Marie Knight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marie Knight
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Knight in Rejoice and Shout
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marie Roach |
| Born | June 1, 1920 Sanford, Florida, U.S. or Attapulgus, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | August 30, 2009 (aged 89) Harlem, New York City, U.S. |
| Genres | Gospel, R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | c. 1945–2009 |
| Labels | Various, including Decca, Okeh |
Marie Knight (born Marie Roach; June 1, 1920 – August 30, 2009) was an American singer. She was famous for her powerful voice in both gospel and R&B music. She had a long career, singing for over 60 years.
Contents
Marie Knight's Musical Journey
Early Life and Discovering Her Voice
Marie Roach was born in 1920. While some records say she was born in Attapulgus, Georgia, others say Sanford, Florida. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey. Her father worked in construction, and her family belonged to the Church of God in Christ.
Marie started singing professionally in 1939. She toured with an evangelist named Frances Robinson. In 1941, she married a preacher named Albert Knight. She later became known as Marie Knight.
Singing with Sister Rosetta Tharpe
In 1946, Marie made her first recordings. She sang with a group called The Sunset Four. Soon after, the famous singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe heard Marie sing in Harlem. Sister Rosetta was very impressed by Marie's deep voice. She invited Marie to join her on tour.
Marie and Sister Rosetta Tharpe sang together throughout the 1940s. They often performed as "the Saint and the Sinner." Sister Rosetta was the saint, and Marie was the sinner. They had many hit songs together. These included "Beams of Heaven," "Didn't it Rain," and "Up Above My Head." "Up Above My Head" became a big hit in 1948. It reached number 6 on the R&B music charts. Marie's solo song, "Gospel Train," also reached number 9 in 1949.
Solo Career and New Sounds
Around 1951, Marie Knight decided to start her solo career. She formed her own backing group called The Millionaires. With them, she released an album called Songs of the Gospel in 1956.
Later in the 1950s, Marie started singing R&B music. This was different from her gospel songs. She recorded for several record labels. In 1959, she had a pop chart hit with "I Can't Sit Down." This song was a duet with Rex Garvin. They were known as Marie & Rex. She also toured in Britain during this time.
In 1961, Marie recorded the song "Come Tomorrow." This song later became a hit for another band, Manfred Mann. In 1965, her version of "Cry Me a River" reached number 35 on the U.S. Billboard R&B charts.
Later Years and Legacy
Marie Knight continued to tour with other famous artists. These included Brook Benton and The Drifters. She often reunited with Sister Rosetta Tharpe for performances. Marie and Sister Rosetta remained good friends. Marie even helped arrange Sister Rosetta's funeral in 1973.
In 1975, Marie decided to focus on gospel music again. She released another gospel album called Marie Knight: Today. In 2002, she made a comeback in the gospel music world. She recorded a song for a special album honoring Sister Rosetta Tharpe. In 2007, Marie released a new full album called Let Us Get Together.
Her Final Years
Marie Knight passed away in Harlem, New York City, on August 30, 2009. She was 89 years old. She died from problems related to pneumonia. Marie Knight left behind a great musical legacy.
