Beverley Knight facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Beverley Knight MBE
Knight at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2015
Born	Beverley Anne Smith (1973-03-22) 22 March 1973 (age 52) Wolverhampton, England
Occupation	Singer songwriter actress radio personality
Years active	1994–present
Political party	Labour
Spouse(s)	James O'Keefe ​ (m. 2012)​
Musical career
Genres	British soul neo soul R&B
Instruments	Vocals
Associated acts	Leading Ladies

Beverley Knight is an English singer, songwriter, actress, and radio personality. She was born Beverley Anne Smith on March 22, 1973. She released her first album, The B-Funk, in 1995. Beverley Knight has released nine studio albums, inspired by American soul music legends like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. Many people consider her one of Britain's best soul singers. She is famous for her hit songs "Greatest Day", "Get Up!", "Shoulda Woulda Coulda", "Come as You Are", and "Keep This Fire Burning".

In 2006, Beverley Knight became even more well-known by appearing in the BBC music TV show Just the Two of Us. She was on the show again in 2007. After releasing a very successful album in 2006, Knight toured the UK with the popular group Take That. She also hosted a BBC Radio 2 show called Beverley's Gospel Nights. This show explored the history and influence of gospel music. It ran for six seasons until 2009 and featured interviews with stars like Michelle Williams and Shirley Caesar.

Beverley Knight supports many charities, including Christian Aid. She has traveled to places affected by illness and poverty to help raise awareness. She actively campaigns for groups that fight against AIDS, such as the Stop AIDS Campaign and The Terrence Higgins Trust. She also speaks out against music lyrics that are unkind or disrespectful to certain groups of people. On August 15, 2009, she performed live at the UK Black Pride event in Regent's Park. On December 4, 2009, she performed at 10 Downing Street to support the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood Million Mums charity.

After working in the music industry for over ten years, Knight was given the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2006. This award recognized her important contributions to British music. In September 2005, the University of Wolverhampton made Knight an honorary Doctor of Music. She has won many awards, including three MOBO Awards. In 2004, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Urban Music Awards in London. Knight also supported the famous musician Prince during his "The Earth Tour: 21 Nights in London" and performed at the after-parties.

In February 2008, Prince invited Knight to Los Angeles to perform at his special party after the Oscars. She sang for and with famous stars like Stevie Wonder at Prince's home. She received a standing ovation, especially for her performance of "Rock Steady".

Knight sang at the London 2012 Paralympic Opening Ceremony. Her performance was highly praised. A recorded version of her song reached number 101 on iTunes. In 2016, Knight released her eighth studio album, Soulsville. In 2019, she celebrated 25 years in music with a live album called BK25, recorded with the Leo Green Orchestra. Knight's ninth studio album, The Fifth Chapter, was released in October 2023.

Knight has been nominated for two Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Actress in a Musical. These nominations were in 2015 for Memphis and in 2022 for The Drifters Girl. She won an Olivier Award in 2023 for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her role in Sylvia. Knight first started performing in musical theatre in September 2013. She took over the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. In 2017, she performed in her first pantomime (a type of musical play) at the Birmingham Hippodrome. She played the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.

In 2025, Knight will play Rosetta Tharpe in the stage show Marie & Rosetta. This show will be at the Rose Theatre in Kingston upon Thames and the Minerva Theatre in Chichester.

About Beverley Knight

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Beverley Knight grew up in Wolverhampton, England. Her parents were from Jamaica. She attended Woodfield Infant and Junior Schools and Highfields School. Her family was very religious, following the Pentecostal faith. Going to church was a very important part of their lives. This is where Beverley started singing. She once said, "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."

Beverley sang in her local church throughout her childhood. At home, she often listened to gospel music. Because of her parents' beliefs, other types of music were not usually allowed. However, artists like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin were still a big part of her early life.

Knight started writing her own songs when she was 13. But she didn't start taking songwriting and performing seriously until she was 17. She began performing her songs in local clubs in her hometown. When she was 19, she sang on demo songs for a songwriter named Westley Jones. Peter Robinson, who managed Dome publishing, was impressed by her voice. He asked to meet her. Robinson and Jones helped her choose the stage name Beverley Knight. She wanted to make sure her education came first. So, she went to Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education (now the University of Gloucestershire) to study theology and philosophy.

Starting Her Music Career

In late 1994, Beverley Knight signed a record deal with Dome Records, a small, independent music company. Soon after, she went into the studio to write and record her first album. The main parts of the album were produced by a London group called 2B3. Other producers like Don E (who is Knight's cousin), Ethnic Boyz, and Blak Twang also helped. A German songwriting team, Klarmann/Weber, also contributed two songs.

