Knight was born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Merald Knight (father) and Sarah Elizabeth Knight (mother). She was one of the four children that were born to her parents. While growing up, she used to sing for her church choir and she was merely 4 years old this time.<\/p>\n
As she continued to sing, she perfected her voice, which ultimately gave her more opportunities. In 1952, when Knight was just 7 years old, she won a televised talent contest on Ted Mack\u2019s Original Amateur Hour. This show gave a young girl from Atlanta a ladder to success, which allowed her to climb the stories of success.<\/p>\n
The Collaboration of Brothers and Sisters<\/strong><\/h2>\nIt was not long after her win at the televised show that Knight formed a vocal group along with her brother and sisters. Knight\u2019s brother Merald (\u2018Bubba\u2019) Knight Jr., her sister Brenda Knight, and cousins William and Eleanor Guest got together and formed the group known as \u2018The Pips\u2019. The group was named after the member\u2019s cousin and first manager, James (\u2018Pip\u2019) Woods.<\/p>\n
The group initially started by singing gospel music at their local churches. In 1959, Brenda and Elenor had to leave the group and they were replaced by cousin Edward Patten and friend Langston George. This led to the group being renamed Gladys Knight and the Pips. As a group, they got brilliant opportunities to perform live and for soul music legends like Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke. In addition to this, they were also signed to a record label, which gave them a reach to a wider audience.<\/p>\n
The group\u2019s first album came out in 1960, at the time when Knight was 16. She was the lead singer and the Pips assisted her by providing tasteful choreography and melodic harmonies that enhanced the overall quality and feedback of their music. Due to their talent, they became very iconic in that era and recorded some songs during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. In 1961, the group created its first single which was written by Johnny Otis.<\/p>\n
Achieving Fame<\/strong><\/h2>\nGladys Knight was the lead vocalist for her group, which also made her more famous. She was able to bag a deal with Motown Records in 1966. After signing with Motown, the group released several hit songs such as \u2018Heard It Through the Grapevine’ and \u2018If I Were Your Woman\u2019, among others. The group\u2019s time at Motown solidified their presence as a leading performer in soul music. This popularity also allowed them to be invited to perform at different occasions and venues. One such instance was the performance at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969.<\/p>\n
However, certain disputes arose between the group and Motown, which led to the group leaving the label. The group alleged that they did not receive proper treatment, did not receive loyalties and fair opportunity was not given to them. Hence, they left the Motown label.<\/p>\n
After Motown, the group was signed by Buddah Records in 1973. Further, in 1974, the group won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, group, or chorus for their hit song \u2018Neither One of Us’. It was under their newly joined label that the group released what was ultimately called their signature song. The song was titled \u2018Midnight Train to Georgia\u2019. This song made them win the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus in 1974 as well.<\/p>\n
These songs became the recipient of such a precious award as they were able to top the R&B charts and also became crossover hits on the pop charts. During this time, the group released some more notable hits such as \u2018Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me\u2019 (1973) and \u2018I Don\u2019t Want to Do Wrong\u2019 (1971), which established Knight\u2019s tremendous vocal talent in front of the world.<\/p>\n
During the 80s, the group joined hands with producers Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson for their albums \u2018About Love\u2019 (1980) and \u2018Touch\u2019 (1981). They even won Grammys during this decade, which increased their popularity even more. However, in 1988, Gladys Knight and the Pips disbanded. The group made such a tremendous impression on music lovers across the world that was not soon to be forgotten. They found a position in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.<\/p>\n
Transitioning to Solo<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven before the group disbanded, Knight did take on some opportunities and sang solo. She sang on the AIDS charity single titled \u2018That\u2019s What Friends Are For\u2019 featuring legends like Elton John, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder in the year 1985. Further, she also got the opportunity to sing the title song of the famous movie series James Bond. The song was titled \u2018License to Kill\u2019.<\/p>\n
Another solo album of hers that received praise and accolades was the album titled \u2018Good Woman\u2019 released in 1991. The album was able to reach number one on the Billboard R&B chart. She received her first solo Grammy for her album \u2018At Last\u2019, released in 2000.<\/p>\n
Along with R&B, she was also continuing with her gospel recordings, with those also receiving praises. She collaborated with Ray Charles on the song \u2018Heaven Help Us All\u2019, which allowed her to win the Grammy in 2005 for Best Gospel Performance.<\/p>\n
Movie Career<\/strong><\/h2>\nKnight\u2019s first movie was as a lead in the film \u2018Pipe Dreams\u2019, in which she starred next to her then-husband, Barry Hankerson. This performance was also well-received by the audience, allowing her to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.<\/p>\n
She starred in the television series Charlie & Co. from 1985 to 1986, opposite comedian Flip Wilson. She also appeared as a guest on some series like \u2018The Jeffersons\u2019, \u2018The Jamie Foxx Show\u2019 and \u2018Empire\u2019.<\/p>\n
Gladys Knight Facts and Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nName<\/td>\n Gladys Maria Knight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOther Name<\/td>\n The Empress of Soul<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBorn<\/td>\n May 28, 1944<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOrigin<\/td>\n Atlanta, Georgia, United States<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nGenre<\/td>\n R&B, Soul, Gospel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOccupation<\/td>\n Singer, Song-Writer, Actress, Businesswoman<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nMarriage<\/td>\n Married 4 times; Currently married to William McDowell since 2001<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nChildren<\/td>\n James \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Gaston Newman III (Son), Kenya Maria Newman (Daughter), Shanga Ali Hankerson (Son)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFirst Label<\/td>\n Motown Records<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFamous Songs<\/td>\n Midnight Train to Georgia, If I Were Your Woman, Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFirst Movie<\/td>\n Pipe Dreams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nAwards<\/td>\n Recipient of 7 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist, BET Lifetime Achievement Award<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Gladys Knight was the lead vocalist for her group, which also made her more famous. She was able to bag a deal with Motown Records in 1966. After signing with Motown, the group released several hit songs such as \u2018Heard It Through the Grapevine’ and \u2018If I Were Your Woman\u2019, among others. The group\u2019s time at Motown solidified their presence as a leading performer in soul music. This popularity also allowed them to be invited to perform at different occasions and venues. One such instance was the performance at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969.<\/p>\n
