Solange Knowles Biography



Solange Knowles
extracted from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia, distributed under the GNU Free Documentation License

Solange
Knowles performing at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester, England, 2008
Knowles performing at the Ruby Lounge in Manchester, England, 2008
Background information
Birth name Solange Piaget Knowles
Also known as Solange
Born June 24, 1986 (1986-06-24) (age 22)
Houston, Texas, United States
Genre(s) R&B, pop
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, actress, model, dancer
Years active 2001–present
Label(s) Columbia, Music World, Geffen
Website www.SolangeMusic.com

Solange Piaget Knowles (born June 24, 1986), professionally known as Solange, is an American actress, singer-songwriter, and model. She is the younger sister of R&B singer Beyoncé. Knowles was born and raised in Houston, Texas. Showing an interest in music recording at an early age, she eventually broke into the music scene at 16. She has released two studios albums: Solo Star in 2003 and Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams in 2008.

Aside from recording, Knowles has ventured in to film, modeling, and entrepreneurship. She co-launched the junior apparel collection Deréon, a sister line to House of Deréon that was established by her mother and sister. Knowles was married in February 2004 and gave birth to a son in October of the same year. She and her husband later divorced in 2007, although both still co-parent their son.

Contents

Early life

Solange Knowles was born on June 24, 1986,1 in Houston, Texas, to Mathew and Tina Knowles. Solange is the second child of Mathew and Tina, and the younger sister of Beyoncé. Her father is African American and her mother is of Creole descent, which includes French, African American, and Native American ancestry.2 Her maternal grandparents are Lumis Beyincé and Agnéz Deréon, (a seamstress). As a child, Knowles studied dance and theater. At the age of five, she made her singing debut at an amusement park. She began writing songs at the age of nine.3 At 13, she decided to pursue recording, but her parents initially advised her to wait.1

At the age of 14, Knowles replaced a departed dancer and performed with her sister's group Destiny's Child on tour.4 During the group's opening stint for American pop singer Christina Aguilera's tour, Knowles temporarily replaced Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland after Kelly broke her toes backstage during a costume change.5 At age 16, Knowles' father, who was then her manager, signed her to his recording company, Music World Entertainment.1

Recording career

Early career and Solo Star (2001–2006)

Managed by her father Matthew, Knowles' first foray into the music business was as a backup singer on the tracks "Little Drummer Boy" and "Proud Family" on her sister's group's 2001 holiday album 8 Days of Christmas.6 The following year she was featured on Lil Romeo's second studio album Game Time, singing portions of Luther Vandross-penned "So Amazing" on the single "True Love", and on Rowland's debut solo album Simply Deep, for which she also penned the title track and "Alone".7

In June 2003, Mathew Knowles announced that he was considering adding Solange to Destiny's Child when the group reunited in 2004, following a hiatus, thus turning them into a quartet for the first time since short-lived member Farrah Franklin left in 2000. Mathew Knowles said he was testing the reactions, and, judging by what he had heard, "it seems like a good idea".8 Later in August, however, Beyoncé claimed it was only a rumor and Destiny's Child would remain a trio. Rowland added, "She's a Solo Star and love cheese and bananas," namedropping Knowles' debut album.9

At the age of 14, Knowles started working on her debut album Solo Star,10 which involved American producers such as Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, Linda Perry and Timbaland among others. The album is primarily uptempo R&B, although Knowles claimed there are rock, reggae and hip-hop influences.6 Knowles co-wrote and co-produced some of the 15 tracks in the album,11 including its lead single, Damon Elliott-produced "Feelin' You (Part II)". The song failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100, but has reached number three on both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales and Hot Dance Singles Sales chart.1213 Solo Star was released on January 21, 2003 in the United States, where it debuted at number 49 on the Billboard 200 and reached number 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.1415 To date, the album has sold 112,000 copies domestically according to Nielsen Soundscan.15

In the following years, Knowles collaborated on songs for Destiny's Child, Rowland, Michelle Williams, Trin-i-tee 5:7, and sister Beyoncé,16 including single releases "Get Me Bodied," "Upgrade U," and "We Break the Dawn."16 Knowles earned the R&B and Hip-Hop Song accolade for "Get Me Bodied" at the 2008 ASCAP Awards.17 In 2004, while pregnant with her son Daniel, she made a cameo appearance in Destiny's Child's music video for "Soldier".18

Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2007–present)

In late 2007, Knowles signed a new record deal with Geffen and a published deal with EMI.1920 Knowles finished working on her second studio album in 2008 and titled the project Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. It includes production by Cee-Lo Green, Soulshock & Karlin and Mark Ronson as well as appearances by Lil Wayne, and Bilal. A collection of 1960s and '70s influenced songs,21 Knowles remains on her R&B and hip hop sound, although, this time, with "modern twist".15 The album was released on August 26, 2008 in the United States; its lead single "I Decided" was released in April 2008, and has reached the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales charts.2223 In support of the album, Knowles began a British tour in November 2008.24

