, support civil society and provide disaster relief in South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa and Asia...
and has travelled to areas affected by disease and poverty to help raise awareness. She is an active campaigner for anti-Aids organisations such as the Stop AIDS Campaign
Stop AIDS Campaign
The Stop AIDS Campaign is a campaign run by the UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development, a coalition of more than 80 of the UK's leading international NGOs and HIV/AIDS groups....
and The Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust is a British charity that campaigns on various issues related to AIDS and HIV. In particular, the charity aims to reduce the spread of HIV and promote good sexual health ; to provide services on a national and local level to people with, affected by, or at risk of...
and is also a vocal campaigner against homophobic lyrics in urban music. On Saturday 15 August 2009 she performed live at the 4th annual UK Black Pride event in Regents Park.
On Friday 4 December 2009, at the invitation of Sarah Brown
Sarah Brown (spouse)
Sarah Brown is the wife of Gordon Brown, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. She is also the founding partner of Hobsbawm Macaulay Communications, a public relations company.-Early life:...
, wife of Prime Minister, Knight performed 2 songs "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" and "Gold" to an invited audience at 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as "Number 10", is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is now always the Prime Minister....
in support of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood
White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood
The White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood is a nonpartisan, non-profit and non-governmental membership organization that aims to decrease maternal and newborn death globally....
Million Mums charity.
After more than a decade in the industry, Knight was made an MBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
by Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
in February 2007 in recognition of her charitable work and the contribution she has made to British music. In September 2005, Knight was made an honorary Doctor of Music
Doctor of Music
The Doctor of Music degree , like other doctorates, is an academic degree of the highest level. The D.Mus. is intended for musicians and composers who wish to combine the highest attainments in their area of specialization with doctoral-level academic study in music...
from the University of Wolverhampton
University of Wolverhampton
The University of Wolverhampton is a British university located on four campuses across the West Midlands and Shropshire. The city campus is located in Wolverhampton city centre with a second campus at Compton Park, Wolverhampton; a third in Walsall and a fourth in Telford...
. After receiving a host of awards, including three MOBO Awards
MOBO Awards
The Music of Black Origin Awards, established in 1995 by Kanya King MBE and Andy Ruffell, are held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music....
, Knight was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 at the Urban Music Awards in London.
1973–1993: Childhood
Knight attended Woodfield Infants and Junior School and High Fields Specialist Science School in Wolverhampton.Knight was born to Jamaica
Jamaica
Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, in length, up to in width and 10,990 square kilometres in area. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about south of Cuba, and west of Hispaniola, the island harbouring the nation-states Haiti and the Dominican Republic...
n parents, and she grew up in a strict Pentecostal household where church attendance was commonplace. It is here where she began her singing career: "The first time I heard music would have been in church. My mum was often called upon: 'Come on sister Dolores. Lead us in song!' Singing was the most natural thing in the world. I thought, doesn't everybody's mum lead the congregation at church in song?" Knight continued singing in her local church throughout her childhood, and her musical education was continued at home where she was often exposed to gospel music
Gospel music
Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
. Due to her parents' religious beliefs, secular music was largely frowned upon, but artists such as Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke
Samuel Cook, , better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and...
and Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
played a big part in her childhood.
Knight began writing her own songs – with varying degrees of success – at the age of thirteen. It was not until she turned seventeen, though, that she began to take her craft seriously. Knight began performing the songs that she had written on stage in local clubs in her hometown. At the age of nineteen, she was heard singing at a local nightclub by a record company executive and was offered a recording contract. She was adamant that her education should come first and that she should have something to fall back on, and so went to Cheltenham & Gloucester College of Higher Education to study Religious Theology and Philosophy.
1994–2000: Early success
In late 1994, Knight signed a record deal with Dome Records, a small, independent label. Shortly after, she went in studio to write and record her debut album. The backbone of the project was produced by London production trio 2B3, with additional beats provided by Don E (Knight’s cousin), Ethnic Boyz and hip-hop act Blak TwangBlak Twang
Blak Twang who also uses the pseudonyms of Taipanic and Tony Rotton, is a British rapper who grew up in Deptford, Lewisham, South East London...
. Also Klarmann/Weber
Klarmann/Weber
Klarmann/Weber is a successful German producer and songwriter duo, consisting of Irmgard Klarmann and Felix Weber.The duo is composing and producing music since the late 70's. In the 80's Klarmann/Weber established their name in Germany as successful composers...
the German songwriter/producer team (Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan , frequently known as the Queen of Funk, is a 10-time Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus. While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career...
, Randy Crawford
Randy Crawford
Randy Crawford is an American jazz and R&B singer. She has been more successful in Europe than in the United States, where she has not entered the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo artist...
) contributed two songs. The result was the album The B-Funk
The B-Funk
The B-Funk is the 1995 debut album by British soul singer Beverley Knight.-History:The album was released released in November, 1995, on independent record label Dome Records...
– hailed as "the best British soul album ever" by critics when it was released in November 1995. Knight went on to win two Black Music Awards in 1996 ("Best R&B Artist" and "Best Producer" for 2B3) and was named Best R&B Act by Blues and Soul Magazine, beating a host of American stars. However, the commercial success of the album failed to match its critical success and the album peaked on the UK album chart at number one-hundred-and-forty-five. Several singles were released from the project, the biggest being "Flavour of the Old School
Flavour of the Old School
"Flavour of the Old School" is a song by British soul singer Beverley Knight, released as her debut single. The track, which peaked at number fifty on the UK Singles Chart when it was released in March 1995, was accompanied by a low budget video that saw Knight in the recording studio singing...
