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Soul Survivor In Her New Memoir, Gladys Knight Looks Back At Nearly Five Decades In Show Business. Pips And All. By All Indications, The Singer's Story Is Far From Over.
By Annette John-Hall, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: October 05, 1997
A singer's speaking voice doesn't have to jibe with her stage voice. Still, the soft, lilting sound coming through the closed bedroom door of the Four Seasons couldn't possibly be Gladys Knight.
We all know Knight's voice. A rich, heart-and-gut contralto, it's as much her trademark as Mick Jagger's lips are his or Tina Turner's gams are hers. For 37 years, until she went solo in 1989, her gospel-hued vocals provided the lead for Gladys Knight and the Pips, the rhythm-and-blues group as legendary for its longevity as for its hits.
Knight's voice got baby boomers through their adolescent joys and heartaches. They felt for her when she plaintively acknowledged, ``There can be no way this can have a happy ending,'' on her 1973 classic, ``Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).'' And when she passionately declared ``I got to go, I got to go, I got to go'' on the 1974 chart-buster ``Midnight Train to Georgia,'' who didn't urge Gladys to go, girl! Go be with your man for all of us!
The lilt, it turns out, doesn't belong to Knight at all, but to her daughter, Kenya Jackson, 33. A more delicate version of her mother, Jackson is accompanying Knight on a 13-city tour to promote the singer's new memoir, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story (Hyperion). Mother and daughter are also promoting Kenya's Gourmet Bakery, the restaurant they recently opened near their Las Vegas homes.
Graciously, Knight emerges wearing a full smile, a musky fragrance, and the sharpest pair of black leather shoes this side of King of Prussia.
``How are you?'' she asks in that unmistakably husky voice, plopping down on the couch like a friend with a lot of catching up to do.
Two questions immediately come to mind. First, how on earth does she manage to look so vibrant at 53? And second, just how big is that ice- cube-shaped diamond she's flashing on her well-manicured hand?
Les Brown gave her the ring when they got engaged, but now that Knight is divorcing the nationally known motivational speaker after two years of marriage, she's switched it from her left hand to her right.
The last chapter of her book was supposed to be, as she writes, a happy ending. Instead, as she gathered her final thoughts, process servers knocked on her door and handed her divorce papers filed by Brown.
``I don't think I'd even read all the way through those papers before he was issuing a press release announcing our divorce to the media,'' she writes.
What happened?
Just to clarify, Knight states, she did not leave Brown because he contracted prostate cancer, which is how he made it appear. Not that she's well-informed about his case: Brown cut all communication with Knight after serving her with the papers.
``When he changed doctors,'' she says, ``I wasn't even let in on that.'' (Brown reportedly is on the mend; he's scheduled to speak in Philadelphia next month.)
What brought the marriage down, she says, is the stuff that tries so many relationships: the strain of juggling two careers; of trying to maintain what was often a long-distance relationship; of dealing, she says, with Brown's craving for female attention not her own.
``It's not so much that I had a problem with his ex-girlfriends, because I have a lot of men friends, too,'' Knight says matter-of-factly. ``My thing was decorum. Whatever you do, there's a way to do it. If you're telling the world that I'm your joy and I'm your No. 1, well, there has to be a commitment behind it.''
Though Knight didn't appreciate the way Brown handled their breakup, she harbors no ill will toward him, ``and it's not because I want blue ribbons for compassion,'' she says. ``There's a reason why Les Brown came into my life, and only the Heavenly Father knows why. It will be revealed to me soon enough. . . . I know that I am a better public speaker because of him.
``And even though I'm going through a divorce right now,'' the diva says with a chuckle, ``I'm totally somewhere else. I'm happier than I've ever been.''
On the verge of celebrating 50 years in show business, Knight is starting anew, and the biggest renewal has been spiritual. Following her son and daughter, she was recently baptized into the Mormon faith.
``I know, I know,'' she says, anticipating the question before it's asked. ``There are a lot of misconceptions about the Latter-day Saints, especially about their past exclusionary practices toward African Americans. . . .
``Of course I asked. I said, `Wassup with y'all and black people?' The answer was that it's the perfect church run by imperfect people. That was the answer I wanted to hear.''
Faith in God, she insists, is the only way she's survived three failed marriages, a teenage pregnancy, a gambling addiction, and a life spent on the road.
In fact, it was the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in her native Atlanta that gave Gladys Maria Knight her first stage when she was 4 years old. Even back then, everyone knew she possessed a gift, a voice so special and mature that it prompted a stranger to ask Knight's mother if Gladys was a midget.
``My mom told me I was an old soul, so I gathered I had an old voice in there,'' she writes.
At 8, Knight was a winner on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour on national television and formed a group with older brother Merald (Bubba) and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten. They called themselves the Pips, after James Woods, their former manager, whose nickname was Pip.
By 12, Gladys Knight and the Pips were traveling the Chitlin' Circuit - the Apollo in New York, the Regal in Chicago and, yes, the Uptown in Philly - and opening for soul stars such as Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.
Knight's memoir is full of catty showbiz tidbits, such as how Aretha Franklin - whom Gladys had known since childhood - brushed right past her without saying hello during an awards show. ``Nothing. Not a glance. Not a word,'' Knight writes. ``She could sing it and spell it, but she was't interested in giving any respect to me.''
Knight also reveals that Diana Ross was so haughty that Motown artists referred to her as ``Miss Cute.'' And she sets the record straight on the Dionne Warwick-Patti LaBelle riff that occurred while the trio taped the Sisters in the Name of Love special in 1989.
LaBelle wrote in her 1996 memoir that Warwick dissed her by complaining she sang too loud. Knight says it wasn't a putdown, just a request. ``In [Dionne's] view,'' Knight writes, ``Patti was singing as a soloist even when the three of us were supposed to be harmonizing. . . . Dionne asked Patti in a very pleasant but firm manner to stay on her note. She didn't jump all over her as Patti has put it since then.''
By the time Gladys Knight and the Pips signed with Motown in the mid-'60s, they were a polished act made up of a powerful lead vocalist and three background singers with moves so silky smooth they sent the Temptations scurrying back to the choreographer's studio.
Still, Knight writes, her time with Motown was frustrating. Though the label wrote a string of hits for them, starting with ``Heard It Through the Grapevine'' in 1967 and continuing with ``If I Were Your Woman'' in 1971 and ``Neither One of Us'' in 1973, Berry Gordy considered the Pips and other groups, including the Marvelettes and Martha and the Vandellas, in Motown's second tier of artists. They all watched as the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and the Supremes broke from the pack.
After seven years with Motown, Gladys and the guys signed with Buddah, a new label that promised them the promotional support and attention they thought they deserved. Buddah, she writes, even gave them cars: ``Bubba and I picked out Mercedes. William and Edward drove home Cadillacs.''
Buddah's biggest gift, though, came in the form of a tune about a woman deliberating over whether to follow her man to a ``simpler place in time.'' ``Midnight Train to Georgia'' - whose original lyrics used a plane as the mode of transportation and Houston as the destination, but were changed to reflect Knight's fear of flying and her love for her home state - shot to the top of the R&B charts. In 1974, Gladys Knight and the Pips took home Grammys in both the pop and R&B categories.
But while her professional life blossomed, her personal life was unraveling. Already Knight had endured two failed marriages. She married her first husband, jazz musician Jimmy Newman, at 16 and immediately had a baby, Jimmy Jr., now 37. Neither Newman, who died a drug addict at 35, nor Knight's second husband, Barry Hankerson, could handle Knight's superstardom.
Neither could some other members of her family. Her son by Hankerson, Shanga, now 21, developed a severe eating disorder and weighed 320 pounds by age 11. And Knight - grappling with conflicting desires to perform and stay home with her kids, wounded from a grueling custody battle for Shanga, and confronted with a $1 million IRS bill - sought solace at the baccarat tables of Las Vegas.
She realized her hobby had become an addiction when she won $45,000, only to lose all of it the same night. Gamblers Anonymous helped her regain control.
Today Gladys Knight is healthy and busy. Her immediate projects include a gospel album with gospel-crossover star Kirk Franklin. And she is, as always, surrounded by family. Son Jimmy works as her manager. Brother Bubba manages her on the road, which extends around the world. Shanga, tall, handsome and fit, works at his mother's new chicken-and-waffles restaurant in Atlanta. And 80-year-old Gram - Knight's mother, Sarah, the woman who stayed home to raise her daughter's children - rises every morning to open her daughter's office in Las Vegas.
The only missing piece is a man. But if he doesn't come along, says Knight, it won't be because of her.
``I'm a good cook. I'm a good homemaker. I know how to take care of a man. And the right man won't have a problem taking care of me.''
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Martha Raye's Husband Reveals Intimate Details
January 26, 1994
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October 31, 2013
Witty, tender, definitely cute
February 14, 2008
Live music and more
June 25, 2010
Find More Stories About
Divorce Papers
Soul Survivor In Her New Memoir, Gladys Knight Looks Back At Nearly Five Decades In Show Business. Pips And All. By All Indications, The Singer's Story Is Far From Over.
By Annette John-Hall, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: October 05, 1997
A singer's speaking voice doesn't have to jibe with her stage voice. Still, the soft, lilting sound coming through the closed bedroom door of the Four Seasons couldn't possibly be Gladys Knight.
We all know Knight's voice. A rich, heart-and-gut contralto, it's as much her trademark as Mick Jagger's lips are his or Tina Turner's gams are hers. For 37 years, until she went solo in 1989, her gospel-hued vocals provided the lead for Gladys Knight and the Pips, the rhythm-and-blues group as legendary for its longevity as for its hits.
Knight's voice got baby boomers through their adolescent joys and heartaches. They felt for her when she plaintively acknowledged, ``There can be no way this can have a happy ending,'' on her 1973 classic, ``Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).'' And when she passionately declared ``I got to go, I got to go, I got to go'' on the 1974 chart-buster ``Midnight Train to Georgia,'' who didn't urge Gladys to go, girl! Go be with your man for all of us!
The lilt, it turns out, doesn't belong to Knight at all, but to her daughter, Kenya Jackson, 33. A more delicate version of her mother, Jackson is accompanying Knight on a 13-city tour to promote the singer's new memoir, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story (Hyperion). Mother and daughter are also promoting Kenya's Gourmet Bakery, the restaurant they recently opened near their Las Vegas homes.
Graciously, Knight emerges wearing a full smile, a musky fragrance, and the sharpest pair of black leather shoes this side of King of Prussia.
``How are you?'' she asks in that unmistakably husky voice, plopping down on the couch like a friend with a lot of catching up to do.
Two questions immediately come to mind. First, how on earth does she manage to look so vibrant at 53? And second, just how big is that ice- cube-shaped diamond she's flashing on her well-manicured hand?
Les Brown gave her the ring when they got engaged, but now that Knight is divorcing the nationally known motivational speaker after two years of marriage, she's switched it from her left hand to her right.
The last chapter of her book was supposed to be, as she writes, a happy ending. Instead, as she gathered her final thoughts, process servers knocked on her door and handed her divorce papers filed by Brown.
``I don't think I'd even read all the way through those papers before he was issuing a press release announcing our divorce to the media,'' she writes.
What happened?
Just to clarify, Knight states, she did not leave Brown because he contracted prostate cancer, which is how he made it appear. Not that she's well-informed about his case: Brown cut all communication with Knight after serving her with the papers.
``When he changed doctors,'' she says, ``I wasn't even let in on that.'' (Brown reportedly is on the mend; he's scheduled to speak in Philadelphia next month.)
What brought the marriage down, she says, is the stuff that tries so many relationships: the strain of juggling two careers; of trying to maintain what was often a long-distance relationship; of dealing, she says, with Brown's craving for female attention not her own.
``It's not so much that I had a problem with his ex-girlfriends, because I have a lot of men friends, too,'' Knight says matter-of-factly. ``My thing was decorum. Whatever you do, there's a way to do it. If you're telling the world that I'm your joy and I'm your No. 1, well, there has to be a commitment behind it.''
Though Knight didn't appreciate the way Brown handled their breakup, she harbors no ill will toward him, ``and it's not because I want blue ribbons for compassion,'' she says. ``There's a reason why Les Brown came into my life, and only the Heavenly Father knows why. It will be revealed to me soon enough. . . . I know that I am a better public speaker because of him.
``And even though I'm going through a divorce right now,'' the diva says with a chuckle, ``I'm totally somewhere else. I'm happier than I've ever been.''
On the verge of celebrating 50 years in show business, Knight is starting anew, and the biggest renewal has been spiritual. Following her son and daughter, she was recently baptized into the Mormon faith.
``I know, I know,'' she says, anticipating the question before it's asked. ``There are a lot of misconceptions about the Latter-day Saints, especially about their past exclusionary practices toward African Americans. . . .
``Of course I asked. I said, `Wassup with y'all and black people?' The answer was that it's the perfect church run by imperfect people. That was the answer I wanted to hear.''
Faith in God, she insists, is the only way she's survived three failed marriages, a teenage pregnancy, a gambling addiction, and a life spent on the road.
In fact, it was the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in her native Atlanta that gave Gladys Maria Knight her first stage when she was 4 years old. Even back then, everyone knew she possessed a gift, a voice so special and mature that it prompted a stranger to ask Knight's mother if Gladys was a midget.
``My mom told me I was an old soul, so I gathered I had an old voice in there,'' she writes.
At 8, Knight was a winner on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour on national television and formed a group with older brother Merald (Bubba) and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten. They called themselves the Pips, after James Woods, their former manager, whose nickname was Pip.
By 12, Gladys Knight and the Pips were traveling the Chitlin' Circuit - the Apollo in New York, the Regal in Chicago and, yes, the Uptown in Philly - and opening for soul stars such as Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.
Knight's memoir is full of catty showbiz tidbits, such as how Aretha Franklin - whom Gladys had known since childhood - brushed right past her without saying hello during an awards show. ``Nothing. Not a glance. Not a word,'' Knight writes. ``She could sing it and spell it, but she was't interested in giving any respect to me.''
Knight also reveals that Diana Ross was so haughty that Motown artists referred to her as ``Miss Cute.'' And she sets the record straight on the Dionne Warwick-Patti LaBelle riff that occurred while the trio taped the Sisters in the Name of Love special in 1989.
LaBelle wrote in her 1996 memoir that Warwick dissed her by complaining she sang too loud. Knight says it wasn't a putdown, just a request. ``In [Dionne's] view,'' Knight writes, ``Patti was singing as a soloist even when the three of us were supposed to be harmonizing. . . . Dionne asked Patti in a very pleasant but firm manner to stay on her note. She didn't jump all over her as Patti has put it since then.''
By the time Gladys Knight and the Pips signed with Motown in the mid-'60s, they were a polished act made up of a powerful lead vocalist and three background singers with moves so silky smooth they sent the Temptations scurrying back to the choreographer's studio.
