Solange Knowles has accomplished much in her first three decades of life. Solange, the far quirkier of the Knowles sisters, can list singer, songwriter, dancer, model, and actress on an impressive resume that traces her musical talent back to early childhood. At just 31 years old she has 26 years of experience in the music and entertainment industries.
Before Solange had turned six years old she had given her first singing performance. Before she had turned ten years old she was writing songs and by thirteen had decided to pursue a career as a performer. Before turning fifteen she was working on Solo Star, her first album. That album was released while Solange was just sixteen years old and in some sense she was already a veteran of the music industry after going on tour with Destiny’s Child as a backup dancer and on one occasion taking Kelly Rowland’s place in the group after she had broken her toe.
Solange currently lives in New Orleans, but called Idaho home (for a short period) after the birth of her son. She considers female groups from Motown like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, and Martha and the Vandellas as strong influences as well as the English pop singer Dusty Springfield. Another fun fact – Solange had a childhood crush on Incubus front man, Brandon Boyd. I’m sure she was thrilled when she recently performed with the band and covered Stillness is the Move by The Dirty Projectors.
Solange’s song credits include music she has written songs for all three members of Destiny’s Child, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams in their solo careers. She has worked with music industry giants like Pharell Williams, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Linda Perry, and Chromeo. She has appeared and sang on Yo Gabba Gabba. She has performed at Brooklyn’s Afro Punk Festival and put together an impressive trophy case including a Grammy.
I mentioned previously that Solange is quirky and I meant that in the best way. Her music is varied and interesting and she is primarily a song writer and secondarily an entertainer. After her most recent album, A Seat at the Table, Pitchfork’s Marcus J. Moore said “Cranes in the Sky makes loneliness sound elegant.” Sheldon Pearce, also of Pitchfork said “Don’t Touch My Hair is a powerful pledge of identity.” Solange will bring all of this and more to the Twilight Concert Series at Pioneer Park this Thursday, August 10, so make sure you get your tickets ahead of time here.
* Blog post contributed by William Wright.
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