", which peaked at number thirty-three in March 1996 when it was re-released.
In February 1997, Knight left Dome Records after disagreements, and signed a new four-album deal with EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
-controlled Parlophone
Parlophone
Parlophone is a record label that was founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon. The British branch was formed in 1923 as "Parlophone" which developed a reputation in the 1920s as a leading jazz label. It was acquired in 1927 by the Columbia Graphophone Company which...
. After returning to the studio with 2B3 and Don E and teaming up with new producers Dodge and Carl McIntosh, Knight released her second album Prodigal Sista
Prodigal Sista
Prodigal Sista is the second studio album by British soul singer, Beverley Knight released in August 1998. The album was the first to be released by Knight under her new contract with Parlophone Records, with whom she had signed a four album deal with in 1997 after leaving her previous label, Dome...
in August 1998. Peaking at number forty-two in Britain, the commercial success of the album proved to be much greater than her debut. The album went on to sell 150,000 copies in Britain and be certified Gold in 1999. It contained five top forty hits – the biggest of which were "Greatest Day
Greatest Day
"Greatest Day" is a song by Beverley Knight, released as the fifth single from her album Prodigal Sista. The track became her biggest charting single up to that point when it peaked at #14 in Britain, and still remaims one of her best known hits...
", peaking at number fourteen, and "Made It Back 99" featuring US rap star Redman, which peaked at number nineteen.
The commercial success of Prodigal Sista marked a big step forward in Knight’s career and was reflected in the widespread critical acclaim of the project. Q Magazine called the album "a triumph not only of Knight’s musical vision but also of the strength in her character" while The Times
The Times
The Times is a British daily national newspaper, first published in London in 1785 under the title The Daily Universal Register . The Times and its sister paper The Sunday Times are published by Times Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary since 1981 of News International...
remarked "Prodigal Sista is a joy to hear – her vocal and intricate self devised and performed harmonies can make you catch your breath in wonderment". Labelled as one of the greatest British soul albums of all time, the album won three MOBO
Mobo
Mobo can refer to:*Shorthand for the motherboard in computers and other electronic equipment*Shorthand for a mobile [network] operator or MNO *Shorthand for a mobile bohemian, a person who embraces mobile technology...
(Music Of Black Origin) Awards with "Made It Back" and "Greatest Day" winning Best R&B Act in 1998 and 1999 respectively, and Prodigal Sista winning the Best Album Award.
2001–2005: Mainstream breakthrough
Throughout 2001 Knight returned to the recording studio to write and record her third studio album. She was accompanied by a different array of writers and producers handpicked largely by Kevin and Bev from Britain and the United States, which included James PoyserJames Poyser
James Poyser in Sheffield, England is a multi-Grammy winning songwriter, musician and multi-platinum producer.Poyser has written and produced songs for various legendary and award-winning artists including Erykah Badu, Mariah Carey, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, Common, Anthony Hamilton, D'Angelo,...
, Che Guevara, Derrick Joshua & Derrick Martin, D’Influence, Mike Spencer
Mike Spencer
Mike Spencer is an English record producer.Mike Spencer is primarily known for his production work with successful commercial pop acts such as Jamiroquai, Kylie Minogue and Newton Faulkner....
and Colin Emmanuael. The result was Who I Am, which was released in March 2002. It was preceded by two singles, "Get Up!
Get Up! (Beverley Knight song)
Get Up! was the first single taken from Beverley Knight's third studio album, Who I Am. The track, which was showcased with a performance at the 2001 MOBO Awards, became Knight's third top 20 hit in Britain when it peaked at #17 upon its release ....
" and "Shoulda Woulda Coulda
Shoulda Woulda Coulda
"Shoulda Woulda Coulda" is a song by Beverley Knight, released as the second single from her album Who I Am. The song, written about the breakup of her long term relationship because she decided to put her career first, became Knight's first top 10 single in the United Kingdom. It remains her most...
" which was a first in that it introduced Knight to the world of Nashville and one of its most famous son's Craig Wiseman a giant in the country music business. This partnership became Knight’s most successful single up to that point, peaking at number ten on the UK singles chart. The success of the singles, together with wide critical praise, propelled the album to number seven on the album chart making Who I Am her most commercially successful album to date. It was re-released with new versions of the singles "Gold
Gold (Beverley Knight song)
"Gold" was the third single released from Beverley Knight's studio album, Who I Am. The song, which peaked at #27 in Britain, was different from the album version - which was produced by Mike Spencer, and is a big favourite amongst fans...
" and "Shape Of You (Reshaped)
Shape Of You (Reshaped)
"Shape of You " was the fourth and final single from Beverley Knight's album, Who I Am. It was a remix of the album track "Shape of You", featuring new vocals, lyrics and production by Wyclef Jean and was included on a re-release of the album in 2003...
" and has sold 215,000 copies in Britain, earning it a Gold sales certificate.
The critical response to Who I Am was largely positive, with The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
stating "every song bubbles with the kind of expensive, polished confidence that often eludes British contenders, and she sings with the poise of an artist at the height of her powers" whilst the BBC remarked "Who I Am marks a significant change in direction for this tenacious 28-year-old singer, signifying her own personal growth as a true artist and developing songwriter....on this her most personal work to date, she takes us on an intimate journey where she bares her soul with such raw honesty that you get the distinct impression a healing process is taking place". Although the album failed to match the widespread and unanimous acclaim of Knight’s first two albums, it still earned her two BRIT Award
Brit Awards
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust...
nominations ("Best Female", "Best Urban Act") and the album was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2002.