Still, Knight writes, her time with Motown was frustrating. Though the label wrote a string of hits for them, starting with ``Heard It Through the Grapevine'' in 1967 and continuing with ``If I Were Your Woman'' in 1971 and ``Neither One of Us'' in 1973, Berry Gordy considered the Pips and other groups, including the Marvelettes and Martha and the Vandellas, in Motown's second tier of artists. They all watched as the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and the Supremes broke from the pack.
After seven years with Motown, Gladys and the guys signed with Buddah, a new label that promised them the promotional support and attention they thought they deserved. Buddah, she writes, even gave them cars: ``Bubba and I picked out Mercedes. William and Edward drove home Cadillacs.''
Buddah's biggest gift, though, came in the form of a tune about a woman deliberating over whether to follow her man to a ``simpler place in time.'' ``Midnight Train to Georgia'' - whose original lyrics used a plane as the mode of transportation and Houston as the destination, but were changed to reflect Knight's fear of flying and her love for her home state - shot to the top of the R&B charts. In 1974, Gladys Knight and the Pips took home Grammys in both the pop and R&B categories.
But while her professional life blossomed, her personal life was unraveling. Already Knight had endured two failed marriages. She married her first husband, jazz musician Jimmy Newman, at 16 and immediately had a baby, Jimmy Jr., now 37. Neither Newman, who died a drug addict at 35, nor Knight's second husband, Barry Hankerson, could handle Knight's superstardom.
Neither could some other members of her family. Her son by Hankerson, Shanga, now 21, developed a severe eating disorder and weighed 320 pounds by age 11. And Knight - grappling with conflicting desires to perform and stay home with her kids, wounded from a grueling custody battle for Shanga, and confronted with a $1 million IRS bill - sought solace at the baccarat tables of Las Vegas.
She realized her hobby had become an addiction when she won $45,000, only to lose all of it the same night. Gamblers Anonymous helped her regain control.
Today Gladys Knight is healthy and busy. Her immediate projects include a gospel album with gospel-crossover star Kirk Franklin. And she is, as always, surrounded by family. Son Jimmy works as her manager. Brother Bubba manages her on the road, which extends around the world. Shanga, tall, handsome and fit, works at his mother's new chicken-and-waffles restaurant in Atlanta. And 80-year-old Gram - Knight's mother, Sarah, the woman who stayed home to raise her daughter's children - rises every morning to open her daughter's office in Las Vegas.
The only missing piece is a man. But if he doesn't come along, says Knight, it won't be because of her.
``I'm a good cook. I'm a good homemaker. I know how to take care of a man. And the right man won't have a problem taking care of me.''
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George Mattson, 88, Olympian, Crew Coach
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Gladys Knight (b. 1944)
Original entry by
Hal Jacobs, Decatur, 03/11/2005
Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/22/2013
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As one of Motown's leading ladies of soul in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gladys Knight was the driving force behind Gladys Knight and the Pips, an all-family music group from Atlanta. The group attracted a worldwide audience and won numerous awards during its forty-year career, scoring
Gladys Knight and the Pips perform onstage in 1974. The family quartet formed in 1952 and toured the "Chitlin' Circuit" throughout the 1950s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s the group recorded its biggest hits, including "I Heard It through the Grapevine" (1967) and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973).
Gladys Knight and the Pips
its only number-one pop hit in 1973 with the soul classic "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Knight was born on May 28, 1944, into a family that was part of Atlanta's growing black middle class. She began her musical career at the age of four with a church recital, then toured and sang in southern churches with the Morris Brown College choir, an Atlanta gospel group, from 1950 to 1953. As a seven-year-old prodigy, she achieved national recognition by winning top honors on Ted Mack's The Original Amateur Hour, a popular television talent show in which winners were selected by mail-in votes.
In 1952 the family music group was born during a child's birthday celebration at the Knight home. Joining an impromptu performance with Knight were her older brother, Merald "Bubba"; her sister, Brenda; and two cousins, Elenor and William Guest. From these humble beginnings, the Pips emerged—the name was taken from the nickname of a cousin ("Pip") who encouraged the youngsters to become professionals. After the departure of Brenda and Elenor, cousin Edward Patten filled out the family quartet during the group's heyday.
By 1957 Gladys Knight and the Pips were touring nationally on the "Chitlin' Circuit," playing exclusively to black audiences in clubs and theaters throughout the segregated South. During these tours they performed as the opening act for some of the biggest names in rhythm and blues—Sam Cooke, Ike and Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, and B. B. King. In 1961 the group scored their first rhythm-and-blues (R&B) top twenty hit with "Every Beat of My Heart."
After devoting a couple of years to her husband, fellow musician Jimmy Newman, and their new baby, Knight returned to the music business in 1964. In 1966 the group brought its gospel-tinged sound to the Motown label in Detroit, Michigan, where they found a home for the next seven years with such fellow performers as the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and the Temptations.
Gladys Knight and the Pips reached the height of their popularity (first at Motown, then at Buddah Records) with such hits as "I Heard It through the Grapevine" (#1 on the R&B chart, #2 on the pop chart in 1967), "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" (#1 R&B, #2 pop in 1973), "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (#1 R&B, #3 pop in 1974), "I've Got to Use My Imagination" (#1 R&B, #4 pop in 1974), and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (#1 R&B, #1 pop in 1973)."Midnight Train to Georgia" was originally entitled "Midnight Plane to Houston" until Knight revised the lyrics to reference her home state.
Legal problems kept the group from performing together in the late 1970s, and when they reemerged in the early 1980s, they toured the exclusive casino and supper-club circuit with a different sound—easy listening and adult contemporary.
Gladys Knight strikes the pose used on the cover of her 2001 solo album At Last. Knight began her solo career in the late 1980s after reuniting briefly with her family band, the Pips, earlier in the decade.
Gladys Knight
At the same time, Knight made several film and television appearances before beginning a new career as a solo singer in the late 1980s. The group was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
In her 1997 autobiography, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory, Knight describes candidly the ups and downs in her professional and private life, which include several marriages and an addiction to gambling. Despite her struggles, she concludes, "Bring on the pain. Bring on the glory. I will be in this fight to share my gifts, to enjoy my blessings, and to be loved."
As of 2009 Knight lives in Nevada. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she directs the Saints Unified Voices Choir, which received a Grammy Award in 2006 for the album One Voice.
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Gladys Knight and the Pips perform onstage in 1974. The family quartet formed in 1952 and toured the "Chitlin' Circuit" throughout the 1950s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s the group recorded its biggest hits, including "I Heard It through the Grapevine" (1967) and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973).
Gladys Knight strikes the pose used on the cover of her 2001 solo album At Last. Knight began her solo career in the late 1980s after reuniting briefly with her family band, the Pips, earlier in the decade.
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Further Reading
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music , 3d ed., comp. and ed. Colin Larkin (London: Muze, 1998), s.v. "Gladys Knight and the Pips."
Gladys Knight, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story (New York: Hyperion, 1997).
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Music
Gladys Knight (b. 1944)
Original entry by
Hal Jacobs, Decatur, 03/11/2005
Last edited by NGE Staff on 03/22/2013
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As one of Motown's leading ladies of soul in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gladys Knight was the driving force behind Gladys Knight and the Pips, an all-family music group from Atlanta. The group attracted a worldwide audience and won numerous awards during its forty-year career, scoring
Gladys Knight and the Pips perform onstage in 1974. The family quartet formed in 1952 and toured the "Chitlin' Circuit" throughout the 1950s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s the group recorded its biggest hits, including "I Heard It through the Grapevine" (1967) and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973).
Gladys Knight and the Pips
its only number-one pop hit in 1973 with the soul classic "Midnight Train to Georgia."
Knight was born on May 28, 1944, into a family that was part of Atlanta's growing black middle class. She began her musical career at the age of four with a church recital, then toured and sang in southern churches with the Morris Brown College choir, an Atlanta gospel group, from 1950 to 1953. As a seven-year-old prodigy, she achieved national recognition by winning top honors on Ted Mack's The Original Amateur Hour, a popular television talent show in which winners were selected by mail-in votes.
In 1952 the family music group was born during a child's birthday celebration at the Knight home. Joining an impromptu performance with Knight were her older brother, Merald "Bubba"; her sister, Brenda; and two cousins, Elenor and William Guest. From these humble beginnings, the Pips emerged—the name was taken from the nickname of a cousin ("Pip") who encouraged the youngsters to become professionals. After the departure of Brenda and Elenor, cousin Edward Patten filled out the family quartet during the group's heyday.
By 1957 Gladys Knight and the Pips were touring nationally on the "Chitlin' Circuit," playing exclusively to black audiences in clubs and theaters throughout the segregated South. During these tours they performed as the opening act for some of the biggest names in rhythm and blues—Sam Cooke, Ike and Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, and B. B. King. In 1961 the group scored their first rhythm-and-blues (R&B) top twenty hit with "Every Beat of My Heart."
After devoting a couple of years to her husband, fellow musician Jimmy Newman, and their new baby, Knight returned to the music business in 1964. In 1966 the group brought its gospel-tinged sound to the Motown label in Detroit, Michigan, where they found a home for the next seven years with such fellow performers as the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and the Temptations.
Gladys Knight and the Pips reached the height of their popularity (first at Motown, then at Buddah Records) with such hits as "I Heard It through the Grapevine" (#1 on the R&B chart, #2 on the pop chart in 1967), "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" (#1 R&B, #2 pop in 1973), "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (#1 R&B, #3 pop in 1974), "I've Got to Use My Imagination" (#1 R&B, #4 pop in 1974), and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (#1 R&B, #1 pop in 1973)."Midnight Train to Georgia" was originally entitled "Midnight Plane to Houston" until Knight revised the lyrics to reference her home state.
Legal problems kept the group from performing together in the late 1970s, and when they reemerged in the early 1980s, they toured the exclusive casino and supper-club circuit with a different sound—easy listening and adult contemporary.
Gladys Knight strikes the pose used on the cover of her 2001 solo album At Last. Knight began her solo career in the late 1980s after reuniting briefly with her family band, the Pips, earlier in the decade.
Gladys Knight
At the same time, Knight made several film and television appearances before beginning a new career as a solo singer in the late 1980s. The group was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
In her 1997 autobiography, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory, Knight describes candidly the ups and downs in her professional and private life, which include several marriages and an addiction to gambling. Despite her struggles, she concludes, "Bring on the pain. Bring on the glory. I will be in this fight to share my gifts, to enjoy my blessings, and to be loved."
As of 2009 Knight lives in Nevada. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she directs the Saints Unified Voices Choir, which received a Grammy Award in 2006 for the album One Voice.
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close
Gladys Knight and the Pips perform onstage in 1974. The family quartet formed in 1952 and toured the "Chitlin' Circuit" throughout the 1950s. In the late 1960s and early 1970s the group recorded its biggest hits, including "I Heard It through the Grapevine" (1967) and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973).
Gladys Knight strikes the pose used on the cover of her 2001 solo album At Last. Knight began her solo career in the late 1980s after reuniting briefly with her family band, the Pips, earlier in the decade.
close
Further Reading
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music , 3d ed., comp. and ed. Colin Larkin (London: Muze, 1998), s.v. "Gladys Knight and the Pips."
Gladys Knight, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story (New York: Hyperion, 1997).
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Site developed by CSE.
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Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.comGladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Bio
The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY Award®-winner has earned number one hits in Pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance.
In addition to dozens of live performances throughout the year, Knight currently stars in the syndicated sitcom “The First Family,” on BET/CENTRIC, where she plays the mother of the President. This fall, Knight will lend her musical expertise again for the second season of CENTRIC’s original series “Apollo Live.” Joining judges Doug E. Fresh and Michael Bivins, the legendary songstress will give guidance to hopeful contestants each week. She is also currently developing several other television projects.
Other recent television and film credits include the Tyler Perry film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” a cameo on the Emmy Award-winning NBC hit comedy “30 Rock,” the holiday-themed “Holidaze,” her first animated project to which she also contributed a track, among others. Knight also appeared as a guest judge on FOX’s smash hit “American Idol,” and performed in the show’s always star-studded finale.
Georgia-born, Knight began performing gospel music at age four in the Mount Mariah Baptist Church and sang as a guest soloist with the Morris Brown College Choir. Three years later, she won the grand prize on television’s “Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour,” and the following year, she, along with her brother Bubba, her sister Brenda and her cousins William and Elenor Guest, formed The Pips. In 1959, Brenda and Elenor left the group and were replaced by Cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George. The group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips, and following George’s departure in 1962, the classic line-up was in place.
A humanitarian and philanthropist, Knight is devoted to various worthy causes, including the American Diabetes Association, for which she is a national spokesperson, the American Cancer Society, the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Minority AIDS Project amFAR and Crisis Intervention. She has been honored by numerous organizations as well, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and B’Nai Brith, among others.
Today, Knight helps oversee her busy personal entertainment corporation. She is a mother, great-grandmother, performer and a businesswoman with a spiritual outlook on life. Faith in God has been the driving force behind all of Knight’s endeavors, guiding her through her many successes.
Tour Dates
Date
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Tickets
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October 5 Beverly Hills, CA No Sale
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October 25 Laughlin, Nv No Sale
November 22 Hollywood, Fl No Sale
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Copyright © 2013 · All Rights Reserved · Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
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Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.comGladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Bio
The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY Award®-winner has earned number one hits in Pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance.
In addition to dozens of live performances throughout the year, Knight currently stars in the syndicated sitcom “The First Family,” on BET/CENTRIC, where she plays the mother of the President. This fall, Knight will lend her musical expertise again for the second season of CENTRIC’s original series “Apollo Live.” Joining judges Doug E. Fresh and Michael Bivins, the legendary songstress will give guidance to hopeful contestants each week. She is also currently developing several other television projects.
Other recent television and film credits include the Tyler Perry film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” a cameo on the Emmy Award-winning NBC hit comedy “30 Rock,” the holiday-themed “Holidaze,” her first animated project to which she also contributed a track, among others. Knight also appeared as a guest judge on FOX’s smash hit “American Idol,” and performed in the show’s always star-studded finale.
Georgia-born, Knight began performing gospel music at age four in the Mount Mariah Baptist Church and sang as a guest soloist with the Morris Brown College Choir. Three years later, she won the grand prize on television’s “Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour,” and the following year, she, along with her brother Bubba, her sister Brenda and her cousins William and Elenor Guest, formed The Pips. In 1959, Brenda and Elenor left the group and were replaced by Cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George. The group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips, and following George’s departure in 1962, the classic line-up was in place.
A humanitarian and philanthropist, Knight is devoted to various worthy causes, including the American Diabetes Association, for which she is a national spokesperson, the American Cancer Society, the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Minority AIDS Project amFAR and Crisis Intervention. She has been honored by numerous organizations as well, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and B’Nai Brith, among others.