The album, called The B-Funk, was released in November 1995. Her record label called it "the best British soul album ever." Knight won two Black Music Awards in 1996 for "Best R&B Artist" and "Best Producer" (for 2B3). Blues and Soul magazine also named her Best R&B Act. However, the album only reached number 145 on the UK album chart. Several songs from the album were released as singles. The most popular was "Flavour of the Old School", which reached number 33 in March 1996.

Growing Success

In February 1997, Knight left Dome Records after some disagreements. She then signed a new deal with EMI-controlled Parlophone for four albums. She went back to the studio with 2B3 and Don E, and also worked with new producers Dj Dodge and Carl McIntosh. Her second album, Prodigal Sista, was released in August 1998. It reached number 42 in Britain and sold 150,000 copies, earning a Gold award in 1999. The album had five songs that reached the top 40. The biggest hits were "Greatest Day", which reached number 14, and "Made It Back" featuring US rap star Redman, which reached number 21.

Prodigal Sista was a big step forward for Knight. Q magazine called it "a triumph." The Times said, "Prodigal Sista is a joy to hear." The album won three MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards. "Made It Back" and "Greatest Day" won Best R&B Act in 1998 and 1999. Prodigal Sista also won the Best Album Award.

Becoming a Mainstream Star

In 2001, Knight returned to the studio to record her third album. She worked with many writers and producers from Britain and the United States. These included James Poyser, Che Guevara, Derrick Joshua & Derrick Martin, D'Influence, Mike Spencer and Colin Emmanuel. The album, Who I Am, was released in March 2002. Before the album, two singles were released: "Get Up!" and "Shoulda Woulda Coulda". "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" became Knight's most successful single at that time, reaching number 10 on the UK Singles Chart.

The success of these songs helped the album reach number seven on the album chart. This made Who I Am her most successful album so far. It was later re-released with new versions of the singles "Gold" and "Shape of You (Reshaped)". It has sold 215,000 copies in Britain and earned a Gold sales award.

Critics generally liked Who I Am. The Guardian said, "every song bubbles with the kind of expensive, polished confidence that often eludes British contenders." The BBC said, "Who I Am marks a significant change in direction for this tenacious 28-year-old singer." The album was nominated for two Brit Awards ("Best Female", "Best Urban Act") and for the Mercury Music Prize in 2002.

After touring Britain in 2002, Knight started working on her fourth album in the summer of 2003. She worked with pop producers like Guy Chambers and Peter-John Vettese, and R&B producers like DJ Munro. The album, Affirmation, was released in June 2004. It entered the charts at number 11. The first single was "Come as You Are", a rock/pop song. This song had a more mainstream pop sound. It became her biggest hit at the time, reaching number nine on the singles chart. Two more singles, "Not Too Late for Love" and "Keep This Fire Burning", helped the album sell well. It received a Gold sales award in December 2004.

The songs on Affirmation were influenced by events in Knight's life. The album was largely about her friendship with Tyrone Jamison, a gay man who passed away from an AIDS-related illness in 2003. Songs like "Remember Me" and "No One Ever Loves in Vain" show her deep connection with Tyrone.

Critics had mixed feelings about Affirmation. Some praised her for trying new styles, while others felt she was moving too far from her urban music roots. Knight denied this, saying, "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."

Continued Success and New Directions

In February 2006, Knight appeared on the BBC1 music show Just the Two of Us. This show helped her reach a wider audience. She also joined Take That on their reunion tour, "Take That – The Ultimate Tour 06". This tour sold 270,000 tickets in less than four hours.

In March 2006, Knight released her fifth album, Voice – The Best of Beverley Knight. This album was a collection of her top UK singles. It became her second highest-charting album, reaching number nine on the UK albums chart. It was certified Gold less than a month after its release. The album included the single "Piece of My Heart", a cover of the Erma Franklin classic. This song reached number 16 and stayed in the UK top 75 singles chart for 11 weeks.

In October 2006, Knight recorded her fifth studio album, Music City Soul, in Nashville. It was finished in less than five days and released on May 7, 2007. The album featured collaborations with musicians like Ronnie Wood and Scotty Moore. It produced three singles: "No Man's Land", "After You", and "The Queen of Starting Over". This was her last album for Parlophone.

From August to September 2007, Knight supported Prince during his concerts at the O2 Arena. She also performed at the after-parties. Because of this, she was invited to perform at his Oscars party for famous stars.

