Marie Knight was an American gospel and R&B singer with a career spanning from the 1940s to the 2000s. Known for her powerful, contralto voice, she is best remembered for her successful collaboration with Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a partnership that produced hits like "Up Above My Head" and "Didn't It Rain." Knight's musical style was characterized by her ability to blend spiritual lyrics with blues-infused rhythms, setting a significant precedent for the emerging genre of soul music. Despite her departure from gospel music in the 1950s, her influence is still recognized in both gospel and R&B genres.