After touring Britain in 2002, Knight set about creating her fourth album and entered the studio in the summer of 2003. Without the architect of her most successful song in her camp her new A&R team attempted to appeal to a larger mainstream audience, they enlisted the help of pop producers such as Guy Chambers
Guy Chambers
Guy Chambers is an English songwriter and record producer, perhaps best known for his long partnership with Robbie Williams.- Biography :...
and Peter-John Vettese
Peter-John Vettese
Peter-John Vettese , also known as Peter Vettese, is a British keyboardist, songwriter, arranger and record producer....
as well as collaborating with R&B producers such as DJ Munro. The result was Affirmation
Affirmation (Beverley Knight album)
'Affirmation' is the title of the fourth album from Beverley Knight, released in 2004 by Parlophone records.The album was released on 28 June 2004, to much critical acclaim and is her most personal album to date...
, which was released on Parlophone
Parlophone
Parlophone is a record label that was founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon. The British branch was formed in 1923 as "Parlophone" which developed a reputation in the 1920s as a leading jazz label. It was acquired in 1927 by the Columbia Graphophone Company which...
in June 2004. The album entered the charts at number eleven and was preceded by the single "Come As You Are
Come as You Are (Beverley Knight song)
"Come as You Are" is the lead single from Beverley Knight's fourth studio album, Affirmation . It is her highest-charting single to date and became her second UK top ten hit, peaking at number nine. It remained in the UK top seventy-five for ten weeks.-Music video:The promo video for "Come as You...
" – a rock/pop orientated song written with and produced by Chambers. The song marked a more mainstream pop sound that alienated Knight’s largely urban fan base and the song was not well received by urban radio stations. Nevertheless it became her biggest hit to date, peaking at number nine on the singles chart. The song was followed by two more singles, "Not Too Late for Love
Not Too Late For Love
"Not Too Late for Love" is the second single from Beverley Knight's fourth studio album, Affirmation. The single reached #11 in the airplay chart and peaked at #31 in the UK Singles Chart. At that time, it was her lowest chart position since "Sista Sista" in 1999...
" and "Keep This Fire Burning
Keep This Fire Burning
"Keep This Fire Burning" is a song by Swedish pop singer Robyn, released as the first single from her third album Don't Stop the Music. It was released in Sweden on November 26, 2002, where it became her highest charting single since 1995's "Do You Really Want Me "...
", which helped boost album sales and resulted in the album being awarded a Gold sales certificate in December 2004.
The themes running throughout the album, which were influenced by the events she had witnessed over the previous two years, marked a milestone in Knight’s career as a lyricist
Lyricist
A lyricist is a songwriter who specializes in lyrics. A singer who writes the lyrics to songs is a singer-lyricist. This differentiates from a singer-composer, who composes the song's melody.-Collaboration:...
. The main essence of the project was centred on Knight’s relationship with Tyrone Jamison – a gay man whom she described as her "soul mate" and who died of an AIDS
AIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
-related disease in 2003. Throughout the album, lyrics on tracks such as "Remember Me" ("One day we will be reunited, least I hope that is our destiny, so while you chill in the arms of angels, remember me, remember me") and "No One Ever Loves In Vain" clearly point to her close relationship with Tyrone and rank as her most personal work to date.
Compared to the praise of her previous albums, the critical response to Affirmation was mixed. The mainstream press such as The Guardian praised her for branching out, whilst the black music press such as The Voice and Blues and Soul accused Knight of selling out and being manipulated away from urban music by her record label, a claim she flatly denies: "Everything I’ve done musically has been completely me. I write my own songs so I’m not just a vocalist who can easily be dictated to."
2006–2008: Consolidating success
In February 2006 Knight consolidated her move into the mainstream audience by appearing on BBC1 music show, Just the Two of Us. The show, featuring celebrities who duet with established singers, ran for two weeks and proved to be a relative disappointment in terms of audience figures – averaging between fifteen and twenty-five percent audience shares. Nevertheless it provided a platform for Knight to reach out to a bigger audience and demonstrate her talent by performing a different array of songs than she would otherwise be known for. Reaching out to new audiences was also a driving force behind Knight’s decision to join Take ThatTake That
Take That are a British five-piece vocal pop group comprising Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams. Barlow acts as the lead singer and primary songwriter...
on their reunion arena tour. Take That - The Ultimate Tour 06, which ran from April to July 2006, sold 270,000 tickets in less than four hours on sale at the box office and featured Knight as a support act.
In March 2006 Knight released her fifth album, a compilation set featuring the majority of her top forty UK singles entitled Voice - The Best Of Beverley Knight
Voice - The Best of Beverley Knight
Voice – The Best of Beverley Knight is the first greatest hits album by English R&B-soul singer Beverley Knight, released in the United Kingdom on 20 March 2006 by Parlophone. The collection included twelve top forty singles, including the new track and single "Piece of My Heart"...
. The album, which was certified Gold less than a month after its release, became her second highest charting of her career when it entered the UK albums chart at number ten and rose to number nine a month later. It was preceded by the single "Piece of My Heart
Piece of My Heart
"Piece of My Heart" is a song written by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns and originally recorded by Erma Franklin in 1967. The song came to greater mainstream attention when Big Brother and the Holding Company covered the song in 1968 and had a hit with it...
