Gladys Knight is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and author, born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia. She is often referred to as the “Empress of Soul” due to her powerful voice and influence in the music industry. Knight rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips, a group formed with her siblings and cousins.
Gladys Knight & the Pips achieved commercial success with hits such as “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” and “If I Were Your Woman.” The group’s smooth harmonies and Knight’s soulful lead vocals earned them critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Throughout her career, Knight has received numerous awards and accolades, including seven Grammy Awards. She has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. Knight’s influence extends beyond music, as she has also appeared in films, television shows, and stage productions.
In addition to her music career, Knight is known for her philanthropic efforts and activism. She has supported various charitable causes and organizations, including those focused on education, health care, and youth empowerment.
Gladys Knight’s legacy as one of the greatest voices in soul music continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Her timeless hits and powerful performances have solidified her status as an icon of the music industry, and her influence can still be felt today.
1. Midnight Train to Georgia
“Midnight Train to Georgia” is a classic soul song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was written by Jim Weatherly and released in 1973 as a single from their album “Imagination.” The song tells the story of a woman who leaves Los Angeles to return to her hometown of Georgia, where she believes she will find a better life.
“Midnight Train to Georgia” features Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals, backed by the smooth harmonies of the Pips. The song’s catchy melody and infectious rhythm, combined with Knight’s emotive delivery, struck a chord with listeners and became one of the group’s most iconic hits.
Upon its release, “Midnight Train to Georgia” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became Gladys Knight & the Pips’ first number-one hit. The song received critical acclaim and won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
Over the years, “Midnight Train to Georgia” has remained a beloved classic in the soul music genre. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of love, hope, and resilience continue to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing its status as one of the greatest soul songs of all time.
2. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a classic soul song originally recorded by Motown artist Marvin Gaye in 1967. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song became one of Gaye’s signature hits and an iconic track in the history of popular music.
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” tells the story of a narrator who learns about their partner’s infidelity through rumors (“through the grapevine”) rather than directly from them. The song’s haunting melody and Gaye’s emotive vocals convey a sense of betrayal and heartbreak, making it one of the most poignant soul ballads of its era.
Gaye’s version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” topped the charts in the United States and became one of Motown’s best-selling singles. It has since been covered by numerous artists across various genres, including Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Creed Taylor.
The song’s enduring popularity and universal themes of love and betrayal have cemented its status as a classic in the music world, with its iconic bassline and memorable chorus remaining instantly recognizable to listeners of all generations.
3. Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)
“Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” is a soul song originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1972. Written by Jim Weatherly, the song explores the theme of a relationship on the brink of ending, with both partners hesitant to initiate the final goodbye.
In “Neither One of Us,” the narrator expresses the pain and reluctance of facing the inevitable end of their relationship. The song’s emotive lyrics and Knight’s powerful vocals convey a sense of heartbreak and vulnerability, as both partners grapple with their feelings and fear of being alone.
“Neither One of Us” became one of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ biggest hits, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. The song’s soulful melody and universal themes of love and loss have made it a timeless classic, with its emotional resonance continuing to captivate audiences decades after its release.
4. Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is a soul ballad originally recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. The song was written by Jim Weatherly and was first released by Ray Price in 1973 under the title “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.” However, it was Gladys Knight & the Pips’ rendition that became the most famous.
Released in 1974 as a single from their album “Imagination,” “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” became one of the group’s signature songs. The song is a heartfelt declaration of love and gratitude, with lyrics expressing how the narrator’s partner is the best thing that has ever happened to them. Gladys Knight’s soulful vocals, backed by the harmonies of the Pips, convey the depth of emotion in the song.
“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s enduring popularity has led to numerous cover versions by other artists over the years.
The timeless appeal of “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” lies in its heartfelt lyrics, soulful melody, and powerful vocal performance by Gladys Knight. It remains a beloved classic in the soul music genre and a testament to the enduring power of love in music.
5. I Feel a Song (In My Heart)
“I Feel a Song (In My Heart)” is a soul song recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1974. Written by Tony Camillo and Mary Sawyer, the song became one of the group’s signature hits and a staple of their live performances.
“I Feel a Song (In My Heart)” is characterized by its infectious groove, lush instrumentation, and Gladys Knight’s soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics express the joy and inspiration that music brings, likening the feeling to a song that resides within the heart and soul of the narrator.
The song’s upbeat tempo and uplifting message resonated with audiences, making it a commercial success for Gladys Knight & the Pips. “I Feel a Song (In My Heart)” reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart and became a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.