However, certain disputes arose between the group and Motown, which led to the group leaving the label. The group alleged that they did not receive proper treatment, did not receive loyalties and fair opportunity was not given to them. Hence, they left the Motown label.<\/p>\n
After Motown, the group was signed by Buddah Records in 1973. Further, in 1974, the group won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, group, or chorus for their hit song \u2018Neither One of Us’. It was under their newly joined label that the group released what was ultimately called their signature song. The song was titled \u2018Midnight Train to Georgia\u2019. This song made them win the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus in 1974 as well.<\/p>\n
These songs became the recipient of such a precious award as they were able to top the R&B charts and also became crossover hits on the pop charts. During this time, the group released some more notable hits such as \u2018Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me\u2019 (1973) and \u2018I Don\u2019t Want to Do Wrong\u2019 (1971), which established Knight\u2019s tremendous vocal talent in front of the world.<\/p>\n
During the 80s, the group joined hands with producers Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson for their albums \u2018About Love\u2019 (1980) and \u2018Touch\u2019 (1981). They even won Grammys during this decade, which increased their popularity even more. However, in 1988, Gladys Knight and the Pips disbanded. The group made such a tremendous impression on music lovers across the world that was not soon to be forgotten. They found a position in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.<\/p>\n
Transitioning to Solo<\/strong><\/h2>\nEven before the group disbanded, Knight did take on some opportunities and sang solo. She sang on the AIDS charity single titled \u2018That\u2019s What Friends Are For\u2019 featuring legends like Elton John, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder in the year 1985. Further, she also got the opportunity to sing the title song of the famous movie series James Bond. The song was titled \u2018License to Kill\u2019.<\/p>\n
Another solo album of hers that received praise and accolades was the album titled \u2018Good Woman\u2019 released in 1991. The album was able to reach number one on the Billboard R&B chart. She received her first solo Grammy for her album \u2018At Last\u2019, released in 2000.<\/p>\n
Along with R&B, she was also continuing with her gospel recordings, with those also receiving praises. She collaborated with Ray Charles on the song \u2018Heaven Help Us All\u2019, which allowed her to win the Grammy in 2005 for Best Gospel Performance.<\/p>\n
Movie Career<\/strong><\/h2>\nKnight\u2019s first movie was as a lead in the film \u2018Pipe Dreams\u2019, in which she starred next to her then-husband, Barry Hankerson. This performance was also well-received by the audience, allowing her to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.<\/p>\n
She starred in the television series Charlie & Co. from 1985 to 1986, opposite comedian Flip Wilson. She also appeared as a guest on some series like \u2018The Jeffersons\u2019, \u2018The Jamie Foxx Show\u2019 and \u2018Empire\u2019.<\/p>\n
Gladys Knight Facts and Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nName<\/td>\n Gladys Maria Knight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOther Name<\/td>\n The Empress of Soul<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBorn<\/td>\n May 28, 1944<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOrigin<\/td>\n Atlanta, Georgia, United States<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nGenre<\/td>\n R&B, Soul, Gospel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOccupation<\/td>\n Singer, Song-Writer, Actress, Businesswoman<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nMarriage<\/td>\n Married 4 times; Currently married to William McDowell since 2001<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nChildren<\/td>\n James \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Gaston Newman III (Son), Kenya Maria Newman (Daughter), Shanga Ali Hankerson (Son)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFirst Label<\/td>\n Motown Records<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFamous Songs<\/td>\n Midnight Train to Georgia, If I Were Your Woman, Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFirst Movie<\/td>\n Pipe Dreams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nAwards<\/td>\n Recipient of 7 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist, BET Lifetime Achievement Award<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Knight\u2019s first movie was as a lead in the film \u2018Pipe Dreams\u2019, in which she starred next to her then-husband, Barry Hankerson. This performance was also well-received by the audience, allowing her to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year.<\/p>\n
She starred in the television series Charlie & Co. from 1985 to 1986, opposite comedian Flip Wilson. She also appeared as a guest on some series like \u2018The Jeffersons\u2019, \u2018The Jamie Foxx Show\u2019 and \u2018Empire\u2019.<\/p>\n
Gladys Knight Facts and Information<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nName<\/td>\n Gladys Maria Knight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOther Name<\/td>\n The Empress of Soul<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nBorn<\/td>\n May 28, 1944<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOrigin<\/td>\n Atlanta, Georgia, United States<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nGenre<\/td>\n R&B, Soul, Gospel<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nOccupation<\/td>\n Singer, Song-Writer, Actress, Businesswoman<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nMarriage<\/td>\n Married 4 times; Currently married to William McDowell since 2001<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nChildren<\/td>\n James \u2018Jimmy\u2019 Gaston Newman III (Son), Kenya Maria Newman (Daughter), Shanga Ali Hankerson (Son)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFirst Label<\/td>\n Motown Records<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFamous Songs<\/td>\n Midnight Train to Georgia, If I Were Your Woman, Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nFirst Movie<\/td>\n Pipe Dreams<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \nAwards<\/td>\n Recipient of 7 Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Artist, BET Lifetime Achievement Award<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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