Today, Knight helps oversee her busy personal entertainment corporation. She is a mother, great-grandmother, performer and a businesswoman with a spiritual outlook on life. Faith in God has been the driving force behind all of Knight’s endeavors, guiding her through her many successes.
Tour Dates
Date
City
Tickets
October 4 Fantasy CasinoIndio, Ca No Sale
October 5 Beverly Hills, CA No Sale
October 9 & 11 Soul Train Cruise No Sale
October 18 Westbury Ny No Sale
October 25 Laughlin, Nv No Sale
November 22 Hollywood, Fl No Sale
Follow me on Twitter
Copyright © 2013 · All Rights Reserved · Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Music Theme by Organic Themes · WordPress Hosting · RSS Feed · Log in
Facebook Twitter
Organic Themes
Home
Bio
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Tour
Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.comGladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Bio
The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY Award®-winner has earned number one hits in Pop, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance.
In addition to dozens of live performances throughout the year, Knight currently stars in the syndicated sitcom “The First Family,” on BET/CENTRIC, where she plays the mother of the President. This fall, Knight will lend her musical expertise again for the second season of CENTRIC’s original series “Apollo Live.” Joining judges Doug E. Fresh and Michael Bivins, the legendary songstress will give guidance to hopeful contestants each week. She is also currently developing several other television projects.
Other recent television and film credits include the Tyler Perry film “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” a cameo on the Emmy Award-winning NBC hit comedy “30 Rock,” the holiday-themed “Holidaze,” her first animated project to which she also contributed a track, among others. Knight also appeared as a guest judge on FOX’s smash hit “American Idol,” and performed in the show’s always star-studded finale.
Georgia-born, Knight began performing gospel music at age four in the Mount Mariah Baptist Church and sang as a guest soloist with the Morris Brown College Choir. Three years later, she won the grand prize on television’s “Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour,” and the following year, she, along with her brother Bubba, her sister Brenda and her cousins William and Elenor Guest, formed The Pips. In 1959, Brenda and Elenor left the group and were replaced by Cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George. The group was renamed Gladys Knight & The Pips, and following George’s departure in 1962, the classic line-up was in place.
A humanitarian and philanthropist, Knight is devoted to various worthy causes, including the American Diabetes Association, for which she is a national spokesperson, the American Cancer Society, the Boys & Girls Club of America, the Minority AIDS Project amFAR and Crisis Intervention. She has been honored by numerous organizations as well, including the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), and B’Nai Brith, among others.
Today, Knight helps oversee her busy personal entertainment corporation. She is a mother, great-grandmother, performer and a businesswoman with a spiritual outlook on life. Faith in God has been the driving force behind all of Knight’s endeavors, guiding her through her many successes.
Tour Dates
Date
City
Tickets
October 4 Fantasy CasinoIndio, Ca No Sale
October 5 Beverly Hills, CA No Sale
October 9 & 11 Soul Train Cruise No Sale
October 18 Westbury Ny No Sale
October 25 Laughlin, Nv No Sale
November 22 Hollywood, Fl No Sale
Follow me on Twitter
Copyright © 2013 · All Rights Reserved · Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Music Theme by Organic Themes · WordPress Hosting · RSS Feed · Log in
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Home
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Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.comGladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Latest News
Oct 28 2013
Another Journey Album Release
Hello everyone – hope you are having a great week with an exciting weekend coming up – I am on the road, I don’t care what they say about ‘that midnight train to Georgia,’ it would be a whole lot more restful than my plans – I start the month Aug. 1 in Oklahoma (sharing some love with these folks and hoping they are moving on since their tornados, God Bless them all). On the 2nd, I am in Austin, Texas – what an amazing city for music, always revitalizes my spirit and reminds me of my passion for what I get to do everyday – it is a gift and I am so fortunate. Sat., Aug. 3 finds me beginning a weekend in California – up north first in Saratoga and then on to one of my favorite cities more south in San Diego. Anyone up for tennis? Hope I can get in a game or two in between shows and travel – I do love my tennis. The O’Jays – my touring buddies – are with me in both California shows – they sure have a lot of energy!!
Look for me every week to keep you up on what’s new in my world –like my new album “Another Journey” on iTunes – it is finally ready for the world to hear – hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it!!
CD800S.indd
Oct 28 2013
Back on the west coast!
I am back on the west coast and play at Harrah’s Laughlin tomorrow on the banks of the Colorado River. I can’t believe it is supposed to be up to 90° and it is almost November! It is just beautiful! I can’t say I blame the boaters and people enjoying the shore – I had so much fun on the Soul Train Cruise a few weeks ago!
I really appreciate all of the continued love and support for my new album- it is my joy to share my music with you!
Oct 3 2013
Soul Train Cruise next week
Another busy but wonderful week traveling, doing media appearances and being able to support Tristan and Valerie in person on Monday on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars!” I am getting ready for my shows this Friday at Fantasy Springs Resort in beautiful Palm Springs and on Saturday at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. What I am really looking forward to is embarking on the Soul Train Cruise next week with so many of my friends and amazing performers!
Sep 11 2013
Today will be a day our nation will never forget. God Bless America!
We had a great time in Atlanta last week for the opening of the Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken and Waffles on Cascade Road! Thanks to everyone who came out to support us!
I was able to enjoy seeing some of the U.S. Open in NYC – especially Miss Serena! Congrats to her on her win!
Sep 5 2013
Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles
Lots of great things happening this week but most importantly, Happy Birthday to my dear brother Bubba! He’s still Pippin’ it after all these years!
I’ve been in Atlanta gearing up for the grand opening of our newest Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles (http://gladysandron.net) on Cascade Road on Thursday! I am thrilled to work with my son Shanga on the latest location and hope that if you’re in the ATL you will stop by for some good down home southern food!
1 2 »
album cover
Another Journey
By Gladys Knight
1.Another Journey4.26
Buy Music
itunes CD Baby amazon
Tour Dates
Date
City
Tickets
October 4 Fantasy CasinoIndio, Ca No Sale
October 5 Beverly Hills, CA No Sale
October 9 & 11 Soul Train Cruise No Sale
October 18 Westbury Ny No Sale
October 25 Laughlin, Nv No Sale
November 22 Hollywood, Fl No Sale
Follow me on Twitter
Latest Blog
Another Journey Album Release
Back on the west coast!
Soul Train Cruise next week
Today will be a day our nation will never forget. God Bless America!
Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles
Bling Collection
Copyright © 2013 · All Rights Reserved · Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Music Theme by Organic Themes · WordPress Hosting · RSS Feed · Log in
Facebook Twitter
Organic Themes
Home
Bio
Contact
Tour
Gladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.comGladys Knight Official Website – Designer: RisingSunVisuals.com
Latest News
Oct 28 2013
Another Journey Album Release
Hello everyone – hope you are having a great week with an exciting weekend coming up – I am on the road, I don’t care what they say about ‘that midnight train to Georgia,’ it would be a whole lot more restful than my plans – I start the month Aug. 1 in Oklahoma (sharing some love with these folks and hoping they are moving on since their tornados, God Bless them all). On the 2nd, I am in Austin, Texas – what an amazing city for music, always revitalizes my spirit and reminds me of my passion for what I get to do everyday – it is a gift and I am so fortunate. Sat., Aug. 3 finds me beginning a weekend in California – up north first in Saratoga and then on to one of my favorite cities more south in San Diego. Anyone up for tennis? Hope I can get in a game or two in between shows and travel – I do love my tennis. The O’Jays – my touring buddies – are with me in both California shows – they sure have a lot of energy!!
Look for me every week to keep you up on what’s new in my world –like my new album “Another Journey” on iTunes – it is finally ready for the world to hear – hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it!!
CD800S.indd
Oct 28 2013
Back on the west coast!
I am back on the west coast and play at Harrah’s Laughlin tomorrow on the banks of the Colorado River. I can’t believe it is supposed to be up to 90° and it is almost November! It is just beautiful! I can’t say I blame the boaters and people enjoying the shore – I had so much fun on the Soul Train Cruise a few weeks ago!
I really appreciate all of the continued love and support for my new album- it is my joy to share my music with you!
Oct 3 2013
Soul Train Cruise next week
Another busy but wonderful week traveling, doing media appearances and being able to support Tristan and Valerie in person on Monday on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars!” I am getting ready for my shows this Friday at Fantasy Springs Resort in beautiful Palm Springs and on Saturday at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. What I am really looking forward to is embarking on the Soul Train Cruise next week with so many of my friends and amazing performers!
Sep 11 2013
Today will be a day our nation will never forget. God Bless America!
We had a great time in Atlanta last week for the opening of the Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken and Waffles on Cascade Road! Thanks to everyone who came out to support us!
I was able to enjoy seeing some of the U.S. Open in NYC – especially Miss Serena! Congrats to her on her win!
Sep 5 2013
Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles
Lots of great things happening this week but most importantly, Happy Birthday to my dear brother Bubba! He’s still Pippin’ it after all these years!
I’ve been in Atlanta gearing up for the grand opening of our newest Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles (http://gladysandron.net) on Cascade Road on Thursday! I am thrilled to work with my son Shanga on the latest location and hope that if you’re in the ATL you will stop by for some good down home southern food!
1 2 »
album cover
Another Journey
By Gladys Knight
1.Another Journey4.26
Buy Music
itunes CD Baby amazon
Tour Dates
Date
City
Tickets
October 4 Fantasy CasinoIndio, Ca No Sale
October 5 Beverly Hills, CA No Sale
October 9 & 11 Soul Train Cruise No Sale
October 18 Westbury Ny No Sale
October 25 Laughlin, Nv No Sale
November 22 Hollywood, Fl No Sale
Follow me on Twitter
Latest Blog
Another Journey Album Release
Back on the west coast!
Soul Train Cruise next week
Today will be a day our nation will never forget. God Bless America!
Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken & Waffles
Bling Collection
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We are grateful for the opportunity to share our faith and to sing praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through music from different cultures.
We hope our music and presentation will inspire you to learn more about all the gifts and blessings Jesus Christ has to offer you and your family.
Happy 10th Anniversary SUV! 2002-2012
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We are grateful for the opportunity to share our faith and to sing praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through music from different cultures.
We hope our music and presentation will inspire you to learn more about all the gifts and blessings Jesus Christ has to offer you and your family.
Happy 10th Anniversary SUV! 2002-2012
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SUV Presentations
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“One Voice” - A Presentation of Music & Testimony
Through familiar hymns and spoken words, the 100 voices of the Saints Unified Voices (SUV Choir) harmonizes with “One Voice” in worship and celebration of Jesus Christ as it takes the audience on an extraordinary multicultural adventure of music and testimony. The choir’s performance of energetic soulful music praising Jesus Christ dominates the presentation.
Legendary entertainer Gladys Knight not only directs this Grammy Award-winning choir, but she also shares her faith in Jesus Christ and her religious journey. And yes, she sings too! Gladys Knight’s enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ and her professionalism make this musical presentation a truly extraordinary experience that touches the hearts of God’s children from every nation, kindred, tongue and faith.
SUV Presentations are usually held at one of the meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Presentations are a private religious event and therefore are not advertised to the general public. Admission is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating and are available by invitation from members of the host stakes or mission(s). The Saints Unified Voices does not distribute tickets, but we can direct you to the host mission.
Follow us on Twitter SUV Choir@suvchoir for announcements of when and where we are performing. A general schedule of SUV Presentations is not available.
Scroll down for more information....
“…It was the most inspirational evening I have ever spent. I cannot describe how you made me feel. I sat there spellbound with tears in my eyes. God is truly working miracles through all of you.” - Texas
“Thank you..thank you! The music was exhilarating, uplifting, inspiring, and simply amazing!” – Michigan
“…I have never been as touched and moved as I was at your performance. I want to thank you all for lifting our spirits and helping us to feel hope again…” - California
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WHAT TO EXPECT...
Audience is encouraged to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to start of presentation to allow time to park and get in line outside. Doors open about 30 minutes prior to start of presentation, with seating on a first come first serve basis. Seats in the chapel may NOT be saved.
A standby line is available.
Live video feed is provided into the gym on large screen(s) to improve the visual experience.
Extensive audio equipment is utilized throughout the chapel and gym so the sound experience is the same wherever you sit.
This program is not intended for children. If you must bring children, we recommend you avoid sitting close to the loud speakers.
Read the back of your ticket for full instructions.
HOUSE OF THE LORD
Please be respectful of the House of the Lord. This is a private religious program, not a commercial event.
No photography, video, or recording is allowed. Please leave cameras home.
Turn off cell phones upon entering church. Do not use cell phones to record or photograph,
Autographs are not available.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Seating for handicapped and other special needs is about 40 minutes prior to start of presentation. Those arriving after this time will be seated as space is available on a first come first serve basis.For assistance with seating in the “Special Needs” area, including ASL, please proceed to the ticket line and ask an usher for assistance.
Due to limited handicapped seating in the “Special Needs” areas, no more than two companions may accompany a handicapped person. Others in the party must remain in the general ticket line. Your understanding that seating is limited to those with special needs is appreciated.
Please refer to the back of your ticket for full instructions.
SUV Presentations
Home
SUV Presentations
Host a Presentation
Auditions
About Us
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Contact Us
“One Voice” - A Presentation of Music & Testimony
Through familiar hymns and spoken words, the 100 voices of the Saints Unified Voices (SUV Choir) harmonizes with “One Voice” in worship and celebration of Jesus Christ as it takes the audience on an extraordinary multicultural adventure of music and testimony. The choir’s performance of energetic soulful music praising Jesus Christ dominates the presentation.
Legendary entertainer Gladys Knight not only directs this Grammy Award-winning choir, but she also shares her faith in Jesus Christ and her religious journey. And yes, she sings too! Gladys Knight’s enthusiasm for the gospel of Jesus Christ and her professionalism make this musical presentation a truly extraordinary experience that touches the hearts of God’s children from every nation, kindred, tongue and faith.
SUV Presentations are usually held at one of the meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Presentations are a private religious event and therefore are not advertised to the general public. Admission is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating and are available by invitation from members of the host stakes or mission(s). The Saints Unified Voices does not distribute tickets, but we can direct you to the host mission.
Follow us on Twitter SUV Choir@suvchoir for announcements of when and where we are performing. A general schedule of SUV Presentations is not available.
Scroll down for more information....
“…It was the most inspirational evening I have ever spent. I cannot describe how you made me feel. I sat there spellbound with tears in my eyes. God is truly working miracles through all of you.” - Texas
“Thank you..thank you! The music was exhilarating, uplifting, inspiring, and simply amazing!” – Michigan
“…I have never been as touched and moved as I was at your performance. I want to thank you all for lifting our spirits and helping us to feel hope again…” - California
Logon
WHAT TO EXPECT...
