Gladys Knight is an American singer, songwriter, and actress, known for her soulful voice and contributions to the Motown sound. Born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, Knight began performing at a young age, forming the group Gladys Knight & the Pips with her siblings and cousins. The group achieved great success in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” and “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”
Knight’s powerful voice and dynamic stage presence earned her the nickname “The Empress of Soul.” She has won several Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to her music career, Knight has appeared in films and television shows, showcasing her talents as an actress.
Gladys Knight continues to perform and record music, and she remains a beloved figure in the music industry, known for her timeless songs and charismatic performances.
1. Midnight Train to Georgia
“Midnight Train to Georgia” is a song by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1973. It was written by Jim Weatherly and originally titled “Midnight Plane to Houston,” but the title and lyrics were changed at the suggestion of producer Kenny Rogers.
The song tells the story of a man who decides to leave Los Angeles and return to his hometown in Georgia, with his girlfriend accompanying him on the journey. The lyrics describe their love and devotion to each other, with the chorus featuring the iconic line “I’d rather live in his world than live without him in mine.”
“Midnight Train to Georgia” became one of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ biggest hits, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. The song’s soulful vocals, catchy melody, and heartfelt lyrics have made it a classic of the R&B genre, and it remains a popular song to this day.
2. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a soul song written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. It was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1966. However, the most famous version of the song was recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1967.
Gaye’s version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” was released as a single in 1968 and became a massive hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of his signature songs. The song is characterized by its driving beat, haunting melody, and emotionally charged vocals, as Gaye sings about the pain of discovering through rumor that his lover has been unfaithful.
The song’s success cemented Marvin Gaye’s status as one of the premier soul artists of his time and remains one of his most iconic recordings. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” has since been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, solidifying its place as a classic in the soul music canon.
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 song by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1973. It was written by Jim Weatherly and first recorded by country artist Bob Luman in 1972.
The song is a soul ballad that explores the pain and uncertainty of a failing relationship. The lyrics depict a couple who are aware that their love is coming to an end but are reluctant to be the first to acknowledge it. They struggle with the decision to part ways and are torn between holding on and letting go.
Gladys Knight & the Pips’ version of “Neither One of Us” became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Gladys Knight’s powerful and emotive vocals, combined with the lush orchestration and harmonies of the Pips, contributed to the song’s success.
“Neither One of Us” is considered one of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ signature songs and remains a classic in the soul genre. Its themes of love, heartbreak, and indecision continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless favorite.
4. Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is a song originally recorded by American soul group Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1973. It was written by Jim Weatherly.
The song is a soul ballad that expresses gratitude for the love and support of a romantic partner. The lyrics reflect on the narrator’s past struggles and how their partner has been a source of strength and happiness, ultimately becoming the best thing that ever happened to them.
Gladys Knight & the Pips’ version of “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” was a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard R&B chart and the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group’s soulful harmonies, combined with Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals, contributed to the song’s success.
“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” has since become a classic in the soul genre and has been covered by numerous artists across different musical styles. Its heartfelt lyrics and timeless melody continue to resonate with listeners, making it a beloved favorite.
5. You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
“You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is a classic love song originally recorded by Ray Price in 1973. It has been covered by various artists over the years, including Gladys Knight & The Pips, who released a version in 1974 that became a major hit. The song expresses deep love and gratitude for the person who has had a profound impact on the singer’s life. Gladys Knight’s rendition is particularly soulful and heartfelt, making it a timeless favorite for many listeners.
6. That’s What Friends Are For
Gladys Knight recorded a version of “That’s What Friends Are For,” a song originally written by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. However, the most famous version of the song was recorded by Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, and Gladys Knight. This collaboration was released in 1985 as a charity single to raise funds for AIDS research. The song became a huge success, topping the charts and winning the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. Gladys Knight’s vocals, along with those of the other artists, contributed to the song’s emotional impact and lasting popularity.
7. I’ve Got to Use My Imagination
“I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” is a song recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was written by Gerry Goffin and Barry Goldberg and released in 1973. The song became a hit for the group, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” is a soulful track with a powerful vocal performance by Gladys Knight, showcasing her range and emotive delivery. The song’s lyrics speak to the idea of using one’s imagination to cope with life’s challenges and find hope in difficult times.
8. If I Were Your Woman
“If I Were Your Woman” is a classic soul song recorded by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Released in 1970, the song became one of the group’s signature hits and is considered a soul music classic. The song features Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals and heartfelt delivery, as she sings about longing to be closer to her partner and offering him the love and support he needs. “If I Were Your Woman” is known for its emotional depth and has remained a favorite among soul music fans for decades.
9. On and On
“On and On” is a song by Gladys Knight & the Pips from their 1974 album, “I Feel a Song.” The song was written by Curtis Mayfield and became a hit for the group, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “On and On” is a soulful ballad that showcases Gladys Knight’s powerful vocals and the group’s tight harmonies. The song’s lyrics speak of enduring love and the desire for it to continue “on and on.” It has remained a favorite among fans of Gladys Knight & the Pips and is considered one of their classic songs.
10. Help Me Make It Through the Night
“Help Me Make It Through the Night” is a song written by Kris Kristofferson and originally performed by him. It has been covered by many artists, including Gladys Knight & the Pips. Their rendition of the song was released in 1972 and became a hit, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Gladys Knight’s soulful vocals added a new dimension to the song, conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability. “Help Me Make It Through the Night” is a heartfelt ballad about seeking comfort and companionship in the midst of loneliness and despair, making it a timeless classic.
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.
