Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman, often referred to as the “Empress of Soul.” Knight is best known for her hits in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, both as a solo artist and with her group, Gladys Knight & the Pips.

Knight began singing gospel music at an early age in her church choir and won her first talent contest on the TV show “Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour” at the age of seven. In 1952, she formed The Pips with her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight, sister Brenda Knight, and cousins William and Eleanor Guest. Brenda and Eleanor eventually left the group, and they were replaced by cousins Edward Patten and Langston George.

Gladys Knight & the Pips first achieved minor success in the early 1960s with singles like “Every Beat of My Heart” and “Letter Full of Tears.” However, their major breakthrough came after signing with Motown Records in 1966, where they released hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” and “If I Were Your Woman.”

In 1973, the group moved to Buddah Records, where they achieved even greater success with songs like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” and “Love Overboard.” The group’s music was characterized by Knight’s rich, soulful voice and the harmonious backing vocals of the Pips.

Apart from her success with The Pips, Knight also had a successful solo career, with hits like “Licence to Kill,” the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name, and duets with other artists.

In addition to her music career, Knight has acted in several TV shows and movies and has been involved in various business ventures. She has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including several Grammy Awards.

Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, and Knight herself was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. Her impact on soul, R&B, and popular music has been significant, and she remains a respected and influential figure in the music industry.