Audience is encouraged to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to start of presentation to allow time to park and get in line outside. Doors open about 30 minutes prior to start of presentation, with seating on a first come first serve basis. Seats in the chapel may NOT be saved.
A standby line is available.
Live video feed is provided into the gym on large screen(s) to improve the visual experience.
Extensive audio equipment is utilized throughout the chapel and gym so the sound experience is the same wherever you sit.
This program is not intended for children. If you must bring children, we recommend you avoid sitting close to the loud speakers.
Read the back of your ticket for full instructions.
HOUSE OF THE LORD
Please be respectful of the House of the Lord. This is a private religious program, not a commercial event.
No photography, video, or recording is allowed. Please leave cameras home.
Turn off cell phones upon entering church. Do not use cell phones to record or photograph,
Autographs are not available.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Seating for handicapped and other special needs is about 40 minutes prior to start of presentation. Those arriving after this time will be seated as space is available on a first come first serve basis.For assistance with seating in the “Special Needs” area, including ASL, please proceed to the ticket line and ask an usher for assistance.
Due to limited handicapped seating in the “Special Needs” areas, no more than two companions may accompany a handicapped person. Others in the party must remain in the general ticket line. Your understanding that seating is limited to those with special needs is appreciated.
Please refer to the back of your ticket for full instructions.
Host a Presentation
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Thank you for your interest in hosting the Saints Unified Voices musical presentation of "One Voice."
To learn more about hosting the Saints Unified Voices at your LDS building, stake presidents and mission presidents may email us an inquiry to receive a packet of general information. The SUV bears the costs of presentations, including travel and accommodations, so as not to be a burden to the host stakes.
The Saints Unified Voices wishes we could accept all the invitations to perform that we receive, but limited availability and limited funding make this impossible. Therefore, we only consider invitations that are in line with our mission focus, which is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and sing His praises at SUV Presentations held at meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Email Inquires to info@suvchoir.com
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Host a Presentation
Home
SUV Presentations
Host a Presentation
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Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in hosting the Saints Unified Voices musical presentation of "One Voice."
To learn more about hosting the Saints Unified Voices at your LDS building, stake presidents and mission presidents may email us an inquiry to receive a packet of general information. The SUV bears the costs of presentations, including travel and accommodations, so as not to be a burden to the host stakes.
The Saints Unified Voices wishes we could accept all the invitations to perform that we receive, but limited availability and limited funding make this impossible. Therefore, we only consider invitations that are in line with our mission focus, which is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and sing His praises at SUV Presentations held at meetinghouses of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Email Inquires to info@suvchoir.com
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Auditions
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UPDATE: Auditions are postponed until later this Spring. SUV Choir continues to seek talented LDS singers with flexible schedules! Read "General Information" below before applying. Applicants will be personally notified of audition date via the preferred communication method you indicated on your application.
Click on this link to complete and submit your application for our files.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dFpPZDR5TEFULV9SSHFKclZ3MVEtX3c6MQ
Do not submit more than one application within a 12-month period.
General Information
Saints Unified Voices is an all-volunteer choir. Singers must be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and agree to abide by the values and standards of the Saints Unified Voices Foundation, which mirror the values and standards of the LDS Church. Singers are responsible for providing, at your own expense, your own transportation to all auditions, meetings, and rehearsals in Henderson, Nevada. Performance travel outside of the greater Las Vegas area is provided by the SUV. Current passports are required.
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Auditions
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SUV Presentations
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UPDATE: Auditions are postponed until later this Spring. SUV Choir continues to seek talented LDS singers with flexible schedules! Read "General Information" below before applying. Applicants will be personally notified of audition date via the preferred communication method you indicated on your application.
Click on this link to complete and submit your application for our files.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dFpPZDR5TEFULV9SSHFKclZ3MVEtX3c6MQ
Do not submit more than one application within a 12-month period.
General Information
Saints Unified Voices is an all-volunteer choir. Singers must be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and agree to abide by the values and standards of the Saints Unified Voices Foundation, which mirror the values and standards of the LDS Church. Singers are responsible for providing, at your own expense, your own transportation to all auditions, meetings, and rehearsals in Henderson, Nevada. Performance travel outside of the greater Las Vegas area is provided by the SUV. Current passports are required.
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About Us
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The Saints Unified Voices (SUV) is an all-volunteer 100-voice multicultural gospel choir directed by the "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight. We are headquartered in the Las Vegas area, but travel nationwide (and worldwide when funds allow) to share our presentations of music and testimony praising Jesus Christ. All singers, board members and staff are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint.
To learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ask questions, click here: http://www.mormon.org
Gladys Knight and "One Voice" won the 2005 Grammy Award for "Best Gospel Album" recorded with the Saints Unified Voices. The next year, Gladys and the SUV followed up with their holiday album "A Christmas Celebration."
The Saints Unified Voices looks forward to recording another album with Gladys Knight in the future.
The Saints Unified Voices Foundation governs the SUV Choir organization. It is operated by a working board of directors who not only oversee operations of the Foundation and the choir, but are also highly involved in planning, executing and staffing the presentations. Board members are listed below in the order of first contact with hosts.
Cheryl Stewart Osborn
Eric Johnson
Lloyd Benson
Angie Zobrist
Richard Zobrist
Gaye Borden
Ron Strobelt
Greg Arnold
Kent Greene
William McDowell
Gladys Knight McDowell
To learn more about Ms. Gladys Knight, please visit:
www.GladysKnight.com
Board Members
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About Us
Home
SUV Presentations
Host a Presentation
Auditions
About Us
FAQ's
Contact Us
The Saints Unified Voices (SUV) is an all-volunteer 100-voice multicultural gospel choir directed by the "Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight. We are headquartered in the Las Vegas area, but travel nationwide (and worldwide when funds allow) to share our presentations of music and testimony praising Jesus Christ. All singers, board members and staff are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint.
To learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and ask questions, click here: http://www.mormon.org
Gladys Knight and "One Voice" won the 2005 Grammy Award for "Best Gospel Album" recorded with the Saints Unified Voices. The next year, Gladys and the SUV followed up with their holiday album "A Christmas Celebration."
The Saints Unified Voices looks forward to recording another album with Gladys Knight in the future.
The Saints Unified Voices Foundation governs the SUV Choir organization. It is operated by a working board of directors who not only oversee operations of the Foundation and the choir, but are also highly involved in planning, executing and staffing the presentations. Board members are listed below in the order of first contact with hosts.
Cheryl Stewart Osborn
Eric Johnson
Lloyd Benson
Angie Zobrist
Richard Zobrist
Gaye Borden
Ron Strobelt
Greg Arnold
Kent Greene
William McDowell
Gladys Knight McDowell
To learn more about Ms. Gladys Knight, please visit:
www.GladysKnight.com
Board Members
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Q. Where can I buy CDs of music I heard at the SUV Presentation?
A. “One Voice,” which contains some of the music heard at SUV Presentations and won a Grammy Award for “best gospel album,” is no longer produced. However, both “One Voice” and “A Christmas Celebration” are often resold at online outlets. The Saints Unified Voices looks forward to recording another album with Gladys Knight in the future.
Q. How can I purchase SUV sheet music?
A. The Saints Unified Voices does not use sheet music so it does not exist. To learn new songs, all the choir members receive are the typed lyrics. Lyrics can usually be found online from the original recording artists.
Q. Where can I buy a DVD recording of an SUV Presentation?
A. Recordings of SUV Presentations are not available for sale.
Q. How can I obtain a schedule of SUV upcoming presentations?
A. Our general schedule is not available to the public. If you email us an inquiry about a specific city, we can let you know if we expect to be there within the year. Submit your inquiry on our "Contact Us" page.
FYI: Due to limited availability and funds, the SUV very rarely returns to the same city to offer presentations a second time.
Q. Are all SUV personnel members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
A. All choir members and board of directors, which includes Gladys Knight, are volunteers and are members of the LDS church, which is a requirement. SUV crew and band members are hired professionals who belong to a variety of faiths.
Q. Can I view a choir rehearsal?
A. All choir rehearsals are closed to the public. The choir does not rehearse regularly or frequently, so when it does rehearse all focus must be on learning and developing what the director is teaching without the distraction of an audience.
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Q. Where can I buy CDs of music I heard at the SUV Presentation?
A. “One Voice,” which contains some of the music heard at SUV Presentations and won a Grammy Award for “best gospel album,” is no longer produced. However, both “One Voice” and “A Christmas Celebration” are often resold at online outlets. The Saints Unified Voices looks forward to recording another album with Gladys Knight in the future.
Q. How can I purchase SUV sheet music?
A. The Saints Unified Voices does not use sheet music so it does not exist. To learn new songs, all the choir members receive are the typed lyrics. Lyrics can usually be found online from the original recording artists.
Q. Where can I buy a DVD recording of an SUV Presentation?
A. Recordings of SUV Presentations are not available for sale.
Q. How can I obtain a schedule of SUV upcoming presentations?
A. Our general schedule is not available to the public. If you email us an inquiry about a specific city, we can let you know if we expect to be there within the year. Submit your inquiry on our "Contact Us" page.
FYI: Due to limited availability and funds, the SUV very rarely returns to the same city to offer presentations a second time.
Q. Are all SUV personnel members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
A. All choir members and board of directors, which includes Gladys Knight, are volunteers and are members of the LDS church, which is a requirement. SUV crew and band members are hired professionals who belong to a variety of faiths.
Q. Can I view a choir rehearsal?
A. All choir rehearsals are closed to the public. The choir does not rehearse regularly or frequently, so when it does rehearse all focus must be on learning and developing what the director is teaching without the distraction of an audience.
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Gladys Knight & the Pips
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Gladys Knight & The Pips
DN-SC-82-07155.jpg
Gladys Knight & The Pips perform aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger on November 1, 1981. Left to right: William Guest, Edward Patten, Merald "Bubba" Knight, and Gladys Knight.
Background information
Also known as
The Pips
Origin
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Genres
R&B/soul
Years active
1953–1989
Labels
Vee-Jay, Soul/Motown, Buddah, Columbia, MCA
Past members
Gladys Knight
Merald "Bubba" Knight
William Guest
Brenda Knight
Eleanor Guest
Edward Patten
Langston George
Chris Morante
Gladys Knight & The Pips were an R&B/soul family musical act from Atlanta, Georgia, active from 1953 to 1989. The group was best known for their string of hit singles on Motown's "Soul" record label and Buddah Records from 1967 to 1975, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967) and "Midnight Train to Georgia" (1973). The longest-lived incarnation of the act featured Gladys Knight on lead vocals, with The Pips, who included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and their cousins Edward Patten and William Guest, as backup singers.
Gladys Knight & The Pips are multiple Grammy and American Music Award winners,and are inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame [1] and The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1996 and 2001 respectively.[2]
Contents [hide]
1 History 1.1 Gladys Knight & The Pips join Motown Records
1.2 Taking the "Midnight Train" to Buddah Records
1.3 Later years
2 Members
3 Discography 3.1 Top Twenty singles
3.2 Top Forty albums
4 Filmography 4.1 Concert
4.2 Compilations
5 Awards and achievements
6 References
7 External links
History[edit]
Gladys Knight was born in 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of seven in 1952, she won Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour television show contest. The following year, she, her brother Bubba, sister Brenda, and their cousins William and Eleanor Guest started a singing group called "The Pips" (named after another cousin, James "Pip" Woods). The Pips began to perform and tour, eventually replacing Brenda Knight and Eleanor Guest with Langston George in 1959 and Edward Patten in 1963.
The Pips scored their first hit in 1961 with "Every Beat of My Heart", a cover of a Hank Ballard & The Midnighters song written by Johnny Otis. The group had recorded the song for a friend in Atlanta, who promptly sold the master to Vee-Jay Records and cut the group out of the record's profits. The Pips recorded a second version of "Every Beat" with Bobby Robinson as the producer, and the song became a #1 R&B and #6 pop hit. Shortly afterwards, Langston George left the group, and the remaining members continued as a quartet, now billed as Gladys Knight & the Pips. Typically, most of the act's recordings featured Knight's contralto on lead vocals and the three male members of the group, usually referred to as "The Pips" by themselves, providing characteristic background vocals.
After a second Vee-Jay hit, "Letter Full of Tears", in 1962, Knight quit the group to start a family with husband James Newman, giving birth to James Gaston Newman III in August of that year. Her second child Kenya Maria Newman was born in November the following year. The Pips toured on their own for two years, until Knight returned to the act in 1964 in order to support her family. Husband Newman served as the group's musical director.
The group developed a reputation for exciting and polished live performances that enabled them to work even without the benefit of best-selling records. Choreographer Cholly Atkins designed "fast-stepping" dance routines that became a signature of the Pips' stage presentation.
Gladys Knight & the Pips' Motown long-playing debut, Everybody Needs Love (1967), which includes their hit single "I Heard It Through the Grapevine".
Gladys Knight & The Pips join Motown Records[edit]
In spite of another hit with 1964's "Giving Up" (later covered by Donny Hathaway and The Ad Libs),[3] Knight and the Pips did not achieve widespread success until 1966, after signing to Motown Records. While at Motown in 1968, Gladys Knight was the first person to suggest that Berry Gordy sign an up-and-coming act from Gary, Indiana called The Jackson Five. In that same year, Motown released the various artists tribute album In Loving Memory, which included two tracks from Gladys Knight & the Pips, "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" and "How Great Thou Art".
The group's third Motown single was the Top 40 hit "Everybody Needs Love", released in 1967. Another 1967 single, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", provided a career-making breakthrough. "Grapevine" became a #2 pop hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and a #1 R&B hit for six weeks. The record sold 2.5 million copies, and at the time was Motown's best-selling single ever.[4] Producer Norman Whitfield recorded four versions of the song with various artists for potential single release; Knight and the Pips' version was the only one that Motown chief Berry Gordy did not veto. In late 1968, "Grapevine" would become an even bigger hit for Marvin Gaye, whose version, recorded before Knight's but released a year afterwards at Whitfield's insistence, became a #1 pop hit for seven weeks.
Further hits for the group included "The Nitty Gritty" (1969), "Friendship Train" (1969), one of Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong's "psychedelic soul" songs, the #1 R&B "If I Were Your Woman" (1970, later covered by Stephanie Mills, Shanice and Alicia Keys), and "I Don't Want To Do Wrong" (1971). Their biggest Motown hit was 1973's #1 R&B/#2 pop hit "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)", which won the 1973 Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus.
"Neither One of Us" also happened to be one of their last Motown hits, as Knight and the Pips departed Motown for Buddah Records in 1973. While at Motown, Knight & the Pips recorded for Soul Records, a label Motown used for acts that recorded material with more of an R&B flavor than a pop flavor. On the A&E Network television program Biography, Knight stated that she and the Pips were regarded as a second-string act, and that "Diana (Ross) & the Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye were given all the hits, while we took the leftovers." In Knight's autobiography Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story, she stated that Diana Ross had the group removed from being The Supremes' opening act on a 1968 tour for, according to Knight, being too good.
