February 12th: Today’s Feature

February

Beverley Knight - Part I

Beverley Knight MBE (born Beverley Anne Smith, 22 March 1973) is an English singer, songwriter, actress and radio personality. She released her first album, The B-Funk, in 1995. Knight, a renowned British soul singer, has been heavily influenced by American soul music icons like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. Throughout her career, she has released eight studio albums and gained recognition as one of Britain's greatest soul singers. Some of her popular hit singles include "Greatest Day," "Get Up!," "Shoulda Woulda Coulda," "Come as You Are," and "Keep This Fire Burning.”

In 2006, Knight made a successful transition into the mainstream by starring in the BBC music TV series Just the Two of Us. She reprised her role in 2007 and further solidified her presence. Knight also hosted the BBC Radio 2 show, Beverley's Gospel Nights, which delved into the origins and impact of gospel music. The show spanned six seasons until 2009 and featured interviews with notable stars like Michelle Williams and Shirley Caesar.

Aside from her musical achievements, Knight is actively involved in charitable work. She serves as an ambassador for organisations such as Christian Aid and has traveled to areas affected by disease and poverty to raise awareness. Knight is a vocal campaigner against homophobic lyrics in urban music and supports anti-AIDS organisations like the Stop AIDS Campaign and The Terrence Higgins Trust. She has performed at various events, including the UK Black Pride event in Regent's Park and a charity event at 10 Downing Street in support of the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood Million Mums charity.

Knight's contributions to British music were recognised in 2006 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire. The University of Wolverhampton also honoured her in 2005 by awarding her an honorary Doctor of Music degree. In 2004, Knight received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Urban Music Awards in London, adding to her collection of accolades, including three MOBO Awards. She had the opportunity to support Prince during The Earth Tour: 21 Nights in London and performed at the concert after parties.

In 2008, Knight was invited by Prince to perform at his post-Oscars party in Los Angeles, where she received a standing ovation for her rendition of "Rock Steady." The event was attended by A-list stars, including Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones. Knight's performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony was highly praised, and a recorded version of her performance reached No. 101 on iTunes.

This marked her first charting single since "Soul Survivor" in 2010 and her highest charting single since "Beautiful Night" in 2009. Knight continued her musical journey with the release of her eighth studio album, Soulsville, in 2016. In 2019, she celebrated 25 years in the music industry with the release of the live album BK25, recorded with the Leo Green Orchestra. Knight's ninth studio album, The Fifth Chapter, was released in October 2023.

Knight has received recognition for her outstanding performances in musical theatre. She was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Actress in a Musical in 2015 and 2022 for her roles in Memphis and The Drifters Girl. In 2023, she achieved success by winning the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her performance in Sylvia. Knight's journey in musical theatre began in September 2013 when she took over the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. Additionally, in 2017, she delighted audiences with her pantomime debut as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

Biography

1973–1993: Childhood

Knight's early education took place at Woodfield Infant and Junior Schools, followed by Highfields School in Wolverhampton. Growing up in a strict Pentecostal household with Jamaican parents, church attendance held great importance in her family's life. Knight's singing career began in her local church, where her mother often led the congregation in song. Gospel music played a significant role in her musical education, as secular music was not encouraged due to her parents' religious beliefs.

At the age of 13, Knight started writing her own songs, but it wasn't until she turned 17 that she began taking it seriously. She performed her original songs in local clubs in her hometown and caught the attention of Wolverhampton songwriter Westley Jones. Jones, who was signed to Dome publishing in London, included Knight's vocals in his demo songs. Impressed by her talent, Peter Robinson, the managing director of the company, requested an introduction to Knight.

Robinson and Jones, who had discovered her through demo recordings, gave her the stage name Beverley Knight (from Smith). Despite her passion for music, Knight prioritised her education and pursued studies in theology and philosophy at Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education (now the University of Gloucestershire).

2017–present: BK25, Sylvia and The Fifth Chapter

Knight's talent and versatility as a performer were showcased in a memorable BBC Prom in 2017. This particular event was dedicated to celebrating the soul music of Stax Records, and Knight was one of the guest artists who took the stage. Alongside renowned host Jools Holland and his Orchestra, Knight shared the spotlight with esteemed musicians such as James Morrison, Ruby Turner, and Sir Tom Jones. However, what made this performance truly special was the inclusion of some of Stax's greatest living artists, including William Bell, Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, Sam Moore, and Eddie Floyd. Together, they created an unforgettable musical experience for the audience.

In addition to Knight's remarkable performance at the BBC Prom, 2017 also marked the formation of a musical theatre supergroup called the "Leading Ladies." Knight joined forces with British singer Cassidy Janson and American actress Amber Riley to create this dynamic trio. Their debut album, titled "Songs from the Stage," was released on 17 November 2017. This album featured captivating covers of songs from popular musicals like Cats, Beautiful, and Rent.

This harmonious collaboration birthed the illustrious "Leading Ladies," a supergroup that radiated brilliance and grace, captivating audiences worldwide with their mesmerising performances and unparalleled talent.

Looking ahead to the future, Knight's passion for the arts continued to drive her career. In October 2022, it was announced that she would be returning to the West End to star as Emmeline Pankhurst in a groundbreaking musical called Sylvia. This hip-hop inspired production is based on the Suffragette movement and the life of Sylvia Pankhurst. Knight's involvement in this project highlighted her commitment to portraying strong and influential women on stage.

To promote the upcoming musical, Knight made an appearance on The Graham Norton Show on 13 January 2023. Sylvia is set to run from January to April 2023 at The Old Vic, promising to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and Knight's exceptional performance as Emmeline Pankhurst.

Continued in Part II