Becoming Independent and Theatre Work

On March 23, 2009, Knight announced that she had left Parlophone records after 11 years. She would release new music through her own label, Hurricane Records. She also said her sixth studio album would be released in summer 2009. It would have a more modern sound than her previous album. New songwriters and producers working on the project included Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and The Rural, along with previous collaborators Guy Chambers and DJ Munro.

On March 31, 2009, Knight confirmed her sixth album, 100%, would be released in September. The first song from the album was "Every Step," a collaboration with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The main single was "Beautiful Night". The album was released on September 7, 2009, and reached number 17 on the UK Albums Chart. The second single, "In Your Shoes," featured UK rapper Chipmunk.

In 2010, Knight appeared as a guest on the ITV show Loose Women six times.

In March 2011, Knight announced her seventh studio album would be a collection of British soul covers. She also planned a special concert at Porchester Hall, London, which would be filmed for her first live DVD. The album was called Soul UK.

The first single from Soul UK was "Mama Used to Say", originally by Junior Giscombe. The single was released on June 27, 2011, followed by the album on July 4. The album was the highest new entry on the UK albums chart that week, reaching number 13. Three more singles were released: "Cuddly Toy", "One More Try", and "Round and Around".

In 2013, Knight was featured on The Overtones' album Saturday Night at the Movies, which reached the UK albums chart top 5. Knight sang on the song "Hit the Road, Jack".

On September 9, 2013, Knight took over the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard musical. She was nominated for Best Takeover in a Role at the Whatsonstage.com Awards. Her performances in this role ended on May 31, 2014.

On February 21, 2014, it was confirmed that Knight would star in the new West End production of Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre. She extended her performances in Memphis until July 2015.

In 2015, she played Grizabella in the 2015 revival of Cats at the London Palladium. She performed a song from Cats at the 2015 Royal Variety Performance.

On October 27, 2015, East West Records signed Knight to release her eighth studio album, Soulsville, which came out on June 10, 2016. The album included a duet with Jamie Cullum and covers of classic soul songs. Soulsville reached the Top 10 in the UK Albums Chart and the Scottish Albums Chart.

Knight returned to The Bodyguard musical on July 15, 2016, for a limited six-month run.

Recent Projects

In 2017, Knight was a guest artist at a BBC Prom celebrating the soul music of Stax Records. She performed five times during the concert.

In 2017, Knight formed a musical theatre supergroup called the "Leading Ladies" with British singer Cassidy Janson and American actress Amber Riley. Their first album, Songs from the Stage, was released on November 17, 2017. It featured cover songs from musicals like Cats and Rent.

In 2019, Knight was announced to star as Faye Treadwell in the new musical The Drifters Girl. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show opened later in November 2021 at the Garrick Theatre. She received her second Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical in 2022.

On November 8, 2019, Knight released a live album, BK25. It was recorded in May 2019 at the Royal Festival Hall in London with the Leo Green Orchestra. This album celebrated Knight's 25 years in music. On November 13, 2020, Knight performed for BBC Children in Need 2020, singing Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here". In summer 2021, Knight performed a concert at the London Palladium to test new measures for limiting the spread of COVID-19 in theatres. From February 2022, Knight was a judge on ITV's Starstruck.

In October 2022, it was announced that Knight would return to the West End to star as Emmeline Pankhurst in a hip-hop musical called Sylvia. This musical is about the Suffragette movement and Sylvia Pankhurst's life. Knight appeared on The Graham Norton Show on January 13, 2023, to promote the show. Sylvia ran from January to April 2023 at The Old Vic.

In June 2023, Knight announced a new studio album, The Fifth Chapter, which was released in September 2023. The album's first single, "Last One On My Mind", came out on June 9, 2023. The second single, "Systematic Overload", was released on August 17, 2023. On September 16, 2023, Knight performed the single and her other hits at Radio 2 in the Park in Victoria Park, Leicester. The Fifth Chapter received good reviews and reached number 39 on the UK Albums Chart.

In 2024, Knight starred in the UK West End stage version of Sister Act.

In 2025, Knight will play Rosetta Tharpe in the stage production Marie & Rosetta. This show will be at the Rose Theatre and the Minerva Theatre.

Musical Style and Inspirations

Beverley Knight grew up in a Pentecostal family with Jamaican roots. Music, especially gospel music, was a very important part of her childhood. She joined her local church's gospel choir at just four years old. She later became the musical director before leaving in her late teens. Her family often sang together around the piano and listened to gospel and soul artists like Sam Cooke.