Many of Gladys Knight and the Pips' hits in the mid-1970s were written by country songwriter Jim Weatherly. Knight and the Pips charted with five of Weatherly's songs in 1973 and 1974: "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Neither One of Us," "Where Peaceful Waters Flow," "The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me," and "Between Her Goodbye and My Hello."
Taking the "Midnight Train" to Buddah Records[edit]
Recording for Buddah in the mid 1970s, the group hit its popular and critical peak with #1 R&B hits such as "I've Got to Use My Imagination", and "Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me". The most notable hit of their career was the #1 pop hit, "Midnight Train to Georgia", which won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals of 1973. The song eventually received the Grammy Hall Of Fame Award, which was established by the Recording Academy's National Trustees to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical significance.
Gladys Knight & the Pips' debut LP on Buddah, Imagination, was certified as a gold record. This began a string of LPs that were awarded gold status: Claudine (1974), I Feel a Song (1974) and 2nd Anniversary (1975). Other hits for Buddah included "Part-Time Love", the R&B #1 "I Feel a Song (In My Heart)", "Love Finds Its Own Way" and, culled from a live recording, "The Way We Were/Try to Remember".
Curtis Mayfield served as producer in 1974 when Knight and the Pips recorded the soundtrack to the motion picture Claudine, resulting in a #5 hit in the film's theme song, "On and On". The following year, the group got their own hour-long musical variety television program, The Gladys Knight & the Pips Show, which ran for four episodes on NBC as a summer-season replacement. During one installment, comedian George Carlin, seated at a piano, performed the doo-wop song "Cherry Pie", accompanied by the Pips.
Later years[edit]
Knight and the Pips continued to have R&B hits until the late 1980s. From 1978 to 1980, Knight and the Pips were forced to record separately due to legal problems with Buddah. Knight released two solo albums and the Pips released two albums of their own. In 1977, the Pips (minus Gladys) appeared on comedian Richard Pryor's TV special that aired on NBC. They sang their normal backup verses for the songs "Heard it Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight Train to Georgia;" during the parts where Gladys would sing, the camera panned on a lone-standing microphone.
In 1980, the Pips signed to Columbia Records, for which Knight had recorded her second solo album. Teaming up with songwriting husband/wife duo Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, Knight & The Pips released the album About Love in 1980, which featured "Landlord" and "Taste Of Bitter Love". Ashford & Simpson continued with Knight and the Pips for the 1981 follow-up, Touch, featuring "I Will Fight" and a cover of "I Will Survive".
Also in 1981, the group provided prominent backing vocals for Kenny Rogers on his remake of Bobby "Blue" Bland's "Share Your Love with Me". The Pips had appeared on Rogers' television show with the First Edition several times in the early 1970s.
After an international tour, Knight and the Pips recorded the LP Visions (1983), which resulted in a #1 R&B hit with "Save the Overtime (For Me)" and was certified gold. In 1987, Knight and the Pips released their final album, All Our Love, on MCA Records which was also certified gold. The album's single "Love Overboard" became a #1 R&B hit which won the 1988 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In 1988 the band also won a Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement.
Gladys Knight & the Pips embarked on their final tour in 1988 and disbanded upon its conclusion, as Gladys Knight decided she wanted to pursue a solo career. The Pips retired, while Gladys Knight began scoring hits of her own with singles such as "Men" (1991) and "I Don't Want to Know" (1994).
The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in 1998. Ms. Knight, now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, continues to tour and record occasionally, and leads the Saints Unified Voices choir. Edward Patten of the Pips died on 25 February 2005 of complications from his long bout with diabetes.
Gladys Knight & the Pips are ranked as the ninth most successful act in The Billboard Top 40 Book of R&B and Hip-Hop Hits (2005). They were also ranked #91 on VH1's Top 100 Artists of Rock n' Roll. In June 2006, Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Apollo Theater's Hall Of Fame in New York City.
In 2007, The Pips appeared in a commercial for the auto insurance company Geico. As Edward Patten had died two years prior, one of Gladys Knight's current backing singers, Neil Taffe,[5] accompanied the remaining Pips.[6]
Members[edit]
Gladys Knight (1953–1962, 1964–1989)
Merald "Bubba" Knight (1953–1989)
William Guest (1953–1989)
Brenda Knight (1953–1959)
Eleanor Guest (1953–1959)
Edward Patten (1959–1989; died 2005)
Langston George (1959–1962)
Chris Morante (1988)
Discography[edit]
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"
Gladys Knight & the Pips' version of the song, from their 1967 album Everybody Needs Love.
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Main article: Gladys Knight & the Pips discography
Top Twenty singles[edit]
The following singles reached the Top Twenty on either the United States Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart or the United Kingdom UK Singles Chart.[7][8]
1961: "Every Beat of My Heart" (US #6)
1961: "Letter Full of Tears" (US #19)
1967: "Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me" (UK #13)
1967: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (US #2)
1968: "The End of Our Road" (US #15)
1969: "The Nitty Gritty" (US #19)
1969: "Friendship Train" (US 17)
1970: "If I Were Your Woman" (US #9)
1971: "I Don't Want to Do Wrong" (US #17)
1972: "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (UK #11)
1973: "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" (US #2)
1973: "Daddy Could Swear, I Declare" (US #19)
1973: "Midnight Train to Georgia" (US #1; UK #10 in 1976)
1973: "I've Got to Use My Imagination" (US #4)
1974: "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" (US #3; UK #7)
1974: "On and On" (US #5)
1975: "The Way We Were/Try to Remember" (US #11; UK #4)
1976: "So Sad the Song" (UK #20)
1977: "Baby Don't Change Your Mind" (UK #4)
1978: "Come Back and Finish What You Started" (UK #15)
1987: "Love Overboard" (US #13)
Top Forty albums[edit]
The following albums reached the Top Forty on either the United States Billboard 200 pop albums chart or the United Kingdom UK Albums Chart.[8][9]
1971: If I Were Your Woman (US #35)
1973: Neither One of Us (US #9)
1973: Imagination (US #9)
1974: Claudine (US #35)
1974: I Feel a Song (US #17; UK #20)
1975: 2nd Anniversary (US #24)
1976: The Best of Gladys Knight & the Pips (US #36; UK #6)
1977: 30 Greatest (UK #3)
1980: The Touch of Love (UK #16)
1983: Visions (US #34)
1987: All Our Love (US #39)
1989: The Singles Album (UK #12)
Filmography[edit]
Concert[edit]
2008: Gladys Knight & the Pips Feat. Ray Charles: Live in Los Angeles
Compilations[edit]
1973: Burt Sugarman's Midnight Special - Legendary Performances 1973
2004: Kenny Rogers Rollin’ Vol. 1[10]
2006: Flashbacks: Soul Sensation[11]
Awards and achievements[edit]
Grammy Awards 1974: R&B Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus - "Midnight Train to Georgia"
1974: Best Pop Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus - "Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)"
1986: Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal - "That's What Friends Are For" (Dionne Warwick & Friends)
1988: Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal - "Love Overboard"
2001: Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album - "At Last" (Solo)
2004: Best Gospel Performance - "Heaven Help Us All" (w/Ray Charles)
2005: Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album - "One Voice" (Gladys Knight & The Saints Unified Voices)
American Music Awards 1975 Favorite Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group.
1975 Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo or Group.
Favorite Soul/R&B Single - "Midnight Train To Georgia"
Favorite Soul/R&B Album - Imagination.
1976 Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo or Group.
1984 Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo or Group.
1989 Favorite Soul/R&B Band, Duo or Group.
Other awards 1988 Gladys Knight & the Pips received the 2nd Annual Soul Train Heritage Award (Later Renamed To Quincy Jones Award for Career Achievement).
1996 Gladys Knight & the Pips inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.[12]
1998 Gladys Knight & the Pips received Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm And Blues Foundation.[13]
2001 Gladys Knight & the Pips inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
2006 Gladys Knight & the Pips inducted into the Apollo Theater's Hall of Fame in New York.
References[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gladys Knight & the Pips.
1.Jump up ^ http://rockhall.com/inductees/gladys-knight-and-the-pips/bio/
2.Jump up ^ http://www.vocalgroup.org/inductees/gladys_knight_pips.html
3.Jump up ^ The Ad Libs - Awards. AllMusic. Retrieved on 2012-11-10.
4.Jump up ^ George, Nelson (1985, rev. 2003). Where Did Our Love Go: The Rise and Fall of the Motown. London: Omnibus Press. ISBN 0-7119-9511-7.
5.Jump up ^ [1][dead link]
6.Jump up ^ Star-Gazette | Elmira news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Elmira, New York. stargazette.com. Retrieved on 2012-11-10.
7.Jump up ^ "Gladys Knight & the Pips - Charts - Billboard Singles on allmusic.com". allmusic.com.
8.^ Jump up to: a b "Chartstats.com - UK Album and Singles Database for Gladys Knight & the Pips". chartstats.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-19.
9.Jump up ^ "Gladys Knight & the Pips - Charts - Billboard Albums and Awards on allmusic.com". allmusic.com.
10.Jump up ^ Kenny Rogers DVD | Kenny Rogers Variety Show DVD | Kenny Rogers Concert Video. View.com. Retrieved on 2012-11-10.
11.Jump up ^ Soul Music DVD Compilation | Soul Sensation DVD | Gladys Knight | Tina Turner. View.com. Retrieved on 2012-11-10.
12.Jump up ^ "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame page". Rockhall.com. Retrieved 2012-11-10.
13.Jump up ^ "Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award Honorees". Rhythm-n-blues.org. Retrieved 2012-11-10.
External links[edit]
Book icon Book: Gladys Knight & the Pips
'Gladys Knight and The Pips' Vocal Group Hall of Fame Page
'Rock Well' Geico Commercial Remix
[hide]
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Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight ·
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Studio albums
Everybody Needs Love ·
Neither One of Us ·
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"Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me" ·
"I Feel a Song (In My Heart)" ·
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Discography ·
Aaliyah ·
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Categories: Musical groups established in 1953
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Saints Unified Voices
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Saints Unified Voices
Genres
Gospel
Years active
2005 - present
Associated acts
Gladys Knight
Saints Unified Voices is an American Gospel music choir. The Saints Unified Voices Foundation, the governing organization of the choir, is directed by a board of directors, which includes Gladys Knight.
Contents [hide]
1 Early years
2 Recordings 2.1 One Voice
2.2 A Christmas Celebration
3 Live performances
4 Awards and certifications
5 References
6 External links
Early years[edit]
In the Spring of 1999, Gladys Knight put together a small singing group to perform with her at Women's Conference at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.[1] Later, Sullivan Richardson asked her to form a choir to perform at a special fireside event back home in Henderson, Nevada.[1] Vocalists came from as far away as Los Angeles to audition for this special choir.
In 2003, the choir was invited to perform at Salt Lake Tabernacle on Temple Square as part of the anniversary celebration of the priesthood being available to all worthy men.[2]
Recordings[edit]
One Voice[edit]
The choir released a CD, One Voice, on January 4, 2005. In the first week, the album soared to Billboard's #1 on the Hot Shot Debut, while it simultaneously shot to the #1 Gospel Album and #2 Inspirational Album on iTunes.[3] It remained in the top-40 on Billboard's Gospel charts for 48 weeks.[3]
Track Listings
1.One Voice (Interlude) - Gladys Knight, written by Matthew Pittman
2.Over My Head - Gladys Knight
3.Come, Come, Ye Saints - Gladys Knight, written by William Clayton
4.Love One Another - Gladys Knight, written by Luacine Clark Fox
5.Pass Me Not - Gladys Knight
6.Right Here Waiting - (Damon Andellin and JJ Johnigan) written by BeBe Winans
7.Prayer - Gladys Knight, written by Mauli B
8.Did You Know - Gladys Knight and John Fluker, written by BeBe Winans
9.I Am a Child of God - Gladys Knight, written by Naomi W. Randall
10.Jesu Me Kanaka Waiwai - (Joe Apo soloist)
11.Blessed Assurance - Gladys Knight
12.He Shines on Me - (Kelly Eisenhour soloist), written by John Fluker and Kelly Eisenhour
13.Uphold Me - (Whitney Te'o soloist) written by Fred Manns
14.He's Worthy - (John Fluker soloist)
15.He Lives - Gladys Knight
A Christmas Celebration[edit]
The 100-voice choir released its second album A Christmas Celebration in October 2006.
Track Listings
1.Introduction/Opening - Gladys Knight
2.Breath of Heaven - (Kenya Jackson soloist), written by Chris Eaton
3.Silent Night/O Holy Night - Gladys Knight, written by Joseph Mohr
4.I Wonder as I Wander - (Heather Goedel soloist), written by John Jacob Niles
5.We Three Kings - (Jay Young soloist), written by John H. Hopkins, Jr
6.Little Drummer Boy - Gladys Knight, written by Katherine Davis
7.Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful - Gladys Knight, written by John Francis Wade
8.Jesus, Oh, What a Wonderful Child - Gladys Knight,
9.The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - (Whitney Te'o soloist), written by Mel Torme
10.White Christmas - Gladys Knight, written by Irving Berlin
11.Winter Wonderland/Jingle Bells - Gladys Knight, written by Richard B. Smith
12.The Lord's Prayer - (Damon Andelin soloist)
Live performances[edit]
The choir presents its program "One Voice: An Evening of Music & Testimony" at LDS stake centers or buildings across the country, and has traveled as far as England and Hawaii to share the gospel through music and song.[3]
Awards and certifications[edit]
Shortly after learning that her choir had been nominated for a Grammy Award, Gladys Knight said: "A Grammy nomination is always an honor, but this means even more to me because I share it with my choir. We worked hard making this album for the Lord. It's wonderful that it also pleases the music industry."[3] On February 8, 2006, it was announced that the album One Voice won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album as part of the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards.[4]
References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b Stewart Osborn, Cheryl. "A Choir is Born". LDS Living Magazine. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
2.Jump up ^ Stewart Osborn, Cheryl (2005-06-09). "Gladys Knight, Sharing the Gospel with Music". Meridian Magazine. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
3.^ Jump up to: a b c d Osborn, Cheryl Stewart (2005-12-20). "Grammy Nomination Gratifies "One Voice" Choir". Meridian Magazine. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
4.Jump up ^ www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Annual_Show/48_nominees
External links[edit]
Saints Unified Voices Official Home Page
Story explaining the creation of Saints Unified Voices
[hide]
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Music organizations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Mormon Tabernacle Choir (Discography • Directors • Organists • Tabernacle • Organ)
Orchestra at Temple Square • Bells on Temple Square • Temple Square Chorale
Mormon Youth Symphony and Chorus (disbanded) • Nauvoo Brass Band (disbanded)
Unofficial: Millennial Choirs and Orchestras • Mormon Orchestra of Washington DC • Saints Unified Voices • Southern California Mormon Choir
Categories: American gospel musical groups
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Gladys Knight
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight.jpg
Knight in concert at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, on October 12, 2006.
