Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles is an American singer, songwriter and model. Expressing an interest in music from an early age, Knowles had several temporary stints in Destiny's Child, before signing with her father's Music World Entertainment label. At age 16, Knowles released her first studio album Solo Star in 2001 to moderate commercial and critical success.

In 2004, Knowles married Daniel Smith, eventually giving birth to their son Daniel Julez J. Smith Jr., which prompted a move to Idaho. Between 2005 and 2007, Knowles had several minor acting roles, including the direct-to-video Bring It On: All or Nothing and continued writing music for Beyoncé and ex-Destiny Child band members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

In 2007, Knowles divorced Smith and moved to Los Angeles, California, begining to write and record music again. Her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams deviated from the pop-oriented music of her debut to the Motown Sound of the 1960s and 70s. It peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics. She followed this up with the 1980s pop/R&B-inspired extended play "True" and released her third album, Saint Heron in 2014, on her own label Saint Records, and most recently, A Seat at the Table in 2016. A Seat at the Table*'s single, "Cranes in the Sky," won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance.

Knowles is heavily influenced by Motown girl groups and says that her first passion is songwriting. She has been recognized as a fashion icon and known for a heavily cultural image that features mixed prints and retro styles. She has received frequent comparisons to sister Beyoncé from the media, although she insists they have different aspirations and are musically different. Her other ventures include an endorsement deal with Rimmel London and a line of hip-hop-oriented merchandise for young children, which was inspired by her son.