In 2005, Knight hosted Beverley's Gospel Nights, a BBC Radio 2 series about gospel music. The show featured interviews with artists like Shirley Caesar, Percy Sledge, and Destiny's Child stars Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. It explored the history of gospel music and its impact on the black community. The show was so successful that a second series was made in March 2006. It included new interviews with artists like Candi Staton and David McAlmont. Critics praised Knight's interviewing skills and her ability to get guests to talk openly about their lives.

The first artist who greatly influenced Knight was Sam Cooke, a founder of gospel and soul music. Even though he passed away in 1964, his music remained a big part of Knight's childhood. She said, "My mother played Sam Cooke and he was the first voice I ever heard on record. His was the first voice that directly had a big impact on me, vocally. He still makes me cry."

Knight has often performed and recorded Cooke's songs, especially "A Change Is Gonna Come". This song became a symbol of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Knight has performed it many times live, often with the London Community Gospel Choir. She also recorded a studio version with musician Jools Holland.

Another major influence for Knight was Aretha Franklin. Knight has performed tributes to Franklin and recorded several of her songs, like "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" and "Think". Franklin's singing style had a big impact on Knight. Knight said, "Aretha taught me my phrasing and the way I carry emotion. She makes me cry and then she brings me into the throes of musical ecstasy – with the same voice!"

Knight has also recorded songs by other artists like Stevie Wonder and Curtis Mayfield. On stage, she often includes songs by her heroines like Nina Simone ("Feelin' Good"), Chaka Khan ("I Feel For You"), and Billie Holiday ("God Bless the Child") in her live shows.

Modern artists like Mary J. Blige and D'Angelo have also shaped Knight's musical style. Her most significant contemporary influence is Prince. She calls him one of her heroes. Knight even mentions Prince on her Prodigal Sista and Who I Am album covers. Songs like "Get Up!", "Hurricane Jane", and "Supersonic" have been compared to Prince's music because they mix funk and soul.

Growing up in the Midlands, Knight was exposed to many different musical styles. She said, "In Wolverhampton, black people weren't so segregated and I think that had a massive impact on my musical influences." This variety is clear in her fourth album, Affirmation. This album had a more mainstream pop sound, especially with the rock-influenced single "Come as You Are". Even though it became her highest-charting single, some urban radio stations and media criticized her for moving away from her urban sound. However, the song showed Knight's determination not to be limited to one type of music.

Albums by Beverley Knight

Beverley Knight in 2016

Solo albums

• The B-Funk (1995)
• Prodigal Sista (1998)
• Who I Am (2002)
• Affirmation (2004)
• Music City Soul (2007)
• 100% (2009)
• Soul UK (2011)
• Soulsville (2016)
• The Fifth Chapter (2023)

Tours and Live Shows

• 2002 – Who I Am Tour
• 2002 – Beverley Knight Tour
• 2005 – Affirmation Tour
• 2006 – Voice – The Best of Tour
• 2007 – Music City Soul Tour
• 2009–10 – 100% Tour
• 2011 – Soul UK Tour
• 2016 – Soulsville Tour
• 2019 – Friday Night is Music Night presents: The Songs of Stevie Wonder starring Beverley Knight
• 2023 – 50 Tour

Stage Performances

Awards and Recognition

Special Honours

Beverley Knight was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2006 for her services to music. Queen Elizabeth II presented her with the award at Buckingham Palace in February 2007. After the ceremony, Knight said that the award "reflects not only on my whole career but the work I do for charities, which is immensely important to me."

In September 2005, the University of Wolverhampton gave Knight an honorary degree. This was to recognize her great contributions to music and her local community, as well as her extensive charity work. When she became a Doctor of Music, she said she was proud to be black, female, and British.

On January 7, 2010, Knight won an episode of the BBC's quiz show Celebrity Mastermind. Her chosen topic was "The Life and Times of Prince." Knight played for the Terrence Higgins Trust charity on the show.

On August 29, 2012, during the 2012 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony, Knight performed "I Am What I Am" with deaf performer Caroline Parker and Lizzie Emeh. They closed the opening ceremony, and everyone joined in the song using sign language.

On May 16, 2018, Knight received the Freedom of the City of Wolverhampton. This is the highest honor a city can give. Knight said, "I was born and raised in Wolverhampton and to have such an accolade given to me is seismic." The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Cllr. Phil Page, said, "Beverley Knight has achieved outstanding international success as a recording artist, performer, West End star and charity ambassador. She deserves this honour not only for her achievements, but also for the positive and exemplary manner in which she conducts herself."

Awards and Nominations

Personal Life

Knight with husband James O'Keefe, 2013

Beverley Knight is a big fan of her hometown football club, Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.. She married her boyfriend, James O'Keefe, on September 8, 2012.

She supports the Labour Party.