Gladys Knight, born May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a renowned American singer, songwriter, and actress. Known as the “Empress of Soul,” Knight is celebrated for her powerful and soulful voice. She first gained fame as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips, a group that achieved widespread success in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye).”
Knight’s music spans soul, R&B, gospel, and pop genres. Her career is marked by numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Beyond her music career, Knight has also made contributions to film and television, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her enduring influence and vocal prowess have made her a significant figure in American music.
1. Midnight Train to Georgia
“Midnight Train to Georgia” is one of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ most iconic songs, released in 1973. Written by Jim Weatherly, the song tells the story of a man who returns to his roots in Georgia after failing to achieve success in Los Angeles, and his partner who decides to join him on the journey.
The song’s soulful melody and emotional lyrics capture themes of love, loyalty, and the search for fulfillment. Gladys Knight’s powerful and heartfelt vocal performance, combined with the smooth harmonies of the Pips, made “Midnight Train to Georgia” a major hit.
The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B chart, earning widespread acclaim and contributing to the group’s lasting legacy in soul and R&B music. “Midnight Train to Georgia” remains a classic, celebrated for its timeless appeal and emotional depth.
2. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” is a classic song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1967. Written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song was a major hit and became one of the group’s signature tracks. The track features a soulful and emotive delivery from Gladys Knight, with the Pips providing smooth background harmonies. The song’s lyrics tell the story of discovering infidelity through rumors, capturing themes of betrayal and heartache. Knight’s powerful vocal performance and the song’s compelling arrangement contributed to its success, making it a timeless piece of soul and R&B music. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and is considered a defining hit of the 1960s.
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. Written by Jim Weatherly, the track is a poignant ballad about the difficulty of ending a relationship despite both parties recognizing that it’s time to part ways. The song’s emotional depth is conveyed through Gladys Knight’s powerful and soulful vocal performance, supported by the harmonious background vocals of the Pips. With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful arrangement, “Neither One of Us” became a major hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts. The song is celebrated for its emotional resonance and remains one of the group’s most memorable and enduring hits.
4. Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
“Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is a song by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1974. Written by Jim Weatherly, the track is a soulful ballad that expresses deep gratitude and joy for a significant and positive change in the singer’s life. Gladys Knight’s powerful and heartfelt delivery, combined with the smooth harmonies of the Pips, creates a moving and uplifting song. The track became a major hit, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts. It is celebrated for its emotional depth and the way it beautifully conveys the feeling of finding something truly special and transformative.
5. You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
“You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” is a classic soul ballad performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1974. Written by Jim Weatherly, the song is a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude, celebrating the impact of a special person in the narrator’s life.
The track features Gladys Knight’s soulful and emotive vocals, with the Pips providing their signature harmonies. The song’s smooth melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate with themes of appreciation and devotion.
“You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” achieved significant success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B chart. It remains one of the group’s most enduring and beloved songs, celebrated for its powerful expression of love and its classic soul sound.
6. That’s What Friends Are For
“That’s What Friends Are For” is a song performed by Dionne Warwick and Friends—Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder. Released in 1985, the track was written by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen. The song celebrates the joy and support of true friendship, with each artist contributing their distinctive vocal style to the heartfelt message. It became a major hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. “That’s What Friends Are For” is celebrated for its uplifting lyrics and the collaboration of these legendary artists, making it a timeless anthem about the value of enduring friendships.
7. I’ve Got to Use My Imagination
“I’ve Got to Use My Imagination” is a song by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1973. Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the track is a soulful ballad that delves into themes of resilience and hope despite facing adversity. The lyrics reflect a sense of determination to overcome challenges through imagination and inner strength. Gladys Knight’s powerful and emotive vocal performance, combined with the smooth harmonies of the Pips, brings a profound emotional depth to the song. It became a significant hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts, solidifying its place as a classic in Gladys Knight’s discography.
8. If I Were Your Woman
“If I Were Your Woman” is a song by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1970. Written by Valerie Simpson, Nickolas Ashford, and Josephine Armstead, the track is a soulful ballad that addresses themes of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil of seeing a lover in a relationship with someone else. Gladys Knight’s powerful and emotive vocal delivery brings a deep sense of longing and empathy to the song. The track became a major hit, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts. Its poignant lyrics and Knight’s commanding performance have made it a classic in her repertoire.
9. On and On
“On and On” is a soulful track by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released in 1973. Written by Jim Weatherly, the song features the group’s signature blend of smooth vocals and rich harmonies.
The lyrics of “On and On” reflect themes of enduring love and commitment, with a focus on the idea of continuing together through life’s ups and downs. The song’s emotional depth and soulful delivery make it a memorable part of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ discography.
Although not as commercially successful as some of their other hits, “On and On” is cherished by fans for its heartfelt message and the powerful performance by Knight and the Pips.
10. Help Me Make It Through the Night
“Help Me Make It Through the Night” is a song written by Kris Kristofferson and first released in 1970. The song is a poignant ballad about seeking comfort and companionship through a difficult night. It was popularized by various artists, including Sammi Smith, whose version became a major hit. Gladys Knight & the Pips also recorded a notable rendition of the song in 1973. Their version features a soulful and emotive interpretation that adds a rich, R&B flavor to the track. Knight’s powerful vocal performance and the smooth harmonies of the Pips contribute to the song’s emotional depth and enduring appeal.