Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight
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Name	Gladys Knight
Birth date	May 28, 1944
Birth place	Atlanta, Georgia
Occupation	Singer, actress
Years active	1952-present
Labels	Motown Records, Buddah Records, Columbia Records

Gladys Knight is a renowned American singer, actress, and songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the Pips, a group that included her brother Merald Knight and cousins Edward Patten and William Guest. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Knight began her music career at a young age, performing with her family and later signing with Motown Records. She has collaborated with numerous notable artists, including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Ray Charles. Knight's powerful voice and soulful sound have made her a beloved figure in the music industry, with hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia", "Every Beat of My Heart", and "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)".

Early Life and Career

Gladys Knight was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Merald Woodlow Knight Sr. and Sarah Elizabeth Woods. She began singing in her church choir at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church and later formed a musical group with her siblings and cousins, performing on local Ted Mack's Amateur Hour and at the Royal Peacock in Atlanta, Georgia. Knight's early influences included Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, and Dinah Washington, and she was discovered by Bobby Robinson, who signed her to his Fury Records label. She later signed with Motown Records and worked with producers like Norman Whitfield and Harvey Fuqua.

Music Career

Gladys Knight's music career spans over five decades, with numerous hit songs and albums, including "Letter Full of Tears", "If I Were Your Woman", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night". She has performed with notable artists like Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, and Chaka Khan, and has been a guest on various television shows, including The Tonight Show, Soul Train, and American Idol. Knight has also collaborated with Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Nelson Mandela on various charity projects, and has performed at events like the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and NAACP Image Awards. Her music has been featured in films like The Bodyguard", Waiting to Exhale", and "Soul Men", and she has worked with producers like Quincy Jones, Phil Spector, and Berry Gordy.

Awards and Legacy

Gladys Knight has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards. She has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, Grammy Hall of Fame, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Pips. Knight has also received honorary degrees from Shaw University and Beacon College, and has been recognized by organizations like the NAACP and the Congressional Black Caucus. Her legacy extends beyond her music, with influences on artists like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Beyoncé, and she has been named one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone.

Personal Life

Gladys Knight has been married four times, to James Newman, Barry Hankerson, Les Brown, and William McDowell. She has three children, James Newman III, Kenya Newman, and Shanga Hankerson, and is a grandmother and great-grandmother. Knight is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has been involved in various charity work, including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and Children's Miracle Network. She has also been a supporter of the Democratic Party and has performed at events like the Democratic National Convention and the Inauguration of Barack Obama.

Discography

Gladys Knight's discography includes numerous albums, singles, and compilations, such as "Everybody Needs Love", "Feelin' Bluesy", and "At Last". She has released music on various labels, including Motown Records, Buddah Records, and Columbia Records, and has collaborated with artists like Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Ray Charles. Some of her notable albums include "Gladys Knight & the Pips", "Nitty Gritty", and "All Our Love", and she has released hit singles like "Midnight Train to Georgia", "Every Beat of My Heart", and "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)". Knight's music has been featured on various soundtracks, including The Bodyguard", Waiting to Exhale", and "Soul Men", and she has worked with producers like Quincy Jones, Phil Spector, and Berry Gordy. Category:American singers