Beverly Knight, born on 22nd March 1973, is an English actress and singer who started her career with the release of The B-Funk, her debut album in 1995. Since then, she has released eight studio albums, and many consider her one of the greatest soul singers in Britain. In 2006, her mainstream presence bolstered when she starred in Just the Two of Us, a BBC music TV series. Her musical prowess is evident in theatre musicals like The Drifters Girl, Cats, Sweet Charity, and Memphis The Musical for which she received an Olivier Award nomination.
She made her West End debut in 2013 by playing the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. It got her the Best Takeover in a Role nomination at the What’s On Stage Awards. The following year, she was part of Memphis The Musical. In 2015, she took on the role of Grizabella in Andrew Llyod Webber’s Cats.
In 2005, she received an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton. In the 2006 Birthday Honours, Knight was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to music. These accolades not only reflect her contribution to music but for her extensive charity work.
Theatre:
Her theatre credits include The Bodyguard (West End Original Production, 2012); Memphis (West End Premiere Production, 2014); The Bodyguard (West End Production, 2016); Sylvia (Old Vic Theatre Original Production, 2018).
Music:
Her solo albums include BK25 (2019); Soulsville (2016); Soul UK (2011); 100% (2009); Music City Soul (2007); Affirmation (2004); Who I Am (2002); Prodigal Sista (1998); The B-Funk (1995).
Awards:
Best Producer, Best R&B Act (Black Music Awards, 1996); Best R&B Act (MOBO Awards, 1998, 1999); Best Album (MOBO Awards, 1999); Best British Music Act (EMMA Awards, 1999); Urban Music Awards (Lifetime Achievement, 2004); Best Album (Urban Music Awards, 2011).