" – a cover of the Erma Franklin
Erma Franklin
Erma Franklin was an American gospel and R&B singer. She was the oldest daughter of Barbara and the Reverend C. L. Franklin and the elder sister of Aretha Franklin...
classic made famous by Janis Joplin
Janis Joplin
Janis Lyn Joplin was an American singer, songwriter, painter, dancer and music arranger. She rose to prominence in the late 1960s as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Company and later as a solo artist with her backing groups, The Kozmic Blues Band and The Full Tilt Boogie Band...
and entered the singles chart at number sixteen, spending eleven weeks inside the UK top 75 singles chart and becoming her longest-running chart single to date.
In October 2006, Knight recorded her fifth studio album, Music City Soul
Music City Soul
Vinyl Edition Released May 7, 2007Side ASide BNotes:* "*" indicates that the song features guitar played by Ronnie Wood.- Personnel :* All tracks engineered and produced by Mark Nevers - mastered by Bunt Stafford Clark...
, in Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. Completed in less than five days, the album was released on 7 May 2007 and features collaborations with musicians such as Ronnie Wood and Scotty Moore
Scotty Moore
Winfield Scott "Scotty" Moore III is an American guitarist. He is best known for his backing of Elvis Presley in the first part of his career, between 1954 and the beginning of Elvis' Hollywood years...
. It spawned three singles, "No Man's Land
No Man's Land (Beverley Knight song)
"No Man's Land" is the first single released by British singer-songwriter Beverley Knight from her fifth studio album, Music City Soul. The song was released on 16 April 2007 digitally and 30 April 2007 physically and peaked at number forty-three on the UK singles chart...
", released on 16 April 2007, "After You
After You (song)
"After You" is the second single released from British singer-songwriter Beverley Knight's fifth studio album, Music City Soul. The radio edit of the song was produced by Pete Vale and has different production and vocals to the original album version, which was produced by Mark Nevers...
", released on 2 July 2007 and "The Queen of Starting Over
The Queen of Starting Over
"The Queen of Starting Over" is the third single released from British singer-songwriter Beverley Knight's fifth studio album, Music City Soul. "The Queen of Starting Over" was a download only release, Knight's first single in her career that was not be released on a CD single format...
", released on 15 October 2007. This turned out to be her final album for Parlophone
Parlophone
Parlophone is a record label that was founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon. The British branch was formed in 1923 as "Parlophone" which developed a reputation in the 1920s as a leading jazz label. It was acquired in 1927 by the Columbia Graphophone Company which...
.
2009: Going independent and "100%"
On 23 March 2009 Knight announced via her official web site that she had left ParlophoneParlophone
Parlophone is a record label that was founded in Germany in 1896 by the Carl Lindström Company as Parlophon. The British branch was formed in 1923 as "Parlophone" which developed a reputation in the 1920s as a leading jazz label. It was acquired in 1927 by the Columbia Graphophone Company which...
records after eleven years and would be releasing new material through her own label, Hurricane Records. Knight also announced that her sixth studio album would be released in summer 2009, having a more contemporary feel in comparison to previous retro soul album Music City Soul. New songwriters and producers associated with the project include Jam & Lewis, (whose previous credits include Janet Jackson, Usher and Mariah Carey) and The Rural along with previous collaborators Guy Chambers
Guy Chambers
Guy Chambers is an English songwriter and record producer, perhaps best known for his long partnership with Robbie Williams.- Biography :...
and DJ Munro.
On 31 March 2009 Knight confirmed that she would be releasing her sixth studio album in September through her own record label, Hurricane Records. In a video blog on her website she said that "for the past year, I've been writing for the record. I've been working with some new names and some old names for the album." She also confirmed that she is expecting to go on tour in support of the album later this year.
The album is titled 100%. The first finished track revealed from the album was Knight's collaboration with US producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, titled "Every Step". The lead single from the album was "Beautiful Night
Beautiful Night (Beverley Knight song)
"Beautiful Night" is the first and lead single released from British singer-songwriter Beverley Knight's sixth studio album, 100%. It was released independently via her own record label, Hurricane Records, on 7 September 2009 as a digital download only....
", co-written with Amanda Ghost
Amanda Ghost
Amanda Ghost is a singer and songwriter from Enfield, North London, England. After an initial period in which she performed as a solo artist, she formed a band which performed under her name, and of which she was the lead singer...
and produced by The Rural. The album was released the same week on 7 September 2009 and entered the UK Albums Chart at number 17. The second single "In Your Shoes" premiered on BBC 1Xtra on 5 October. The radio remix features UK rapper Chipmunk
Chipmunk (rapper)
Jahmaal Noel Fyffe known by his stage name Chipmunk, is a British hip hop rapper and songwriter from Tottenham, London....
.
In 2010, Knight made 6 guest appearances as a panellist on ITVs flagship show Loose Women
Loose Women
Loose Women is a British lunchtime television programme, first broadcast in 1999 on ITV. It consists of a panel of four women who interview celebrities and discuss topical issues, ranging from daily politics and current affairs, to celebrity gossip...
.
2011: Seventh studio album "Soul UK"
Beverley announced in early 2011 that she would be releasing a new album in 2011. She then announced on Twitter and YouTube in March 2011 that the album would be a collection of British Soul covers, she also confirmed that the album would be released in Summer 2011.In March Beverley also announced (via her official mailing list) a one-off gig to be held at the Porchester Hall, London to record a live DVD which will be included in the album's release. She also confirmed that the album would be released on 27 June (later changed to 4 July). Whilst performing the one-off gig at the Porchester Hall Beverley confirmed the album would be titled "Soul UK
Soul UK
-Singles:Knight confirmed whilst performing at London's Porchester Hall, at the album launch show, in April 2011, that the first single from the album would be "Mama Used to Say", a cover of the Junior single, which peaked number 7 in the UK in 1982. The single was released on 27 June 2011...