Background information
Birth name
Gladys Maria Knight
Also known as
The Empress of Soul
Born
May 28, 1944 (age 69)
Origin
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Genres
R&B, Pop, Gospel
Occupations
singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, author
Instruments
Vocals
Years active
1953–present
Labels
[ [Vee-Jay Records
Associated acts
Gladys Knight & the Pips, Brandy Norwood
Gladys Maria Knight (born May 28, 1944), known as the "Empress of Soul",[1][2] is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian and author. A seven-time Grammy Award-winner,[3] she is best known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, for both the Motown and Buddah Records labels, with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips, the most famous incarnation of which also included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and her cousins Edward Patten and William Guest.
Contents [hide]
1 Early life
2 Success with The Pips
3 Solo music career
4 UK Farewell Tour
5 Acting and other work
6 Personal life
7 Awards, honors and achievements
8 Solo discography 8.1 Studio albums
8.2 Singles
9 Published works
10 References
11 External links
Early life[edit]
Knight was born in Oglethorpe, Georgia, the daughter of Sarah Elizabeth (née Woods) and Merald Woodlow Knight, Sr., a postal worker.[4][5] She first achieved minor fame by winning Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour TV show contest at the age of 7 in 1952. The following year, she, her brother Merald, sister Brenda, and cousins William and Elenor Guest formed a musical group called The Pips (named after another cousin, James "Pip" Woods). By the end of the decade, the act had begun to tour, and had replaced Brenda Knight and Eleanor Guest with Gladys Knight's cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George.
Success with The Pips[edit]
Main article: Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight & the Pips joined the Motown roster in 1966, and, although regarded as a second-string act, scored several hit singles, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", (recorded first by Marvin Gaye but released a year later), "Friendship Train" (1969), "If I Were Your Woman" (1970), "I Don't Want To Do Wrong" (1971), the Grammy Award winning "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" (1972), and "Daddy Could Swear (I Declare)" (1973). In their early Motown career Gladys Knight and the Pips toured as the opening act for Diana Ross and The Supremes. Gladys Knight stated in her memoirs that Ross kicked her off the tour because the audience's reception to Knight's soulful performance overshadowed her. Berry Gordy later told Gladys that she was giving his act a hard time.[6]
Knight and the Pips perform aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger on November 1, 1981.
The act left Motown for a better deal with Buddah Records in 1973, and achieved full-fledged success that year with hits such as the Grammy-winning "Midnight Train to Georgia" (#1 on the pop and R&B chart), "I've Got to Use My Imagination," and "You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me". In the summer of 1974, Knight and the Pips recorded the soundtrack to the successful film Claudine with producer Curtis Mayfield. The act was particularly successful in Europe, and especially the United Kingdom. However, a number of the Buddah singles became hits in the UK long after their success in the US. For example, "Midnight Train to Georgia" hit the UK pop charts Top 5 in the summer of 1976, a full three years after its success in the U.S.
During this period of greater recognition, Knight made her motion picture acting debut in the film Pipe Dreams, a romantic drama set in Alaska. The film failed at the box-office, but Knight did receive a Golden Globe Best New Actress nomination.
Knight and the Pips continued to have hits until the late 1970s, when they were forced to record separately due to legal issues, resulting in Knight's first solo LP recordings--Miss Gladys Knight (1978) on Buddah and Gladys Knight (1979) on Columbia Records. Having divorced James Newman II in 1973, Knight married Barry Hankerson (future uncle of R&B singer Aaliyah), then Detroit mayor Coleman Young's executive aide. Knight and Hankerson remained married for four years, during which time they had a son, Shanga Ali. Upon their divorce, Hankerson and Knight were embroiled in a heated custody battle over Shanga Ali.
In the early 1980s, Johnny Mathis invited Gladys to record two duets – "When A Child Is Born" (previously a hit for Mathis) and "The Lord's Prayer".
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"
Gladys Knight & the Pips' version of the song, from their 1967 album Everybody Needs Love.
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Signing with Columbia Records in 1980 and restored to its familiar quartet form, Gladys Knight & the Pips began releasing new material. The act enlisted former Motown producers Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson for their first two LPs--About Love (1980) and Touch (1981). During this period, Knight kicked a gambling addiction to the game baccarat.
In 1987, Knight decided to pursue a solo career, and she and the Pips recorded their final LP together, All Our Love (1987), for MCA Records. Its lead single, "Love Overboard", was a successful hit and won a third Grammy for the act as well. After a successful 1988 tour, the Pips retired and Knight began her solo career. Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame[7] in 1989 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame[8] in 1996.
Solo music career[edit]
While still with The Pips, Gladys joined with Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John on the 1986 AIDS benefit single, "That's What Friends Are For", a triple #1 mega-hit, which won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. In 1989, she recorded the title track for the James Bond movie Licence to Kill, a top 10 hit in the UK and Germany.
Gladys released her third and most successful solo LP, Good Woman, on MCA in 1991. It hit #1 on the R&B album chart and featured the #2 R&B hit "Men". It also reached #45 on the main Billboard album chart - her all time highest showing. The album also featured "Superwoman", written by Babyface and featuring Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle. Knight and LaBelle would collaborate the same year on "I Don't Do Duets", a duet with Patti LaBelle from LaBelle's album Burnin'.
Her fourth solo LP, Just for You, went gold and was nominated for the 1995 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.[9]
In 1992 Vernon Ray Blue II, choir master of the year asked Gladys to record his first single "He Lifted Me"
Knight joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1997. She had occasionally teased LDS Church president, the late Gordon B. Hinckley, that his flock needs to inject some "pep" into their music.[10] Knight created and now directs the Mormon-themed choir Saints Unified Voices.[11] SUV has released a Grammy Award-winning CD titled One Voice, and occasionally performs at LDS church firesides.
In 2005, a duet between Knight and the late Ray Charles of "You Were There" was released on Charles' duets album Genius & Friends.
In 2008, a duet between Knight and Johnny Mathis was released on Mathis' album A Night to Remember. Knight is ranked number eighteen on VH1 network's list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock.
In the spring of 2008, Knight appeared alongside Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle and Diana Ross at the 'Divas with Heart' concert in aid of cardiac research, at New York's Radio City Hall.
In 2008 Gladys, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Stiller performed on American Idol to raise money for charity. In March 2010, Randy Jackson mentioned on a new episode of the same show that he is back in the studio with Gladys Knight working on a new album.
In 2009 Knight sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and "The Lord's Prayer" at the funeral service for Michael Jackson.[12]
On December 21, 2010, Knight released the single "Settle" on iTunes and Amazon. In September 2011, a new, updated recording of Tom Jones' 1970 classic I (Who Have Nothing) was released on iTunes and Amazon.[13]
In 2013, Knight recorded the Lenny Kravitz written and produced song ""You And I Ain't Nothin' No More" for the soundtrack from Lee Daniels' motion picture The Butler. The song was added to the movie's soundtrack of older songs by various artists so that the producers had a song to compete in the Best Song from a Motion Picture category at the Academy Awards.[14]
Gladys is currently working on tracks for a new album, to be released sometime in 2014.
UK Farewell Tour[edit]
In October 2009, Knight started her farewell tour of the United Kingdom[15] which featured Tito Jackson as her supporting act and special appearances by Dionne Warwick.
Speaking ahead of the Manchester show, Jackson said: "The UK was a very special place to my brother Michael and I'm so excited to be able to pay my respect to his fans here. To be able to do this whilst supporting our dear friend Gladys is a complete blessing." On the October 9 concert, his mother Katherine Jackson and his brothers Jackie and Marlon were acknowledged in the audience.
The UK Farewell Tour featured higher production value than previous "Gladys Knight, a mic and a light" appearances by Gladys in the UK. A glossy program was available and the show featured pre-produced animation on large on-stage screens. The tour was promoted by an appearance on the TV program Later... with Jools Holland where Knight performed "If I Were Your Woman" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night".
At select performances on the UK Farewell Tour recordings of the concerts were made available for sale on USB flash drives.[16]
Acting and other work[edit]
Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken & Waffles in Atlanta.
Knight guest-starred on several television series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with roles on Benson, The Jeffersons, A Different World, Living Single, The Jamie Foxx Show, and New York Undercover. In 1985, she co-starred on the CBS sitcom Charlie & Co. alongside comedian Flip Wilson, which lasted for one season. Gladys sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee to kick off Wrestlemania 5 on April 2, 1989. In April 2009, she made a special guest appearance, and performed a song, on Tyler Perry's House Of Payne. Knight has also made a number of television cameo appearances, including Las Vegas and 30 Rock. In 2003, she had a short role in the hit movie Hollywood Homicide, which starred Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett.
Knight's son Shanga owns a chain of chicken and waffles restaurants based in Atlanta, bearing her name.[17] Gladys Knight & Ron Winans' Chicken & Waffles currently have three locations in the Atlanta area. One location was featured on the Travel Channel original series Man v. Food.[18]
In 2008, she made a cameo appearance in 30 Rock as the rest of the cast sang "Midnight Train To Georgia," one of her best-known chart selections.
In 2009, Knight was featured in Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself, the film version of a play he had dramatized, and performed her song The Need To Be from the 1974 album I Feel a Song.
In 2012, Knight competed on the fourteenth season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Tristan MacManus. They were eliminated on April 24 after losing a "dance duel" to Disney Channel star Roshon Fegan and partner Chelsie Hightower, ironically on the show's "Motown Week."[19] She also began a recurring role in the syndicated sitcom The First Family.
Personal life[edit]
Knight has been married four times and has three children. In 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, James Newman. They had one son, James "Jimmy" Newman (1962–1999). She retired from the road to raise their child while The Pips toured on their own.
In 1963, after having her only daughter, businesswoman Kenya (Newman) Jackson, Knight returned to recording with the Pips in order to support her family.
In the early 1960s, Gladys, James, and the Pips moved to Detroit, Michigan. Knight and her family lived on LaSalle in Sherwood Forest, a then upscale neighborhood on Detroit's West Side, and her children attended Gesu Catholic Grade School.
James and Knight divorced in 1973. In 1974, Knight married producer and Blackground Records founder Barry Hankerson, who is the uncle of the late R&B singer Aaliyah, in Detroit. Around 1977, they relocated to Atlanta. (The Pips, however, remained in The Motor City.) The couple had one son, Shanga Hankerson, and divorced in 1981.
Knight married motivational speaker Les Brown[20] in 1995, but they separated and divorced in 1997. Also in 1997, she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, following her son and daughter.[21]
Knight married current husband, William McDowell, in 2001. They have sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Awards, honors and achievements[edit]
For awards won by Knight with the Pips, see Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Grammy Awards 1986 Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal – "That's What Friends Are For" – Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder.
2001 Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album – "At Last"
2004 Best Gospel Performance – "Heaven Help Us All" – Ray Charles & Gladys Knight.
2005 Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album – One Voice – Gladys Knight & The Saints Unified Voices.
Other awards 1992 Gladys Knight was awarded for Career Achievement.[22]
1995 Gladys Knight was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.[23]
1997: Gladys Knight received the Pinnacle Award during 5th Annual Trumpet Awards presentation in Atlanta, Georgia.[24]
2005: Gladys Knight received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the BET cable network.
2006: Gladys Knight received a Legendary Award from the Las Vegas Music Awards.
2007: Gladys Knight received Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist during The 38th NAACP Image Awards.[25]
2007: Gladys Knight was declared the "Empress of Soul" and presented with the 16th Annual Ella Award by the Society of Singers.[1][2]
2008: Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder were presented with the Best Living Legend Award at the 1st Annual The BET Honors.[26]
2008: Gladys Knight received the Lifetime Diva Award at the Stardust Music Awards in March.
2008: Gladys Knight was honored by The National Black Arts Festival and The Coca Cola Company at the 2008 Legends Celebration.[27]
2009: Gladys Knight was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
2011: Gladys Knight received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Soul Train Music Awards
Solo discography[edit]
See also: Gladys Knight & the Pips discography
Studio albums[edit]
Year
Album
Peak chart positions
Certifications
(sales threshold)
Record label
US
[28]
US
R&B
[28]
US
Gospel
[28]
US
Jazz
[28]
1978 Miss Gladys Knight — 57 — — — Buddah
1979 Gladys Knight 201 71 — — — Columbia
1991 Good Woman 45 1 — — — MCA
1994 Just for You 53 6 — — US: Gold [29]
1998 Many Different Roads — — 21 — —
2001 At Last 98 30 — — —
2005 One Voice (with Saints Unified Voices) — 95 2 — — Many Roads
2006 A Christmas Celebration (with Saints Unified Voices) 155 59 1 — —
Before Me 93 18 — 4 — Verve
2013 Another Journey — — - — —
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="8"| "—" denotes the album failed to chart
Singles[edit]
Year
Single
Peak chart positions
US
[30]
US
R&B
[30]
US
A/C
[30]
UK
[31]
1978 "I'm Coming Home Again" — 54 — —
1979 "Am I Too Late" — 45 — —
1981 "When a Child Is Born" (with Johnny Mathis) — — — 74
1985 "That's What Friends Are For" (with Dionne Warwick, Elton John & Stevie Wonder) 1 1 1 16
1986 "Loving on Borrowed Time (Love Theme from Cobra)" (with Bill Medley) — — 16 —
1989 "Licence to Kill" — 69 18 6
1990 "If I Knew Then What I Know Now" (with Kenny Rogers) — — 10 —
1991 "Men" — 2 — —
"Superwoman" (with Dionne Warwick & Patti LaBelle) [A] — 19 — —
"Meet Me in the Middle" — 78 — —
1992 "Where Would I Be" — 66 — —
1994 "I Don't Want to Know" 113 32 — —
"End of the Road Medley" [A] — 76 — —
1995 "Next Time" — 30 — —
1996 "Missing You" (with Brandy, Tamia & Chaka Khan) 25 10 30 —
2010 "Settle" — — — —
2011 "I (Who Have Nothing)" — — — —
"—" denotes the single failed to chart
NotesA Did not chart on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts (Billboard rules at the time prevented album cuts from charting). Chart peak listed represents the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
Published works[edit]
Knight, Gladys. At Home With Gladys Knight, McGraw-Hill, 2001 – ISBN 1-58040-075-2
Knight, Gladys. Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story, Hyperion Press, 1998 – ISBN 0-7868-8371-5
References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b "The Voice, Winter 2007, Society of Singer's 16th Ella Awards".
2.^ Jump up to: a b ""Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight will be giving a special performance at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, November 7". September 22, 2010.
