Soul powerhouse Beverley Knight has revealed plans to record new music, heavily influenced by the blues and gospel sounds of her current theatrical engagement. The announcement comes as Knight takes to the stage in her hometown of Wolverhampton for the first time in 40 years, starring in the production of Marie & Rosetta at the Grand Theatre.
Knight, widely celebrated as one of Britain's premier soul vocalists, expressed immense pride in portraying Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the pioneering gospel and blues singer widely credited as an architect of rock 'n' roll. Speaking to BBC Radio WM, Knight teased, "expect to hear some really bluesy vocals going down, some really earthy sounding stuff" in her upcoming recordings. She indicated that this new material would be laid down in the short period following her Wolverhampton run and before she commences rehearsals with Take That's Gary Barlow.
The artist described her musical direction as "always a hybrid," but stressed the profound impact of the "blues and that kind of sound" from Marie & Rosetta, alongside influences from the film Sinners, which she described as "that proper fusion of modern blues." Knight enthused, "I've just been living for it," though a release date for the new music remains unconfirmed.
Marie & Rosetta transports audiences to 1946 Mississippi, delving into the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe and her protégé, Marie Knight, played by Ntombizodwa Ndlovu. For Knight, the role resonates deeply. "It's right up my street... the gospel, of course, I was born into that whole tradition myself," she told BBC Midlands Today, highlighting Tharpe's "complete icon" status and her pivotal role in shaping rock 'n' roll.
Returning to the Grand Theatre after four decades – her last performance being in West Side Story – has been a poignant homecoming for the Wolverhampton native. Knight shared her delight at being back in her childhood bedroom, and spoke fondly of finding solace in Bantock Park, her "favourite place... just to zone out and just chill out."
Marie & Rosetta runs at the Grand Theatre until Saturday, offering a unique opportunity to witness one of the UK's most formidable vocal talents in a role that clearly fuels her artistic spirit.