". The first single to be released from the album will be "Mama Used to Say
Mama Used to Say
"Mama Used to Say" is the debut single release from British singer-songwriter Junior, taken from his debut studio album, Ji."Mama Used to Say" was released in April, 1982 and peaked inside the UK Singles Chart top 10 in June, 1982, where it remained at number seven for two weeks...
", a hit single originally recorded by Junior Giscombe. The single will be released on 27 June. Other artists whose songs are covered on "Soul UK
Soul UK
-Singles:Knight confirmed whilst performing at London's Porchester Hall, at the album launch show, in April 2011, that the first single from the album would be "Mama Used to Say", a cover of the Junior single, which peaked number 7 in the UK in 1982. The single was released on 27 June 2011...
" include: Soul II Soul
Soul II Soul
Soul II Soul are a British group that was created in London in 1988. They are best known for their 1989 UK chart-topper and U.S. Top 5 hit, "Back to Life ".-Career:...
; Loose Ends
Loose Ends
In common conversation, the phrase loose ends usually refers to unresolved issues.Loose Ends may also refer to the following:In music:* Loose Ends * Loose Ends...
; Omar
Omar
Omar can refer to:-Name:* Omar , including a list of people with the given name or surname Omar, Omer or Umar as well-Places:* Omar, Konar, a village in Afghanistan...
; Jamiroquai
Jamiroquai
Jamiroquai is a British jazz funk and acid jazz band formed in 1992. Jamiroquai were initially the most prominent component in the early-1990s London-based acid jazz movement, alongside groups such as Incognito, the James Taylor Quartet, and the Brand New Heavies. Other Acid Jazz artists such as...
; George Michael
George Michael
George Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
; Princess; Lewis Taylor
Lewis Taylor
Andrew Lewis Taylor is a British multi-instrumentalist musician, born in London, UK, in the late 1960s. He started in the music business touring with the progrock band Edgar Broughton Band. In 1986 he began performing as Sheriff Jack, releasing two albums of psychedelia music, Laugh Yourself Awake ...
; Heatwave
Heatwave (band)
Heatwave was an international funk/disco musical band featuring Americans Johnnie Wilder, Jr. and Keith Wilder of Dayton, Ohio, Englishman Rod Temperton , Swiss Mario Mantese , Czechoslovak Ernest "Bilbo" Berger , Jamaican Eric Johns and Briton Roy Carter .They were known for their successful...
; and Jaki Graham
Jaki Graham
Jaki Graham is an English singer. Her biggest international success was reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in 1994, with her cover version of Chaka Khan's hit, "Ain't Nobody"....
.
Creativity and influences
Growing up in a Pentecostal environment of Jamaican descent, music – especially gospel music – became a staple part of Knight’s childhood. She entered the gospel choir of her local church at the age of just four years old and eventually became the musical director before she left in her late teens. Her musical education continued at home where her family would often sing together around the piano and listen to music from their favourite gospel and soul artists such as Sam CookeSam Cooke
Samuel Cook, , better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and...
. In 2005, Knight revisited her childhood when she hosted Beverley’s Gospel Nights, a BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
series exploring gospel music. Featuring interviews with artists such as Shirley Caesar
Shirley Caesar
Shirley Ann Caesar is an American Gospel music singer, songwriter and recording artist whose career has spanned six decades...
, Percy Sledge
Percy Sledge
Percy Sledge is an American R&B and soul performer who recorded the hit "When a Man Loves a Woman" in 1966.-Early career:...
and Destiny’s Child stars Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland
Kelendria Trene "Kelly" Rowland is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer, and television personality. She rose to fame as one of the founding members of the American girl group Destiny's Child...
and Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams (singer)
Tenitra Michelle Williams , commonly known as Michelle Williams, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actress...
, the six-part series explored the roots of gospel music
Gospel music
Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
and the impact it had upon the black community. Such was the success of the show that a second six-part series was commissioned and began in March 2006 and featured new interviews with artists such as Candi Staton
Candi Staton
Candi Staton is an American soul and gospel singer, best known for her 1970 remake of Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man" and her 1976 disco hit "Young Hearts Run Free". In 2007, Staton was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame.-Early years:...
, David McAlmont
David McAlmont
David McAlmont is a British vocalist and songwriter.-Early years and Thieves:...
and Marvin Winans. Knight's interview technique and her ability to get her guests to open up and discuss issues in their personal lives such as domestic violence
Domestic violence
Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence , is broadly defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one or both partners in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation...
and depression received favourable reviews and led the Radio Times
Radio Times
Radio Times is a UK weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, owned by the BBC. It has been published since 1923 by BBC Magazines, which also provides an on-line listings service under the same title...
to comment "Knight's passion for the music is obvious - but so is her warmth, which makes her a rarity among interviewers."
The first artist to make an impact upon Knight was one of the true founders of contemporary gospel and soul music
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
, Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke
Samuel Cook, , better known under the stage name Sam Cooke, was an American gospel, R&B, soul, and pop singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is considered to be one of the pioneers and founders of soul music. He is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocal abilities and...
. Despite his untimely death in 1964, his music endured and became a staple part of Knight's childhood:
Indeed the impact of Cooke can be seen throughout Knight’s career as she has often performed and recorded Cooke classics, the most notable of which is "A Change Is Gonna Come
A Change Is Gonna Come (song)
"A Change Is Gonna Come" is a 1964 single by R&B singer-songwriter Sam Cooke, written and first recorded in 1963 and released under the RCA Victor label shortly after his death in late 1964. Though only a modest hit for Cooke in comparison with his previous singles, the song came to exemplify the...
