Gladys Knight
Gladys Maria Knight, born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an acclaimed American singer and actress, often referred to as the "Empress of Soul." She began her musical journey at a young age, singing gospel music at her church and winning a talent contest on Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour at just seven years old. Knight, along with her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten, formed the group The Pips, which later became known as Gladys Knight and the Pips.
The group gained significant success in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly after signing with Motown Records, where they released hits like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Their popularity soared with the Grammy-winning "Midnight Train to Georgia," recorded under Buddah Records. Knight and the Pips were known for their soulful sound and impressive harmonies, earning them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 1989, Knight embarked on a solo career, further establishing her legacy in the music industry. She recorded the theme song for the James Bond film "Licence to Kill" and continued to release successful albums. Knight's contributions to music have been recognized with numerous awards, including seven Grammy Awards and the National Medal of Arts. She remains an influential figure in soul and R&B music.