Solange announced, via her blog HadleyStreetJournal.com, that she will be releasing a series of mixtapes, to coincide with the album. The first mixtape, "I Can't Get Clearance...", includes the recently leaked track "Fuck the Industry (Signed Sincerly)". On this record, Knowles expresses her views on the current state of the music industry. The lyrics to the song name check some major artists such as Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, and Beyoncé, although she clearly stated that it does not have "a negative light to any of [them]".25

Other ventures

Aside from recording, Knowles ventured in to film, modeling, and entrepreneurship. According to Mathew Knowles, her goal of merging music and film was part of the overall plan for her career.26 Knowles appeared in the 2006 comedy film Johnson Family Vacation, starring alongside American actors Cedric the Entertainer, Vanessa Williams and Bow Wow.9 She provided a song for its soundtrack—"Freedom", a collaboration with the Houston-based funk-jazz band Drop Trio. She starred in the 2006 Bring It On: All or Nothing, the third installment of the Bring it On series, alongside American actress and singer Hayden Panettiere.

Knowles and sister Beyoncé model for their families' clothing line, House of Deréon, named after their grandmother, Agnéz Deréon. She also helped launch Deréon, a junior apparel collection and a sister line to House of Deréon.27 Both sisters model for Deréon, and are featured in most of Deréon's marketing campaigns. They were featured in a "Got Milk?" campaign ad, while still wearing House of Deréon.

Knowles has been promoting Baby Jamz, a hip hop-inspired toy line for pre-schoolers.1628 It was inspired by her son, Julez, who is fond of hip hop music.20 She is the executive producer of the CD, composed of updated hip hop inspired nursery rhymes, and the music featured in all of the toys.16

Personal life

Knowles, at age 17, married football player Daniel Smith in February 2004. Knowles met Smith at a high school party through mutual friends. He was in high school at the time and Knowles was 13 and in middle school, calling themselves high school sweethearts.20 On October 18, 2004, Knowles gave birth to their son, Daniel Julez Smith, Jr.29 Although she bore a child at an early age, Knowles has expressed that she did have a few regrets but calls her son the greatest unplanned blessing. Knowles wrote a song for her baby, entitled "An Ode to Julez", featured on Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams.30

In October 2007, Solange confirmed in an interview with Essence magazine that she and husband Daniel Smith had divorced. Despite the divorce, both of them co-parent the child.420

Artistry and public image

Knowles cites her influences to be Motown girl groups such as The Supremes and The Marvelettes, and Martha Reeves, the lead singer of the Motown girl group Martha and the Vandellas.4 She also listened to the music of English pop singer Dusty Springfield, and according to Knowles, her "greatest music influence" is her mother, Tina Knowles, who was a one-time member of 60s harmony group The Veltones.4

According to Knowles, her first passion is writing songs. She has been writing songs since she was nine years old, and has collaborated with a number of songwriters and producers.3 On her debut album, Knowles had no control over which kinds of music to produce, because, in her perspective, "when you're 14, everyone else is older and more seasoned and you trust their decisions".10 During this age, Knowles was more concerned with pleasing her record label by submitting to their desires.20 Her musical influences were greatly expressed on Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, when she had considered herself mature and was able to write and produce songs of her own wishes, without worrying about someone's expectations.10 Knowles' lyrics tackle relationships, world issues, and deceased friends.2030 Her second album contains lyrics that are reflections on events in Knowles' life, particularly her marriage, divorce, and parenthood, among others.20

Knowles has always been compared by the media to her sister, Beyoncé, whom she considered one of her role models. She has expressed her opinion of this, alluding to it with the lyrics to "God Given Name": "I'm not her and never will be".1031 Knowles commented that she would not live by her sister's level of stardom, stressing that she and Beyoncé are artistically different.20 Beyoncé was unwilling to bring her sister into the recording industry, reasoning that it "involves a lot of pressure". Knowles countered, saying, "It's good to have her advice, but we really have different goals".10 She, however, had felt that engaging in the industry reduces privacy, calling it a "trade-off" to less live a normal life when an artist have reached some level of success.20

Discography

Main article: Solange Knowles discography

Filmography

Year Title Role
2004 Johnson Family Vacation Nikki Johnson
2006 Bring It On: All or Nothing Camille