". The track, which came to exemplify the Civil Rights Movement
Civil rights movement
The civil rights movement was a worldwide political movement for equality before the law occurring between approximately 1950 and 1980. In many situations it took the form of campaigns of civil resistance aimed at achieving change by nonviolent forms of resistance. In some situations it was...
in the 1960s, has featured in many of Knight’s live performances (usually with the aid of the London Community Gospel Choir
London Community Gospel Choir
The London Community Gospel Choir is a successful gospel choir located in the United Kingdom.-History:The London Community Gospel Choir was founded in 1982 by the Reverend Bazil Meade with the assistance of Lawrence Johnson, Delroy Powell and John Francis.Initially the idea was for a single concert...
) and she even recorded a studio version with musician Jools Holland
Jools Holland
Julian Miles "Jools" Holland OBE, DL is an English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer, and television presenter. He was a founder of the band Squeeze and his work has involved him with many artists including Sting, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Who, David Gilmour and Bono.Holland is a...
, which featured on his Small World, Big Band Volume 2 album.
In addition to Cooke, another major influence in Knight’s childhood was Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
. Besides leading a tribute to Franklin at the BBC's Music of the Millennium
Music of the Millennium
Music of the Millennium is the 1st edition in the Music of the Millennium trilogy. The album was released around the turn of the millennium and it includes some of the most influential names that have contributed to popular music in the last millennium. The album sees some of the biggest...
concert in 1999, Knight has recorded several of Franklin’s tracks, most notably "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" and "Think", both of which were released as B-sides on Knight's singles "Rewind (Find a Way)
Rewind (Find a Way)
Rewind was the second single to be released of Beverley Knight's second studio album, Prodigal Sista. After the success of the first single Made It Back, which peaked at #21 in UK Singles Chart, the follow-up proved to be disappointing after it peaked at #40.The accompanying video for the single...
" and "Made It Back 99
Made It Back
"Made It Back" is a song by Beverley Knight, released as the first single from her second studio album, Prodigal Sista. It was also the first single Knight released on EMI controlled Parlophone Records after she signed a four album deal with the label in 1997 after disagreements with her previous...
" respectively. It was Franklin’s vocal delivery that has most had an impact upon Knight:
Knight has also recorded songs from of other artists such as Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
("Love's in Need of Love Today", which featured on the Warchild
War Child (charity)
War Child is a non-governmental organisation founded in the UK 1993, which focuses on providing assistance to children in areas of conflict and post-conflict. They use their film and entertainment background to raise money for aid agencies operating in former Yugoslavia...
album Hope) and Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield
Curtis Lee Mayfield was an American soul, R&B, and funk singer, songwriter, and record producer.He is best known for his anthemic music with The Impressions during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's and for composing the soundtrack to the blaxploitation film Super Fly, Mayfield is highly...
("Hard Times", which appeared on Courtney Pine
Courtney Pine
Courtney Pine CBE is an English jazz musician. At school he studied the clarinet, although he is known primarily for his saxophone playing. Pine is a multi-instrumentalist, also playing the flute, clarinet, bass Clarinet and keyboards...
’s Back in the Day album). But this influence has also manifested itself on stage where Knight often incorporates songs by her heroines such as Nina Simone
Nina Simone
Eunice Kathleen Waymon , better known by her stage name Nina Simone , was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music...
("Feelin’ Good"), Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan
Chaka Khan , frequently known as the Queen of Funk, is a 10-time Grammy Award winning American singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1970s as the frontwoman and focal point of the funk band Rufus. While still a member of the group in 1978, Khan embarked on a successful solo career...
("I Feel For You" and "Sweet Thing") and Billie Holliday ("God Bless the Child") into her live performances.
In addition to the pioneering soul and gospel artists of the mid-twentieth century, modern artists such as Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige
Mary Jane Blige is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and occasional actress. She is a recipient of nine Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards, and has recorded eight multi-platinum albums. She is the only artist with Grammy Award wins in Pop, Rap, Gospel, and R&B. Blige has...
and D'Angelo
D'Angelo
Michael Eugene Archer , better known by his stage name D'Angelo, is an American R&B and neo soul singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. He is known for his production and songwriting talents as much as for his vocal abilities, and often draws comparisons to his influences,...
have also played a role in shaping Knight’s musical outlook. The most significant of her contemporary peers comes in the form of Prince, a man she describes as one of her heroes: "Prince goes back to me listening to preachers when I was a child, who tell a story to illustrate a point...the first song I heard by him was "Little Red Corvette", when I was nine. Of course, I didn't have a clue about what he was singing about; the sexuality is implicit and I love that." The influence of Prince, whom Knight even mentions on her Prodigal Sista
Prodigal Sista
Prodigal Sista is the second studio album by British soul singer, Beverley Knight released in August 1998. The album was the first to be released by Knight under her new contract with Parlophone Records, with whom she had signed a four album deal with in 1997 after leaving her previous label, Dome...
and Who I Am album sleeves, can be seen throughout her back catalogue with songs such as "Get Up!
Get Up! (Beverley Knight song)
Get Up! was the first single taken from Beverley Knight's third studio album, Who I Am. The track, which was showcased with a performance at the 2001 MOBO Awards, became Knight's third top 20 hit in Britain when it peaked at #17 upon its release ....
", "Hurricane Jane" and "Supersonic" being compared to Prince due to their mix of funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
and soul.