3.Jump up ^ [1]
4.Jump up ^ Grantham, Loretta (November 11, 1999). "KNIGHT'S QUEST: END DIABETES, FOR MOM'S SAKE". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
5.Jump up ^ McClure, Rhonda R. (October 25, 2001). "Ancestry of Gladys Knight". Genealogy.com. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
6.Jump up ^ Knight, Gladys. Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story. Hyperion, New York, NY 1997, p. 179.
7.Jump up ^ "The Georgia Music Hall of Fame Music Store".
8.Jump up ^ "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Gladys Knight and The Pips".
9.Jump up ^ "James Newman, Gladys Knight's Son And Manager, Dies In Las Vegas At 36". Jet. 1999.
10.Jump up ^ 2006 September, Desert Saints Magazine
11.Jump up ^ "SUV Choir". SUV Choir. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
12.Jump up ^ "Gladys Knight moves Jackson mourners to tears".
13.Jump up ^ "Information on and review of the new single".
14.Jump up ^ Friedman, Roger. "Lenny Kravitz Writes Gladys Knight an Oscar-Buzzed Song for "The Butler"". Retrieved 10 August 2013.
15.Jump up ^ "The Empress of Soul-Gladys Knight".
16.Jump up ^ "Official Gladys Knight USB Wristband". GladysKnightLiveUSB.com. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
17.Jump up ^ "Official Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken and Waffles website".
18.Jump up ^ Family Business – Gladys Knight co-owner of restaurant in Atlanta. Jet Dec 11, 2000
19.Jump up ^ Gladys Knight bounced from Dancing With the Stars, The Vancouver Sun, April 25, 2012
20.Jump up ^ Gladys Knight Weds Les Brown In Las Vegas In Private Ceremony.
21.Jump up ^ Soul Survivor In Her New Memoir, Gladys Knight Looks Back At Nearly Five Decades In Show Business. – Philly.com October 05, 1997
22.Jump up ^ Oprah Winfrey & Denzel Washington present Essence Award to Gladys Knight on YouTube
23.Jump up ^ "Recipient and location of Hollywood Walk of Fame Star".
24.Jump up ^ "The 5th Annual Trumpet Awards salutes outstanding black achievers during gala ceremony in Atlanta". Jet. February 3, 1997. Retrieved 2012-03-22.
25.Jump up ^ "The 38th NAACP Image Awards.".
26.Jump up ^ "1st Annual The BET Honors".
27.Jump up ^ "Westmark, Jan. Celebrity News Service".
28.^ Jump up to: a b c d "US Albums Charts > Gladys Knight". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
29.Jump up ^ "US Certifications > Gladys Knight". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
30.^ Jump up to: a b c "US Singles Charts > Gladys Knight". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
31.Jump up ^ "UK Charts > Gladys Knight". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gladys Knight.
Official website
Gladys Knight at the Internet Movie Database
Gladys Knight (b. 1944), New Georgia Encyclopedia
Saints Unified Voices
Article explaining the creation of Saints Unified Voices
Sharing the Gospel Through Music –
City Press (S.Africa) article
Capetown (S.Africa) article
Gladys Knight featured at the Hawaii Romance Festival, May 2008
Early article referencing Gladys Knight as Empress of Soul.
Ottawa Sun, "Empress of Soul closes out Jazzfest in style."
Buffalo Resort and Casino To Host "The Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight.
The Empress of Soul:Gladys Knight's Love and Life...
Article highlighting Georgia's musical heritage, referencing "Empress of Soul," Gladys Knight.
Internet Movie Data Base
Legendary Empress of Soul Gladys Knight Returns To The Orleans Showroom.
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Gladys Knight & the Pips
Wikipedia book
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Categories: 1944 births
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Converts to Mormonism
Gladys Knight & the Pips members
Grammy Award-winning artists
Living people
Participants in American reality television series
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Gladys Knight
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Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight.jpg
Knight in concert at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California, on October 12, 2006.
Background information
Birth name
Gladys Maria Knight
Also known as
The Empress of Soul
Born
May 28, 1944 (age 69)
Origin
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Detroit, Michigan, United States
Genres
R&B, Pop, Gospel
Occupations
singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, author
Instruments
Vocals
Years active
1953–present
Labels
[ [Vee-Jay Records
Associated acts
Gladys Knight & the Pips, Brandy Norwood
Gladys Maria Knight (born May 28, 1944), known as the "Empress of Soul",[1][2] is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian and author. A seven-time Grammy Award-winner,[3] she is best known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, for both the Motown and Buddah Records labels, with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips, the most famous incarnation of which also included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and her cousins Edward Patten and William Guest.
Contents [hide]
1 Early life
2 Success with The Pips
3 Solo music career
4 UK Farewell Tour
5 Acting and other work
6 Personal life
7 Awards, honors and achievements
8 Solo discography 8.1 Studio albums
8.2 Singles
9 Published works
10 References
11 External links
Early life[edit]
Knight was born in Oglethorpe, Georgia, the daughter of Sarah Elizabeth (née Woods) and Merald Woodlow Knight, Sr., a postal worker.[4][5] She first achieved minor fame by winning Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour TV show contest at the age of 7 in 1952. The following year, she, her brother Merald, sister Brenda, and cousins William and Elenor Guest formed a musical group called The Pips (named after another cousin, James "Pip" Woods). By the end of the decade, the act had begun to tour, and had replaced Brenda Knight and Eleanor Guest with Gladys Knight's cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George.
Success with The Pips[edit]
Main article: Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight & the Pips joined the Motown roster in 1966, and, although regarded as a second-string act, scored several hit singles, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", (recorded first by Marvin Gaye but released a year later), "Friendship Train" (1969), "If I Were Your Woman" (1970), "I Don't Want To Do Wrong" (1971), the Grammy Award winning "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" (1972), and "Daddy Could Swear (I Declare)" (1973). In their early Motown career Gladys Knight and the Pips toured as the opening act for Diana Ross and The Supremes. Gladys Knight stated in her memoirs that Ross kicked her off the tour because the audience's reception to Knight's soulful performance overshadowed her. Berry Gordy later told Gladys that she was giving his act a hard time.[6]
Knight and the Pips perform aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger on November 1, 1981.
The act left Motown for a better deal with Buddah Records in 1973, and achieved full-fledged success that year with hits such as the Grammy-winning "Midnight Train to Georgia" (#1 on the pop and R&B chart), "I've Got to Use My Imagination," and "You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me". In the summer of 1974, Knight and the Pips recorded the soundtrack to the successful film Claudine with producer Curtis Mayfield. The act was particularly successful in Europe, and especially the United Kingdom. However, a number of the Buddah singles became hits in the UK long after their success in the US. For example, "Midnight Train to Georgia" hit the UK pop charts Top 5 in the summer of 1976, a full three years after its success in the U.S.
During this period of greater recognition, Knight made her motion picture acting debut in the film Pipe Dreams, a romantic drama set in Alaska. The film failed at the box-office, but Knight did receive a Golden Globe Best New Actress nomination.
Knight and the Pips continued to have hits until the late 1970s, when they were forced to record separately due to legal issues, resulting in Knight's first solo LP recordings--Miss Gladys Knight (1978) on Buddah and Gladys Knight (1979) on Columbia Records. Having divorced James Newman II in 1973, Knight married Barry Hankerson (future uncle of R&B singer Aaliyah), then Detroit mayor Coleman Young's executive aide. Knight and Hankerson remained married for four years, during which time they had a son, Shanga Ali. Upon their divorce, Hankerson and Knight were embroiled in a heated custody battle over Shanga Ali.
In the early 1980s, Johnny Mathis invited Gladys to record two duets – "When A Child Is Born" (previously a hit for Mathis) and "The Lord's Prayer".
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine"
Gladys Knight & the Pips' version of the song, from their 1967 album Everybody Needs Love.
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Signing with Columbia Records in 1980 and restored to its familiar quartet form, Gladys Knight & the Pips began releasing new material. The act enlisted former Motown producers Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson for their first two LPs--About Love (1980) and Touch (1981). During this period, Knight kicked a gambling addiction to the game baccarat.
In 1987, Knight decided to pursue a solo career, and she and the Pips recorded their final LP together, All Our Love (1987), for MCA Records. Its lead single, "Love Overboard", was a successful hit and won a third Grammy for the act as well. After a successful 1988 tour, the Pips retired and Knight began her solo career. Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame[7] in 1989 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame[8] in 1996.
Solo music career[edit]
While still with The Pips, Gladys joined with Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John on the 1986 AIDS benefit single, "That's What Friends Are For", a triple #1 mega-hit, which won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. In 1989, she recorded the title track for the James Bond movie Licence to Kill, a top 10 hit in the UK and Germany.
Gladys released her third and most successful solo LP, Good Woman, on MCA in 1991. It hit #1 on the R&B album chart and featured the #2 R&B hit "Men". It also reached #45 on the main Billboard album chart - her all time highest showing. The album also featured "Superwoman", written by Babyface and featuring Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle. Knight and LaBelle would collaborate the same year on "I Don't Do Duets", a duet with Patti LaBelle from LaBelle's album Burnin'.
Her fourth solo LP, Just for You, went gold and was nominated for the 1995 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.[9]
In 1992 Vernon Ray Blue II, choir master of the year asked Gladys to record his first single "He Lifted Me"
Knight joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1997. She had occasionally teased LDS Church president, the late Gordon B. Hinckley, that his flock needs to inject some "pep" into their music.[10] Knight created and now directs the Mormon-themed choir Saints Unified Voices.[11] SUV has released a Grammy Award-winning CD titled One Voice, and occasionally performs at LDS church firesides.
In 2005, a duet between Knight and the late Ray Charles of "You Were There" was released on Charles' duets album Genius & Friends.
In 2008, a duet between Knight and Johnny Mathis was released on Mathis' album A Night to Remember. Knight is ranked number eighteen on VH1 network's list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock.
In the spring of 2008, Knight appeared alongside Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle and Diana Ross at the 'Divas with Heart' concert in aid of cardiac research, at New York's Radio City Hall.
In 2008 Gladys, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Stiller performed on American Idol to raise money for charity. In March 2010, Randy Jackson mentioned on a new episode of the same show that he is back in the studio with Gladys Knight working on a new album.
In 2009 Knight sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and "The Lord's Prayer" at the funeral service for Michael Jackson.[12]
On December 21, 2010, Knight released the single "Settle" on iTunes and Amazon. In September 2011, a new, updated recording of Tom Jones' 1970 classic I (Who Have Nothing) was released on iTunes and Amazon.[13]
In 2013, Knight recorded the Lenny Kravitz written and produced song ""You And I Ain't Nothin' No More" for the soundtrack from Lee Daniels' motion picture The Butler. The song was added to the movie's soundtrack of older songs by various artists so that the producers had a song to compete in the Best Song from a Motion Picture category at the Academy Awards.[14]
Gladys is currently working on tracks for a new album, to be released sometime in 2014.
UK Farewell Tour[edit]
In October 2009, Knight started her farewell tour of the United Kingdom[15] which featured Tito Jackson as her supporting act and special appearances by Dionne Warwick.
Speaking ahead of the Manchester show, Jackson said: "The UK was a very special place to my brother Michael and I'm so excited to be able to pay my respect to his fans here. To be able to do this whilst supporting our dear friend Gladys is a complete blessing." On the October 9 concert, his mother Katherine Jackson and his brothers Jackie and Marlon were acknowledged in the audience.
The UK Farewell Tour featured higher production value than previous "Gladys Knight, a mic and a light" appearances by Gladys in the UK. A glossy program was available and the show featured pre-produced animation on large on-stage screens. The tour was promoted by an appearance on the TV program Later... with Jools Holland where Knight performed "If I Were Your Woman" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night".
At select performances on the UK Farewell Tour recordings of the concerts were made available for sale on USB flash drives.[16]
Acting and other work[edit]
Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken & Waffles in Atlanta.
Knight guest-starred on several television series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with roles on Benson, The Jeffersons, A Different World, Living Single, The Jamie Foxx Show, and New York Undercover. In 1985, she co-starred on the CBS sitcom Charlie & Co. alongside comedian Flip Wilson, which lasted for one season. Gladys sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee to kick off Wrestlemania 5 on April 2, 1989. In April 2009, she made a special guest appearance, and performed a song, on Tyler Perry's House Of Payne. Knight has also made a number of television cameo appearances, including Las Vegas and 30 Rock. In 2003, she had a short role in the hit movie Hollywood Homicide, which starred Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett.
Knight's son Shanga owns a chain of chicken and waffles restaurants based in Atlanta, bearing her name.[17] Gladys Knight & Ron Winans' Chicken & Waffles currently have three locations in the Atlanta area. One location was featured on the Travel Channel original series Man v. Food.[18]
In 2008, she made a cameo appearance in 30 Rock as the rest of the cast sang "Midnight Train To Georgia," one of her best-known chart selections.
In 2009, Knight was featured in Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself, the film version of a play he had dramatized, and performed her song The Need To Be from the 1974 album I Feel a Song.
In 2012, Knight competed on the fourteenth season of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Tristan MacManus. They were eliminated on April 24 after losing a "dance duel" to Disney Channel star Roshon Fegan and partner Chelsie Hightower, ironically on the show's "Motown Week."[19] She also began a recurring role in the syndicated sitcom The First Family.
Personal life[edit]
Knight has been married four times and has three children. In 1960, she married her high school sweetheart, James Newman. They had one son, James "Jimmy" Newman (1962–1999). She retired from the road to raise their child while The Pips toured on their own.
In 1963, after having her only daughter, businesswoman Kenya (Newman) Jackson, Knight returned to recording with the Pips in order to support her family.
In the early 1960s, Gladys, James, and the Pips moved to Detroit, Michigan. Knight and her family lived on LaSalle in Sherwood Forest, a then upscale neighborhood on Detroit's West Side, and her children attended Gesu Catholic Grade School.
James and Knight divorced in 1973. In 1974, Knight married producer and Blackground Records founder Barry Hankerson, who is the uncle of the late R&B singer Aaliyah, in Detroit. Around 1977, they relocated to Atlanta. (The Pips, however, remained in The Motor City.) The couple had one son, Shanga Hankerson, and divorced in 1981.
Knight married motivational speaker Les Brown[20] in 1995, but they separated and divorced in 1997. Also in 1997, she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, following her son and daughter.[21]
Knight married current husband, William McDowell, in 2001. They have sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Awards, honors and achievements[edit]
For awards won by Knight with the Pips, see Gladys Knight & the Pips.
Grammy Awards 1986 Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal – "That's What Friends Are For" – Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Gladys Knight & Stevie Wonder.
2001 Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album – "At Last"
2004 Best Gospel Performance – "Heaven Help Us All" – Ray Charles & Gladys Knight.
2005 Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album – One Voice – Gladys Knight & The Saints Unified Voices.
Other awards 1992 Gladys Knight was awarded for Career Achievement.[22]
1995 Gladys Knight was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.[23]
1997: Gladys Knight received the Pinnacle Award during 5th Annual Trumpet Awards presentation in Atlanta, Georgia.[24]
2005: Gladys Knight received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the BET cable network.
