Singer Beverley Knight felt she was ‘maybe too dark’ for success in music industry
‘It was easier to market someone who was much lighter’
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
Beverley Knight has said that implicit racism might’ve stunted her success in the music industry.
Speaking to HELLO! about her career, the 46-year-old suggested her skin was “maybe too dark”, adding: “It was easier to market someone who was much lighter, with more ‘European’ features.”
Knight, whose music career began when she was aged 21, recalled feeling like a “square peg in a round hole” in the music industry, which she remembers as being full of “young white lads playing guitars, looking at their shoes” when she entered the business.
The singer added: “I’ve always been an optimistic, happy and driven person, and I was very secure about myself in my music.
“But I was a boffin. And I was insecure about how I looked."
Knight remembers putting on weight in her mid 20s, which she says made her feel “sluggish” and “terrible” about her appearance.
“I felt I had all the things that were needed – strong music and vocals – except what a star was meant to look like,” she added.
However, the musician explained that she feels secure now that she has reached her late 40s.
“If people try to tell you what you should be doing, at this age, you can slap them down very quickly,” she said. “There’s a respect that’s naturally afforded to you.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments