Washington DC native Amy Paulette “Amii” Stewart rose to fame as a versatile singer, songwriter, and actress known for her contributions to disco and soul music. Stewart’s career catapulted with her 1979 breakthrough hit, a disco cover of Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood,” which topped charts worldwide and solidified her as a prominent figure in the genre.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Stewart continued to release music across various genres, including soul, pop, and dance. Her second album, Paradise Bird, released in 1979, further demonstrated her versatility with its blend of disco and soul influences. The album included singles like “Jealousy” and “The Letter,” which showcased Stewart’s ability to deliver emotionally resonant performances.
While Stewart’s star in America faded after her initial hits, she remained a force in the entertainment world in Europe. Stewart moved to Italy in the 80s, and continued to record new music and perform onstage well into the 2000s, including a period portraying Mary Magdeline in the stageplay Jesus Christ Superstar. She also became a strong advocate and “goodwill ambassador” for the charity group UNICEF in Italy.