Over the years, “I Feel a Song (In My Heart)” has remained a beloved classic, celebrated for its infectious energy and positive vibes. It continues to be cherished by fans of Gladys Knight & the Pips and soul music enthusiasts alike.
6. If I Were Your Woman
“If I Were Your Woman” is a classic soul song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was written by Gloria Jones, Clay McMurray, and Pam Sawyer, and released in 1970 as the title track of their album of the same name.
“If I Were Your Woman” is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of love, longing, and devotion. The lyrics depict a woman who yearns for the affection and attention of her partner, expressing her willingness to do anything to make him happy. Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals, backed by the harmonies of the Pips, convey the depth of emotion and vulnerability in the song.
Upon its release, “If I Were Your Woman” became one of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ biggest hits, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s soulful melody and passionate performance resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and enduring popularity.
Over the years, “If I Were Your Woman” has been covered by numerous artists and remains a beloved classic in the soul music genre. Its timeless appeal lies in its emotive lyrics, stirring melody, and powerful vocal delivery, making it a
staple of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ repertoire and a standout track in their discography.
7. Help Me Make It Through the Night
“Help Me Make It Through the Night” is a country song written by Kris Kristofferson, released in 1970. The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, but one of the most notable renditions is by American country music artist Sammi Smith.
In “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” the narrator seeks solace and comfort in the arms of a lover, asking for their presence to help ease their pain and loneliness. The song’s simple yet poignant lyrics convey a sense of longing and vulnerability, capturing the universal human desire for connection and companionship.
Sammi Smith’s soulful rendition of “Help Me Make It Through the Night” became a major hit, topping the country charts and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, in 1972. The song’s emotional resonance and Smith’s heartfelt delivery have made it a timeless classic in the country music genre, cherished by listeners for its raw honesty and evocative storytelling.
8. Baby Don’t Change Your Mind
“Baby Don’t Change Your Mind” is a soul song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was written by Van McCoy and reached prominence with its release in 1977 as a single from their album “Still Together.”
“Baby Don’t Change Your Mind” is a heartfelt plea from the narrator to their partner, asking them not to reconsider their relationship. The song’s lyrics express the fear of losing the love and stability they’ve built together, with the narrator urging their partner to stay and work through their differences. Gladys Knight’s emotive vocals, backed by the harmonies of the Pips, convey the sincerity and urgency of the message.
Upon its release, “Baby Don’t Change Your Mind” became a commercial success for Gladys Knight & the Pips, reaching the top ten on the Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number four on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s soulful melody and passionate performance resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and enduring popularity.
“Baby Don’t Change Your Mind” remains a beloved classic in the soul music genre and a standout track in Gladys Knight & the Pips’ discography. Its timeless appeal lies in its emotive lyrics, stirring melody, and powerful vocal delivery, making it a staple of their live performances and a favorite among fans.
9. That’s What Friends Are For (with Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick)
“That’s What Friends Are For” is a song performed by Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, and Elton John. It was released in 1985 as a charity single to raise funds for AIDS research and support. Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager wrote the song, and it was originally recorded by Rod Stewart for the soundtrack of the 1982 film “Night Shift.”
The version performed by Warwick, Wonder, Knight, and John became a massive success, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four consecutive weeks in 1986. The song features each artist taking a verse and then harmonizing together on the chorus, celebrating the strength and support of friendship in times of adversity.
“That’s What Friends Are For” received widespread acclaim for its soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and charitable message. It won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1987, and its success helped raise significant funds and awareness for AIDS research and support organizations.
The song remains a beloved classic and is often associated with friendship and solidarity, continuing to inspire listeners with its timeless message of love and support.
10. License to Kill (James Bond theme song)
“License to Kill” is the theme song for the 1989 James Bond film of the same name. It was performed by American singer-songwriter Gladys Knight.
The song was written by Narada Michael Walden, Jeffrey Cohen, and Walter Afanasieff. It has a dramatic and soulful feel, fitting for a James Bond theme. The lyrics speak to the themes of danger, intrigue, and romance that are characteristic of the James Bond franchise.
Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals, combined with the song’s lush instrumentation, create a memorable and impactful theme song that has become a favorite among Bond fans.
“License to Kill” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on various charts around the world. It remains one of the notable contributions to the James Bond soundtrack repertoire, showcasing Gladys Knight’s talent as a vocalist and adding to the legacy of the iconic film franchise.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