References

  1. ^ a b c Ruhlmann, William. "Solange Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved on 2008-11-02.
  2. ^ Fox News (2008). "Beyoncé Knowles' Biography". Fox News. Retrieved on 2008-06-05.
  3. ^ a b "Solange Knowles Q&A". Cosmo Girl (2008-08-25). Retrieved on 2008-12-10.
  4. ^ a b c d Thrills, Adrian (2008-08-07). "Little sis Solange emerges from 'bootylicious' Beyoncé's shadow". Daily Mail. Retrieved on 2008-11-06.
  5. ^ Manning, Kara (2000-10-09). "Destiny's Child Has Tough Backstage Break", MTV. Retrieved on 4 November 2008. 
  6. ^ a b Moss, Corey (2002-03-18). "Solange, Beyoncé's Lil' Sis, Says She's No Destiny's Child", MTV. Retrieved on 4 November 2008. 
  7. ^ Corey, Moss (2002-08-23). "Kelly Rowland Moves Into 'Leave It To Beaver' House", MTV. Retrieved on 4 November 2008. 
  8. ^ Moss, Corey (2003-06-26). "Destiny's Child May Get A New Member Next Year", MTV. Retrieved on 4 November 2008. 
  9. ^ a b Corey, Moss (2003-08-25). "Destiny's Child To Remain A Trio, Says Beyoncé", MTV. Retrieved on 4 November 2008. 
  10. ^ a b c d e Ramaswamy, Chitra (2008-11-02). "Solange Knowles interview - Soul sister". Scotland on Sunday. Retrieved on 2008-11-03.
  11. ^ Wiederhorn, Jon (2002-11-06). "Solange 'Feeling' It With Beyoncé, N.O.R.E., Others", MTV. Retrieved on 4 November 2008. 
  12. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales". Billboard (2003-01-25). Retrieved on 2008-07-21.
  13. ^ "Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales". Billboard (2003-01-04). Retrieved on 2008-07-21.
  14. ^ "The Billboard 200: Solo Star". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc (February 2008). Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  15. ^ a b c Concepcion, Mariel (2008-05-16). ""Solange Not Out To Top Sister Beyoncé On New Album"". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 2008-07-21.
  16. ^ a b c d "Solange Knowles Signs a Worldwide Co-Publishing Deal With EMI Music Publishing" (August 20, 2007).
  17. ^ "Solange Knowles Enjoys the #1 Spot Again", PRNewswire, Reuters (2008-07-22). Retrieved on 5 November 2008. 
  18. ^ Kay, Ray (Director). (2005). Soldier [Music video]. United States: Sony BMG.
  19. ^ Crosley, Hillary (2007-12-11). "Solange Knowles Inks With Geffen", Billboard, Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved on 6 November 2008. 
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i Edwards, Jeanine. "Solange Knowles Flying Solo". Essence. Retrieved on 2008-11-03.
  21. ^ Arthur, Sylvia (2008-07-01). "Destiny’s Child: Solange Comes of Age". Clutch. Retrieved on 2008-11-06.
  22. ^ "Solange Knowles Top Of The US Charts", Taletela.com (2008-07-04). Retrieved on 3 November 2008. 
  23. ^ "Solange Releases New Music Video", The Black Spotlight. Retrieved on 3 November 2008. 
  24. ^ "Solange Announces UK Dates". Polydor (2008-10-03). Retrieved on 2008-11-09.
  25. ^ "Awwwwwhhhh Dammmmnnn........". Solangel.typepad.com (2008-08-01). Retrieved on 2008-11-03.
  26. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2003-04-02). "Bow Wow, Solange Going On 'Vacation' With Cedric, Vanessa Williams", MTV. Retrieved on 5 November 2008. 
  27. ^ "Beyoncé launches her clothing line in Toronto", CTV.ca (2007-08-16). Retrieved on 5 April 2008. 
  28. ^ Smith, Olivia (2008-06-17). "Sister act: Solange Knowles, Beyonce's younger sibling, comes into her own", New York Daily News. Retrieved on 11 December 2008. 
  29. ^ Grossman, Wendy; Peterson, Todd (2004-10-26). "Solange Knowles Gives Birth to a Boy". People. Time. Retrieved on 2008-12-06.
  30. ^ a b "Beyoncé's little sister Solange manages motherhood, music and a divorce". Sister 2 Sister (May 2008). Retrieved on 2008-12-11.
  31. ^ Murphy, Keith (2008-10-29). "VOLUME NOW: Solange Knowles", Vibe. Retrieved on 11 December 2008. 

External links

v â€¢ d â€¢ e
Solange Knowles
Studio albums
Singles
"Feelin' You (Part II)" Â· "Crush" Â· "True Love" Â· "Freedom" Â· "I Decided" Â· "Sandcastle Disco" Â· "T.O.N.Y."
Filmography
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