2006: Gladys Knight received a Legendary Award from the Las Vegas Music Awards.
2007: Gladys Knight received Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist during The 38th NAACP Image Awards.[25]
2007: Gladys Knight was declared the "Empress of Soul" and presented with the 16th Annual Ella Award by the Society of Singers.[1][2]
2008: Gladys Knight and Stevie Wonder were presented with the Best Living Legend Award at the 1st Annual The BET Honors.[26]
2008: Gladys Knight received the Lifetime Diva Award at the Stardust Music Awards in March.
2008: Gladys Knight was honored by The National Black Arts Festival and The Coca Cola Company at the 2008 Legends Celebration.[27]
2009: Gladys Knight was inducted into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
2011: Gladys Knight received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Soul Train Music Awards
Solo discography[edit]
See also: Gladys Knight & the Pips discography
Studio albums[edit]
Year
Album
Peak chart positions
Certifications
(sales threshold)
Record label
US
[28]
US
R&B
[28]
US
Gospel
[28]
US
Jazz
[28]
1978 Miss Gladys Knight — 57 — — — Buddah
1979 Gladys Knight 201 71 — — — Columbia
1991 Good Woman 45 1 — — — MCA
1994 Just for You 53 6 — — US: Gold [29]
1998 Many Different Roads — — 21 — —
2001 At Last 98 30 — — —
2005 One Voice (with Saints Unified Voices) — 95 2 — — Many Roads
2006 A Christmas Celebration (with Saints Unified Voices) 155 59 1 — —
Before Me 93 18 — 4 — Verve
2013 Another Journey — — - — —
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="8"| "—" denotes the album failed to chart
Singles[edit]
Year
Single
Peak chart positions
US
[30]
US
R&B
[30]
US
A/C
[30]
UK
[31]
1978 "I'm Coming Home Again" — 54 — —
1979 "Am I Too Late" — 45 — —
1981 "When a Child Is Born" (with Johnny Mathis) — — — 74
1985 "That's What Friends Are For" (with Dionne Warwick, Elton John & Stevie Wonder) 1 1 1 16
1986 "Loving on Borrowed Time (Love Theme from Cobra)" (with Bill Medley) — — 16 —
1989 "Licence to Kill" — 69 18 6
1990 "If I Knew Then What I Know Now" (with Kenny Rogers) — — 10 —
1991 "Men" — 2 — —
"Superwoman" (with Dionne Warwick & Patti LaBelle) [A] — 19 — —
"Meet Me in the Middle" — 78 — —
1992 "Where Would I Be" — 66 — —
1994 "I Don't Want to Know" 113 32 — —
"End of the Road Medley" [A] — 76 — —
1995 "Next Time" — 30 — —
1996 "Missing You" (with Brandy, Tamia & Chaka Khan) 25 10 30 —
2010 "Settle" — — — —
2011 "I (Who Have Nothing)" — — — —
"—" denotes the single failed to chart
NotesA Did not chart on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts (Billboard rules at the time prevented album cuts from charting). Chart peak listed represents the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
Published works[edit]
Knight, Gladys. At Home With Gladys Knight, McGraw-Hill, 2001 – ISBN 1-58040-075-2
Knight, Gladys. Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story, Hyperion Press, 1998 – ISBN 0-7868-8371-5
References[edit]
1.^ Jump up to: a b "The Voice, Winter 2007, Society of Singer's 16th Ella Awards".
2.^ Jump up to: a b ""Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight will be giving a special performance at Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, November 7". September 22, 2010.
3.Jump up ^ [1]
4.Jump up ^ Grantham, Loretta (November 11, 1999). "KNIGHT'S QUEST: END DIABETES, FOR MOM'S SAKE". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
5.Jump up ^ McClure, Rhonda R. (October 25, 2001). "Ancestry of Gladys Knight". Genealogy.com. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
6.Jump up ^ Knight, Gladys. Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story. Hyperion, New York, NY 1997, p. 179.
7.Jump up ^ "The Georgia Music Hall of Fame Music Store".
8.Jump up ^ "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees Gladys Knight and The Pips".
9.Jump up ^ "James Newman, Gladys Knight's Son And Manager, Dies In Las Vegas At 36". Jet. 1999.
10.Jump up ^ 2006 September, Desert Saints Magazine
11.Jump up ^ "SUV Choir". SUV Choir. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
12.Jump up ^ "Gladys Knight moves Jackson mourners to tears".
13.Jump up ^ "Information on and review of the new single".
14.Jump up ^ Friedman, Roger. "Lenny Kravitz Writes Gladys Knight an Oscar-Buzzed Song for "The Butler"". Retrieved 10 August 2013.
15.Jump up ^ "The Empress of Soul-Gladys Knight".
16.Jump up ^ "Official Gladys Knight USB Wristband". GladysKnightLiveUSB.com. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
17.Jump up ^ "Official Gladys Knight & Ron Winans Chicken and Waffles website".
18.Jump up ^ Family Business – Gladys Knight co-owner of restaurant in Atlanta. Jet Dec 11, 2000
19.Jump up ^ Gladys Knight bounced from Dancing With the Stars, The Vancouver Sun, April 25, 2012
20.Jump up ^ Gladys Knight Weds Les Brown In Las Vegas In Private Ceremony.
21.Jump up ^ Soul Survivor In Her New Memoir, Gladys Knight Looks Back At Nearly Five Decades In Show Business. – Philly.com October 05, 1997
22.Jump up ^ Oprah Winfrey & Denzel Washington present Essence Award to Gladys Knight on YouTube
23.Jump up ^ "Recipient and location of Hollywood Walk of Fame Star".
24.Jump up ^ "The 5th Annual Trumpet Awards salutes outstanding black achievers during gala ceremony in Atlanta". Jet. February 3, 1997. Retrieved 2012-03-22.
25.Jump up ^ "The 38th NAACP Image Awards.".
26.Jump up ^ "1st Annual The BET Honors".
27.Jump up ^ "Westmark, Jan. Celebrity News Service".
28.^ Jump up to: a b c d "US Albums Charts > Gladys Knight". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
29.Jump up ^ "US Certifications > Gladys Knight". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
30.^ Jump up to: a b c "US Singles Charts > Gladys Knight". Allmusic. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
31.Jump up ^ "UK Charts > Gladys Knight". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2011-10-04.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gladys Knight.
Official website
Gladys Knight at the Internet Movie Database
Gladys Knight (b. 1944), New Georgia Encyclopedia
Saints Unified Voices
Article explaining the creation of Saints Unified Voices
Sharing the Gospel Through Music –
City Press (S.Africa) article
Capetown (S.Africa) article
Gladys Knight featured at the Hawaii Romance Festival, May 2008
Early article referencing Gladys Knight as Empress of Soul.
Ottawa Sun, "Empress of Soul closes out Jazzfest in style."
Buffalo Resort and Casino To Host "The Empress of Soul" Gladys Knight.
The Empress of Soul:Gladys Knight's Love and Life...
Article highlighting Georgia's musical heritage, referencing "Empress of Soul," Gladys Knight.
Internet Movie Data Base
Legendary Empress of Soul Gladys Knight Returns To The Orleans Showroom.
[show]
v ·
t ·
e
Gladys Knight & the Pips
Wikipedia book
[show]
v ·
t ·
e
Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 14)
[show]
v ·
t ·
e
Aaliyah
Wikipedia book
Category
Portal
Authority control
WorldCat ·
VIAF: 85440830 ·
LCCN: n82063180 ·
ISNI: 0000 0001 1450 5083 ·
GND: 120235250 ·
BNF: cb138960577 ·
MusicBrainz: 68f644b2-42ed-4d11-8bc7-633d5250721b
Categories: 1944 births
African-American businesswomen
African-American female singers
African-American Latter Day Saints
American female singers
American humanitarians
American contraltos
American Latter Day Saints
American soul singers
American television actresses
Converts to Mormonism
Gladys Knight & the Pips members
Grammy Award-winning artists
Living people
Participants in American reality television series
Musicians from Atlanta, Georgia
Vee-Jay Records artists
Writers from Georgia (U.S. state)
Dancing with the Stars (U.S. TV series) participants
African-American actresses
American film actresses
Aaliyah
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Gladys Knight Poster
Gladys Knight
Biography
Showing all 25 items
Jump to: Overview (3) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (4) | Trivia (16) | Personal Quotes (1)
Overview (3)
Date of Birth 28 May 1944 , Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Birth Name Gladys Maria Knight
Height 5' 3½" (1.61 m)
Mini Bio (1)
Gladys Maria Knight (born May 28, 1944), known as the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and author. She is best known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, for both the Motown and Buddah Records labels, with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips, the most famous incarnation of which also included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and her cousins Edward Patten and William Guest. Knight has won a total of seven Grammy awards (four as a solo artist, and three with The Pips).
- Biography Source: wikipedia.org, License: Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
Spouse (4)
William McDowell (12 April 2001 - present)
Les Brown (29 August 1995 - 1997) (divorced)
Barry Hankerson (12 October 1974 - 1979) (divorced) (1 child)
James Newman (1960 - 1964) (divorced) (2 children)
Trivia (16)
Won on "Ted Mack & the Original Amateur Hour" (1948)_ at age 7.
She has 3 children from two of her four marriages.
Aunt, by marriage, of singer Aaliyah (she was married to Aaliyah's uncle Barry Hankerson).
Sister of Merald Knight, cousin of William Guest, and Edward Patten.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Gladys Knight and the Pips) in 1996.
Ranked #18 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll
Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Once performed Licence to Kill in concert at Caesars Atlantic City for Jason Allentoff and Brandon Allentoff.
Mother of Jimmy Newman III (died 1999), Kenya Jackson (née Newman), and Shanga Hankerson.
Had a gambling problem.
Parents are Merald Sr. (a postal worker) and Elizabeth (a housewife).
The name, "The Pips", came from the name of their manager, James 'Pip' Wood, who is also Knight's cousin.
Has an older sister, Brenda, and a younger brother, David.
She owns a chain of chicken and waffles restaurants based in Atlanta.
She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Currently tours with her choir "Saints Unified Voices" throughout the United States at LDS (Mormon) church meetinghouses, cultural events, and concerts. Ray Charles' last album contains a duet with Gladys Knight and it won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance (Duet). [February 2005]
Personal Quotes (1)
Believe me when I say this: you can't please everyone in concert, even though I still want to. Someone always wants you to sing a song that isn't necessarily on your set list. So I'm heavy on the medleys these days.
.
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Edit
Gladys Knight Poster
Gladys Knight
Biography
Showing all 25 items
Jump to: Overview (3) | Mini Bio (1) | Spouse (4) | Trivia (16) | Personal Quotes (1)
Overview (3)
Date of Birth 28 May 1944 , Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Birth Name Gladys Maria Knight
Height 5' 3½" (1.61 m)
Mini Bio (1)
Gladys Maria Knight (born May 28, 1944), known as the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, humanitarian, and author. She is best known for the hits she recorded during the 1960s and 1970s, for both the Motown and Buddah Records labels, with her group Gladys Knight & the Pips, the most famous incarnation of which also included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and her cousins Edward Patten and William Guest. Knight has won a total of seven Grammy awards (four as a solo artist, and three with The Pips).
- Biography Source: wikipedia.org, License: Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
Spouse (4)
William McDowell (12 April 2001 - present)
Les Brown (29 August 1995 - 1997) (divorced)
Barry Hankerson (12 October 1974 - 1979) (divorced) (1 child)
James Newman (1960 - 1964) (divorced) (2 children)
Trivia (16)
Won on "Ted Mack & the Original Amateur Hour" (1948)_ at age 7.
She has 3 children from two of her four marriages.
Aunt, by marriage, of singer Aaliyah (she was married to Aaliyah's uncle Barry Hankerson).
Sister of Merald Knight, cousin of William Guest, and Edward Patten.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of Gladys Knight and the Pips) in 1996.
Ranked #18 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll
Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Once performed Licence to Kill in concert at Caesars Atlantic City for Jason Allentoff and Brandon Allentoff.
Mother of Jimmy Newman III (died 1999), Kenya Jackson (née Newman), and Shanga Hankerson.
Had a gambling problem.
Parents are Merald Sr. (a postal worker) and Elizabeth (a housewife).
The name, "The Pips", came from the name of their manager, James 'Pip' Wood, who is also Knight's cousin.
Has an older sister, Brenda, and a younger brother, David.
She owns a chain of chicken and waffles restaurants based in Atlanta.
She was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 7083 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
Currently tours with her choir "Saints Unified Voices" throughout the United States at LDS (Mormon) church meetinghouses, cultural events, and concerts. Ray Charles' last album contains a duet with Gladys Knight and it won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance (Duet). [February 2005]
Personal Quotes (1)
Believe me when I say this: you can't please everyone in concert, even though I still want to. Someone always wants you to sing a song that isn't necessarily on your set list. So I'm heavy on the medleys these days.
.
See also
Other Works | Publicity Listings | Official Sites | Contact Info
.
Getting Started | Contributor Zone »
Contribute to This Page
Edit page
Add resume
.
ad feedback
Gladys Knight
Personal Details
Biography
Other Works
Publicity Listings
Official Sites
Contact Info (IMDbPro)
Explore More
Share this page:
Create a list »
User Lists
Related lists from IMDb users
list image
My Favorite Celebrity Geminis
a list of 44 people created 17 May 2011
list image
Blacktresses: From Gabourey Sidibe to Diahann Carroll
a list of 489 people created 29 Oct 2011
list image
Best Female Singers
a list of 25 people created 8 months ago
list image
The 20 Greatest Singers Of All Time
a list of 20 people created 2 months ago
See all related lists »
Home | Search | Site Index | In Theaters | Coming Soon | Top Movies | Watchlist | Top 250 | TV | News | Video | Message Boards | Press Room
Register | RSS | Advertising | Contact Us | Jobs | IMDbPro | Box Office Mojo | Withoutabox | LOVEFiLM
IMDb Mobile: iPhone/iPad | Android | Mobile site | Windows Phone 7 | IMDb Social: Facebook | Twitter
Copyright © 1990-2013 IMDb.com, Inc.
Conditions of Use | Privacy Policy | Interest-Based Ads
An company.
Amazon Affiliates
Amazon Instant Video
Watch Movies &
TV Online Prime Instant Video
Unlimited Streaming
of Movies & TV Amazon Germany
Buy Movies on
DVD & Blu-ray Amazon Italy
Buy Movies on
DVD & Blu-ray Amazon France
Buy Movies on
DVD & Blu-ray Amazon India
Buy Movie and
TV Show DVDs LOVEFiLM
Watch Movies
Online Junglee
India Online
Shopping DPReview
Digital
Photography Audible
Download
Audio Books
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