The powerful vocalist behind the anthems ‘Finally’, ‘Home’ and ‘Diamond Life’, Julie McKnight has a musical background as diverse as the medium itself.
Hailing from the home of The Blues Memphis, Tennessee, Julie McKnight has music in her blood: her mother is a singer, and her grandfather, Norris Turney was the first Flute player, replacing Johnny Hodges with Duke Ellington. Her father is a minister who welcomed many people, of all walks of life and artistic expressions, into his home. During the 1980s Julie’s family moved to LA attending Washington Prep High School. Most of her life, Julie was mentored by many legendary musicians, including Nancy Wilson, Little Richard and Nina Simone. Family friend Muhammud Ali, was the first to set Julie on the path to exploring her poetic expressions. This foundation truly equipped Julie for her Los Angeles journey.
In the earlly 90's, Julie enjoyed working with maestro Jay ‘Sinister’ Sealee and Sandy Rivera on the aforementioned hits, while also collaborating with the likes of, The Emotions, Nancy Wilson, and her former husband, Brian McKnight.
In the late 90s Julie truly became a breakout success. Throughout the 2000s she won many awards, including Song of the Year at the 2001 MTV Dancestar Music Awards, and nominations for Best Vocalist and Best Live PA at the 2005 Dance Music Awards.
McKnight has brought down the house at all of the world’s hottest stages, clubs and festivals from New York to San Francisco to The UK to Japan to Ibiza and beyond. She has also toured South America with her brother, Victor Brooks, Jr., on his ‘Victor Brooks/Samba Soul’ tour.
With her first solo project on the way, collaborating as songwriter, producer and publisher, and having a firm grasp of genres from all over the musical spectrum, the sky is truly the limit for Julie McKnight.
