Marie Knight was an American gospel and rhythm and blues singer born as Marie Roach on June 1, 1920. She achieved professional recognition for a musical career characterized by gospel and R&B and for her contralto voice. Knight achieved professional recognition for a career that began after she toured with the evangelist Frances Robinson in 1939. Her recording career began in 1946 as a member of the ensemble the Sunset Four with recordings released on the label Haven Records. Knight achieved professional recognition for being invited to tour with the musician Sister Rosetta Tharpe. They achieved professional recognition for the song “Up Above My Head” (1948), which reached number 6 on the R&B chart. Her discography included the song “Beams of Heaven” (1948) and the solo recording “Gospel Train” (1949), which reached number 9 on the R&B chart. Knight achieved professional recognition for establishing a solo career around 1951 and performing with the backing ensemble the Millionaires. Her recording career included the studio recording Songs of the Gospel (1956). Knight achieved professional recognition for the duet “I Can't Sit Down” (1959) recorded with the musician Rex Garvin, which reached number 94 on the pop chart. She achieved professional recognition for the single “Cry Me a River” (1965), which reached number 35 on the R&B charts. Knight died of pneumonia on August 30, 2009, in New York City.
