Barbara George 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/arrangerHarold 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 (You Don't Love Me No More)", 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 No.3 on Billboard's pop chart.[2][3]