"I Know " is an R&B song written and recorded by American R&B singer Barbara George, released as her debut single in 1961. It became her signature song and her only major hit in United States, reaching number-one on the BillboardR&B singles chart and #3 in the Hot 100. The song was later covered by various artists, inducing Fats Domino, Cher, Ike & Tina Turner, and Bonnie Raitt. A Spanish version by Marisela topped Billboard's Latin chart in 1988. The Shirelles borrowed the melody of "I Know" for their 1963 cover of "Everybody Loves A Lover".
Background
began singing as a teen in her Baptist church choir and writing her own original songs. Already married by age 16, she later befriended R&B performer Jessie Hill, who wrangled her an audition with saxophonist/arranger Harold Battiste's fledgling AFO label. In June 1961, Battiste organized a split recording session for George and fellow AFO artist Prince La La at producer Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studios. Backed by New Orleans studio performers including cornetist Melvin Lastie, guitarist Roy Montrell, and drummer John Boudreaux, George cut the self-penned "I Know ", a vibrant, up-tempo number inspired by the traditional hymn "Just a Closer Walk with Thee". Issued via AFO's national distribution deal with Juggy Murray's Sue Records, "I Know" hit radio and retail in late 1961 and was a national 'crossover' hit, topping the U.S. R&B charts and crossing over to #3 on Billboard's pop chart.
Marisela version
In 1988, American singer Marisela recorded a cover version of the song for the soundtrack of the film Salsa. The original version recorded by Marisela was sung in English language and included on the film soundtrack, along with songs by Laura Branigan, Tito Puente, Robi Rosa, Wilkins and Grupo Niche. A Spanish language version of the track, produced by Enrique Elizondo, was later included in Marisela's album of the same title, under the title "Ya No". This version became her first number-one single in the BillboardHot Latin Tracks chart, temporarily dislodging Franco's "María" for one week from the top of the chart.
Other versions
1962: Bobby Rydell released a version on his album All the Hits