Throughout her childhood, Knight’s musical exposure developed as she got older. Gospel led to soul, which led to funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
which led to R&B – but growing up in the Midlands
English Midlands
The Midlands, or the English Midlands, is the traditional name for the area comprising central England that broadly corresponds to the early medieval Kingdom of Mercia. It borders Southern England, Northern England, East Anglia and Wales. Its largest city is Birmingham, and it was an important...
meant that she was exposed to lots of other different influences too: "It wasn’t a case that there was a huge black community who all stuck together and only listened to reggae
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre first developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. While sometimes used in a broader sense to refer to most types of Jamaican music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.Reggae is based...
or R&B or strictly black music. I find that London is a bit more segregated. In Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands, England. For Eurostat purposes Walsall and Wolverhampton is a NUTS 3 region and is one of five boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "West Midlands" NUTS 2 region...
, black people weren't so segregated and I think that had a massive impact on my musical influences." This diversity is illustrated best by Knight’s fourth studio album, Affirmation
Affirmation (Beverley Knight album)
'Affirmation' is the title of the fourth album from Beverley Knight, released in 2004 by Parlophone records.The album was released on 28 June 2004, to much critical acclaim and is her most personal album to date...
. After working with Guy Chambers
Guy Chambers
Guy Chambers is an English songwriter and record producer, perhaps best known for his long partnership with Robbie Williams.- Biography :...
, the album had a more mainstream flavour compared to her previous albums and was led by the rock guitar driven single "Come As You Are
Come as You Are (Beverley Knight song)
"Come as You Are" is the lead single from Beverley Knight's fourth studio album, Affirmation . It is her highest-charting single to date and became her second UK top ten hit, peaking at number nine. It remained in the UK top seventy-five for ten weeks.-Music video:The promo video for "Come as You...
". Although the song became her highest charting single to date, Knight was largely criticised by urban radio and media for moving too far away from her urban sound. Nevertheless the song illustrated Knight’s determined effort not to become boxed in and "ghettoised".
Accolades
In 2006 it was announced that Knight was to be awarded an MBEOrder of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
in acknowledgement for her services to music and the work she does on behalf of several charities. She was presented with the accolade by Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, in London, is the principal residence and office of the British monarch. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is a setting for state occasions and royal hospitality...
in February 2007. After the ceremony Knight remarked that the recognition "reflects not only on my whole career but the work I do for charities which is immensely important to me. I do not do that to be awarded for it, I just do it because it's in my heart, but to be recognised for it, hopefully will put the magnifying glass on to them as well".
In September 2005 Knight was presented with an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton
University of Wolverhampton
The University of Wolverhampton is a British university located on four campuses across the West Midlands and Shropshire. The city campus is located in Wolverhampton city centre with a second campus at Compton Park, Wolverhampton; a third in Walsall and a fourth in Telford...
"in recognition of her outstanding contribution to music and the local community, and in recognition of her extensive charity work." Upon being made a Doctor of Music
Doctor of Music
The Doctor of Music degree , like other doctorates, is an academic degree of the highest level. The D.Mus. is intended for musicians and composers who wish to combine the highest attainments in their area of specialization with doctoral-level academic study in music...
, she stated she was proud to be black, female, and British, adding: "it is still all me, I have not forgotten my roots."
On 7 January 2010 Knight won an edition of the BBC's television quiz series Celebrity Mastermind
Celebrity Mastermind
Celebrity Mastermind is a British television quiz show broadcast by BBC television. The show is a spin-off of the long running quiz show Mastermind, with the exception that all the contestants are celebrities. As with the main show, John Humphrys is the host and question-master...
, answering questions on 'The Life and Times of Prince
Prince (musician)
Prince Rogers Nelson , often known simply as Prince, is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Prince has produced ten platinum albums and thirty Top 40 singles during his career. Prince founded his own recording studio and label; writing, self-producing and playing most, or all, of...
'. Knight's chosen charity for the show was the Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust
Terrence Higgins Trust is a British charity that campaigns on various issues related to AIDS and HIV. In particular, the charity aims to reduce the spread of HIV and promote good sexual health ; to provide services on a national and local level to people with, affected by, or at risk of...
.
Awards and nominations
| Year | Institution | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Won | ||
| 1996 | Black Music Awards | Best R&B Act |
| 1996 | Black Music Awards | Best Producer |
| 1998 | MOBO Awards MOBO Awards The Music of Black Origin Awards, established in 1995 by Kanya King MBE and Andy Ruffell, are held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music.... |
Best R&B Act |
| 1999 | MOBO Awards | Best R&B Act |
| 1999 | MOBO Awards | Best Album (Prodigal Sista) |
| 1999 | E.M.M.A Awards | Best British Music Act |
| 2004 | Urban Music Awards | Lifetime Achievement |
| 2011 | Urban Music Awards | Best Album |
| Nominated | ||
| 1998 | MOBO Awards | Best Single (Made It Back) |
| 1999 | MOBO Awards | Best Single (Greatest Day) |
| 2000 | BRIT Awards Brit Awards The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust... |
Best British Female Solo |
| 2002 | MOBO Awards | Best British Act |
| 2002 | Mercury Music Prize | Best Album (Who I Am) |
| 2002 | E.M.M.A Awards | Best British Music Act |
| 2003 | BRIT Awards | Best British Female Solo |
| 2003 | BRIT Awards | Best British Urban Act |
| 2003 | Capital FM Awards | London's Favourite Female Vocalist (Solo) |
| 2004 | Capital FM Awards | London's Favourite Female Vocalist (Solo) |
| 2006 | MOBO Awards | Best British Female |
| 2007 | MOBO Awards | Best British Female |
| 2009 | MOBO Awards | Best R&B/Soul Act |
| 2009 | MOBO Awards | Best UK Act |
Discography
Studio albums:- The B-FunkThe B-FunkThe B-Funk is the 1995 debut album by British soul singer Beverley Knight.-History:The album was released released in November, 1995, on independent record label Dome Records...
