Robert Knight
Robert Knight was an American soul singer renowned for his 1967 hit "Everlasting Love." Born Robert Henry Peebles in Franklin, Tennessee (sources vary between April 21, 1940, or April 24, 1945), he passed away on November 5, 2017, in Nashville at age 72 or 77.
Knight began performing with the Paramounts, a school quintet he formed in 1959, signing to Dot Records in 1960. Their 1961 single "Free Me" became a US R&B hit, outperforming Johnny Preston's version, but follow-ups flopped, leading to the group's breakup and a contract dispute that sidelined him for years.
While studying chemistry at Tennessee State University and singing with the Fairlanes trio, Knight was signed solo to Rising Sons Records in 1967 by Buzz Cason and Mac Gayden. "Everlasting Love" reached #13 on the US Pop chart and #14 R&B, launching his career despite later UK covers overshadowing it.
Knight scored minor US hits with "Blessed Are the Lonely" (#97 Pop, 1968) and "Isn't It Lonely Together" (#97 Pop, 1968). In the UK, "Love on a Mountain Top" hit #10 in 1974, with a reissued "Everlasting Love" at #19; he toured there successfully.
His studio albums included Everlasting Love (1967, #196 US Pop) and Love on a Mountain Top (1971, UK only).
Love On A Mountain Top
Written-By – Cason, Gayden 2:54
A2 Somewhere My Love
(Lara's Theme From "Dr Zhivago")
Written-By – Jarre, Webster 2:17
A3 Sandy
Written-By – Cason, Wilkin 3:28
A4 The Moment Of Truth
Written-By – Cason 2:52
A5 The Letter
Written-By – Wayne Carson 2:02
A6 Love On A Mountain Top
Written-By – Cason, Gayden 2:25
B1 My Rainbow Valley
Written-By – Cason, Gayden 3:30
B2 Never My Love
Written-By – Dick Addrisi, Don Addrisi 3:23
B3 Rachel The Stranger
Written-By – Cason, Gayden 2:29
B4 I Can't Get Over How You Got Over Me
Written-By – Paxton 2:29
B5 The Dance Of Love
Written-By – M. Whitson 2:15
B6 Branded !
Written-By – Cason, Gayden 2:55
Label: Monument – MNT 65956
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Northern Soul, Ballad
Robert Knight's Love on a Mountain Top album (often bundled with Everlasting Love) showcases his smooth, soulful vocals, blending pop and soul with tracks like the rediscovered Northern Soul classic "Love on a Mountain Top" and the hit "Everlasting Love," offering a charming, nostalgic listen, especially for fans of vintage soul and Northern Soul, though some early critical reviews noted it as pleasant but predictable.
The title track, "Love on a Mountain Top," became a major UK hit in the 70s after being embraced by Northern Soul DJs, long after its 1968 original release, highlighting its enduring appeal.
The album features Knight's signature strong vocals and sweet arrangements, reminiscent of The Miracles' "Tracks of My Tears," notes Goldmine Magazine.
There are different album configurations, with some reissues adding tracks like "The Moment Of Truth," making them comprehensive collections, say Discogs and Discogs.
While adored by fans, some contemporary reviews called tracks "predictable but nonetheless charming," with a Smash Hits writer finding it similar to another disco track, Wikipedia.
Why You'd Like It: You're a fan of classic 60s/70s soul, pop, and Northern Soul. You appreciate strong, clear vocals over catchy melodies. You're looking for a feel-good, nostalgic album for relaxed listening.
In essence, it's a beloved collection of sweet, melodic soul tunes, anchored by iconic tracks that define Robert Knight's legacy, says Rate Your Music and Goldmine Magazine.