Gladys Knight is an iconic American singer known as the “Empress of Soul.” Born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, she began her musical career at a young age, forming a vocal group with her siblings called “The Pips.” The group later became known as Gladys Knight & The Pips.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Gladys Knight & The Pips achieved great success with hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).” They won several Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
Gladys Knight has also had a successful solo career, releasing albums and singles across various genres including R&B, soul, gospel, and pop. Her powerful voice, emotive delivery, and stage presence have made her one of the most respected figures in the music industry.
1. Love Overboard
“Love Overboard” is a song by Gladys Knight & The Pips, released in 1987. It was the lead single from their album of the same name. The song became a hit, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and also achieving success on the pop charts. “Love Overboard” is a classic example of the group’s signature sound, blending soulful vocals with catchy melodies and a danceable rhythm. The song’s lyrics depict a relationship in turmoil, with the narrator expressing their desire to leave but ultimately realizing they can’t live without their partner. It’s one of Gladys Knight & The Pips’ most beloved tracks and remains a favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.
2. License to Kill
“License to Kill” is a song performed by Gladys Knight, written by Narada Michael Walden, Jeffrey Cohen, and Walter Afanasieff. It was recorded for the soundtrack of the 1989 James Bond film “Licence to Kill,” starring Timothy Dalton as James Bond.
The song serves as the main theme for the film and is notable for its powerful vocals and dramatic arrangement. Gladys Knight’s soulful delivery adds depth to the song’s lyrics, which explore themes of betrayal, heartbreak, and revenge. The title “License to Kill” refers to the James Bond franchise’s iconic license to kill, but the song itself focuses more on the emotional turmoil of the characters involved rather than the action-packed elements of the film.
“License to Kill” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries’ charts. It remains one of Gladys Knight’s most memorable songs and is often associated with both the James Bond franchise and her impressive vocal talent.
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 classic soul song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Released in 1972, it became one of the group’s signature songs and a major hit on both the pop and R&B charts.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a couple on the brink of a breakup, with each partner reluctant to initiate the conversation that will ultimately end their relationship. The emotional depth of the lyrics, combined with Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals and the Pips’ harmonies, resonated with audiences and made the song an enduring favorite.
“Neither One of Us” won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus in 1973. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years and remains a staple of classic soul playlists. The song’s universal themes of love, heartbreak, and indecision continue to touch listeners across generations.
4. Midnight Train To Georgia
“Midnight Train to Georgia” is another iconic song by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1973. It’s often regarded as one of their greatest hits and a classic in the soul and R&B genres.
The song tells the story of a woman who is leaving Los Angeles to return to Georgia, following her dreams of stardom, but ultimately realizing that her dreams aren’t coming true. The chorus famously sings, “I’d rather live in his world than live without him in mine.” It’s a powerful narrative of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of dreams.
“Midnight Train to Georgia” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The song’s catchy melody, poignant lyrics, and Gladys Knight’s soulful delivery have made it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated and covered by artists across various genres.
5. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a classic soul song that has been famously performed by various artists, including Gladys Knight & the Pips. However, the most well-known version is arguably by Marvin Gaye.
Originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song was first recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1966. However, it was Marvin Gaye’s 1968 rendition that became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Motown Records’ signature songs.
Gladys Knight & the Pips also recorded a version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” releasing it in 1967. While it didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as Marvin Gaye’s version, it still became a hit in its own right, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who hears rumors about their partner’s infidelity “through the grapevine” rather than directly from them. Its infectious melody, soulful delivery, and emotional resonance have made it a timeless classic that continues to be covered by artists across various genres.
6. On and On
“On and On” is a soulful R&B song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was released in 1987 as part of their album “All Our Love.” The song was written by Curtis Mayfield, one of the legendary figures in soul music.
In “On and On,” Gladys Knight delivers a heartfelt vocal performance, expressing the enduring nature of love despite challenges and difficulties. The lyrics speak to the perseverance and commitment required to maintain a relationship through ups and downs.
The song’s smooth melody, lush production, and Knight’s emotive delivery make it a standout track in the group’s repertoire. While “On and On” may not be as widely recognized as some of their earlier hits, it still showcases the timeless appeal and talent of Gladys Knight & the Pips.
7. Try to Remember (The Way We Were)
“Try to Remember (The Way We Were)” is a classic song from the Broadway musical “The Fantasticks,” with music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones. It’s a nostalgic ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the memories of love and happiness from the past.
Gladys Knight covered “Try to Remember” on her 1975 album “I Feel a Song.” Her rendition of the song showcases her soulful vocals and emotional depth, adding a new dimension to the timeless melody and poignant lyrics.
While “Try to Remember” has been covered by many artists over the years, Gladys Knight’s version stands out for its soulful interpretation and heartfelt delivery, capturing the essence of the song’s sentiment and nostalgia.
8. I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
“I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” is a soulful song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was released in 1973 as a single from their album “Imagination.” The song was written by Gerry Goffin and Barry Goldberg.
In “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” Gladys Knight delivers a powerful vocal performance, expressing resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The lyrics speak to the need to rely on creativity and imagination to overcome challenges and find hope in difficult times.
The song’s catchy melody, soulful arrangement, and Knight’s emotive delivery helped it become a hit for the group, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and earning them critical acclaim.
“I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” remains a beloved classic in Gladys Knight & the Pips’ discography, showcasing their talent for blending soulful vocals with meaningful lyrics and memorable melodies.
9. If I Were Your Woman
“If I Were Your Woman” is a soulful R&B song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was released in 1970 as the title track of their album of the same name. The song was written by Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer, and Clay McMurray.
“If I Were Your Woman” is a heartfelt ballad that explores the theme of unrequited love and longing. In the song, the narrator expresses her desire to be closer to her partner and imagines how she would treat them if given the chance.
Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery bring the song’s lyrics to life, conveying a sense of vulnerability and passion. The Pips’ harmonies complement Knight’s lead vocals, adding depth to the song’s emotional resonance.
“If I Were Your Woman” became a major hit for Gladys Knight & the Pips, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well. It remains one of their most beloved and enduring songs, celebrated for its soulful melody and timeless appeal.
10. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is a classic soul song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was released in 1974 as a single from their album “Imagination.” The song was written by Jim Weatherly.
In “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me,” Gladys Knight delivers a heartfelt vocal performance, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the love and support of her partner. The lyrics speak to the profound impact that love can have on one’s life, describing it as the “best thing” that has ever happened.
The song’s soulful melody, poignant lyrics, and Knight’s emotive delivery struck a chord with listeners, making it one of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ signature songs. “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and crossing over to the pop charts as well.
Over the years, “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” has remained a timeless classic, celebrated for its universal themes of love and gratitude. It continues to resonate with audiences and has been covered by various artists across different genres.
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.