(1995) - Prodigal SistaProdigal SistaProdigal Sista is the second studio album by British soul singer, Beverley Knight released in August 1998. The album was the first to be released by Knight under her new contract with Parlophone Records, with whom she had signed a four album deal with in 1997 after leaving her previous label, Dome...
(1998) - Who I Am (2002)
- AffirmationAffirmation (Beverley Knight album)'Affirmation' is the title of the fourth album from Beverley Knight, released in 2004 by Parlophone records.The album was released on 28 June 2004, to much critical acclaim and is her most personal album to date...
(2004) - Music City SoulMusic City SoulVinyl Edition Released May 7, 2007Side ASide BNotes:* "*" indicates that the song features guitar played by Ronnie Wood.- Personnel :* All tracks engineered and produced by Mark Nevers - mastered by Bunt Stafford Clark...
(2007) - 100% (2009)
- Soul UKSoul UK-Singles:Knight confirmed whilst performing at London's Porchester Hall, at the album launch show, in April 2011, that the first single from the album would be "Mama Used to Say", a cover of the Junior single, which peaked number 7 in the UK in 1982. The single was released on 27 June 2011...
(2011)
Compilation albums:
- Voice - The Best of Beverley KnightVoice - The Best of Beverley KnightVoice – The Best of Beverley Knight is the first greatest hits album by English R&B-soul singer Beverley Knight, released in the United Kingdom on 20 March 2006 by Parlophone. The collection included twelve top forty singles, including the new track and single "Piece of My Heart"...
(2006) - The CollectionThe Collection (Beverley Knight album)The Collection: Beverley Knight is the second compilation album by English singer-songwriter Beverley Knight released via Parlophone on 20 July 2009 after Knight's departure from the record label....
(2009)
Tours
- 2002 - Who I Am TourWho I Am Tour-Surprise guests:*Joe Jonas - *Kevin Jonas -...
- 2002 - Beverley Knight Tour
- 2005 - Affirmation Tour
- 2006 - Voice - The Best of TourVoice - The Best of TourVoice - The Best of Tour was a concert tour by British singer-songwriter Beverley Knight, organised to support the album Voice - The Best of Beverley Knight...
- 2007 - Music City Soul TourMusic City Soul TourMusic City Soul Tour was a concert tour by British singer-songwriter Beverley Knight, organised to support the album Music City Soul. Announced in April 2007, the tour ran from October 22, 2007 in Rhyl and ended on December 1, 2007 in Belfast....
- 2009-10 - 100% Tour
- 2011 - Soul UK TourSoul UK TourSoul UK Tour is an upcoming concert tour by British singer-songwriter Beverley Knight, organised to support the album Soul UK. Announced in May 2011, the tour will begin in Liverpool on 14 November 2011, and end in Bristol on 27 November 2011....
Personal life
Beverley Knight is a keen supporter of home city football club Wolverhampton Wanderers. It had emerged in 2010 that Beverley Knight got engaged to boyfriend, James O'Keefe. On 30 June 2011, Knight performed at Abigail ClancyAbigail Clancy
Abigail Marie "Abbey" Crouch is a British lingerie and catwalk model and television presenter.-Early life:...
and Peter Crouch
Peter Crouch
Peter James Crouch is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Stoke City and the England national team.Crouch started his career as a trainee with Tottenham Hotspur...
's wedding.
Further reading
An in-depth interview with Knight by Pete Lewis, featured in July 2009 in Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul
Blues & Soul is a British music magazine covering black music. Genres covered include soul, R&B, jazz, hip hop, reggae and world music. It was first published in 1966 and is known for first using the term Northern Soul....
. Knight discusses her forthcoming album '100%', the launch of her new cosmetics range 'K By Beverley Knight', and the UK female soul movement
An interview with Knight by Andrew Losowsky, published in December 2002 and featured in The Big Issue
The Big Issue
The Big Issue is a street newspaper published in eight countries; it is written by professional journalists and sold by homeless individuals. It was founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in September 1991...
. The interview touches on Knight's career, religion, morality
Morality
Morality is the differentiation among intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are good and bad . A moral code is a system of morality and a moral is any one practice or teaching within a moral code...
and global poverty
In depth article written by Knight detailing her close relationship with friend Tyrone Jamison, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 2003. The article, featured in The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
newspaper, was published on 20 June 2004
An interview with conducted by the BBC in November 2004, where Knight discusses Live Aid
Live Aid
Live Aid was a dual-venue concert that was held on 13 July 1985. The event was organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine. Billed as the "global jukebox", the event was held simultaneously in Wembley Stadium in London, England, United Kingdom ...
and her participation in the re-recording of Band Aid
Band Aid (band)
Band Aid was a charity supergroup featuring British and Irish musicians and recording artists. It was founded in 1984 by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia by releasing the song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" for the Christmas market that year. The single...
's Do They Know It's Christmas?
Do They Know It's Christmas?
"Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a song written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984 to raise money for relief of the 1984–1985 famine in Ethiopia. The original version was produced by Midge Ure and released by Band Aid on 29 November 1984....
An interview with Knight conducted by Pascal Wyse for The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
newspaper and published on 17 March 2006. The interview features in depth disccussions about Knight's musical education and the artists that have shaped her outlook.