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Biography
“Empress of Soul”. You can keep your “King of Rock’n’Roll”, “Lord of the Dance”, and “Pop Princess”, is there a nickname in music that sounds as deliciously regal as “Empress of Soul”? I really don’t think there is. It’s the kind of name that’s earned, not bestowed, and when the woman it describes is Gladys Knight, there’s no-one who it fits better.
Her first taste of fame came when she was a mere seven years of age. She won a TV Talent show contest, namely Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour in 1952, the following year she formed a musical group with her brother, sister and cousins who christened themselves The Pips. By the end of the decade they were touring together and they were signed to Motown by 1966.
At this point in time it was rare for a band to be so incredibly experienced live. Even The Beatles, famed for cutting their teeth in their residencies in Hamburg and the Cavern, had only spent three years regularly performing live. Knight and The Pips however, had over a decade’s experience by this point and it showed.
According to her memoirs, she and The Pips were kicked off a tour opening for Diana Ross and The Supremes because they were upstaging Ross night after night and getting a better reception from the crowd. While arguably a second tier Motown act they still had considerable success on the label, with songs like the first released version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” and the Grammy winning "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)".
Come 1973 however, they left for a better deal at Buddha records, where her first single was the monster hit “Midnight Train to Georgia”. Worked out pretty well for her, eh? It wasn’t just the music world she was conquering, as Knight made her acting debut in the 1976 film Pipe Dreams, that saw her get a Golden Globe nomination for Best New Actress.
Since then she’s recorded with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Elton John, along with recording the theme for the 1989 James Bond film Licence To Kill. While her work today might focus more on her church and philanthropy than that electrifying voice, if anyone’s earned the right to take a break now and again, it’s her. Also, if she does take to the road once more, you can bet that she’s be absolutely peerless.
Live reviews
i had looked forward to this event for months and had 3rd row orchestra pit seats.the Fox theater said show at 7pm period. the fox is appallingly poorly run theses days. upon arrival at 6pm with tickets, we were greeted with lines everywhere, going around the block in all directions. after waiting in various lines and asking enough attendants i was finally directed to proper line and stood and waited until 720p to get inside. Miss Knight was already on stage performing and there were still HUNDREDS of patrons outside in lines. this is INEXCUSABLE especially after paying over $350 for 2 tickets & $20 for parking.
we did actually get to see and hear Miss Knight sing about 4 songs by time we were shown to our seats. Miss Knight apologized for being a bit horse from cold or allergies but the lady sounded wonderful & my date said he could have listened to her sing all night, to which i agreed. she is a rue motown legend and phenomenal vocalist. and she is stunning. it was amazing to be able to see her so close from our seats and finally hear her perform in person. its a shame that the Fox can't seem to run a show properly anymore at any cost. the same was true when i saw Miss Franklin there a few years ago. that was another massive clusterfuck on the part of the fox theater management but i guess they only care about the $ and not how to properly run the venue. in spite of the poor handling of patrons, the fox is the only detroit venue 1 can sometimes see such legendary performers as Miss Knight and Miss Franklin and not deal with 'arena' venues but see them in a more intimate setting. Miss Knight also did a stunning tribute to Miss Franklin that brought everyone to tears. performers and patrons deserve BETTER than the fox management seems able to or bother to deliver so unless Dame Shirley Bassie, Miss Grace Jones, Lily Tomlin or Petula Clark are booked, i think i'll skip fox concerts for now
Attended Manchester Apollo gig on Saturday 27th May 2023. Was really looking forward to this, as my wife and I had never seen her live, despite enjoying her music in the 60s and 70s (although not really listened to her more recent output). We wish we hadn't wasted our money. Her voice is still tremendous, but it was often difficult to hear it because of the overbearing band (maybe it was just poor sound engineers, but why on earth were two drummers necessary??) and also because of the raucous screeches from supposed "fans" during the quieter moments - these thoughtless people just spoil it for everyone else. But the main problem was the venue - doors opened at 7pm, and we arrived in time to take our very uncomfortable seats (the temporary ones in the stalls, with insufficient leg-room) at 7.30. There was no support act, no announcements, no notices of show-times posted on the doors/walls, and we waited until 9.15, over one and a half hours, for a performance that lasted one hour ten minutes. We were relieved there was neither the customary introduction of the band members, nor an encore (although I had been hoping to hear my favourite, and surely her most iconic song "Just Walk in My Shoes" and would have appreciated that in an encore - but no such luck!). A huge disappointment.
Affectionately known as the empress of soul, there are few artists who had a career with as respected longevity and success as Gladys Knight. The seven time Grammy winner is now into her 70s yet her passion for music and understanding of the fanbase means she continues to play shows from time to time to indulge her true love and allow audiences to hear the irresistible tones of 'Midnight Train to Georgia' and 'I Feel a Song (In My Heart)' in a live setting.
Gladys's influence has been felt in the world of R & B and soul every decade since she first released 'Miss Gladys Knight' and therefore there is a sharp age gap in attendance this evening. They all explode in complete elation as the lady steps out onto stage in a manner of total unassuming quality, hardly like the divas of today. From the moment she sings the silky opening note of 'I Want You' the crowds are captivated and the night only improves from there. Knight includes all of the hits to please her loyal following and shows off her vocal capabilities on shattering high notes and soulful skits during 'Let's Stay Together'. It is 'Heard It Through the Grapevine' that receives the largest applause as this song is completely timeless and the performance is flawless.
Gladys Knight is by far one of my favorite performers. As a kid growing up I remember listening to the sounds of her soulful voice singing Midnight Train to Georgia. That song always stuck in my head making me think one day a train to Georgia wouldn't be a bad thing to train. I think she sure could have sold millions of tickets for the train company singing that song.
It wasn't until I seen her in person that I really appreciated all of her music and singing ability. Starting from her unforgettable smile ending with her humble ways, I enjoyed every bit of her. You can hear her voice with such clarity and range over the mic. In person her voice is beautiful sweeping you in and filling the venue with hometown soul. Blues and Jazz with a soulful mix is what you feel at her concerts.
She also gives the history behind some of the songs she sings like when and where it was recorded. She just goes a step beyond to make sure you take in all that is offered. If she comes back on tour or does any shows in the near future I'll be sure to get a ticket and enjoy the old classic sounds of Motown.
At 71 Gladys Knight still delivers. She has had so many hits and sung so many magical songs during her long career that it was impossible for her to squeeze all of them into one show, but she gave us a great selection. She also introduced her versions of surprisingly contemporary material such as Sam Smith's Stay With Me and Pharell's Happy.
The band was terrific, as you'd expect, and the four additional vocalist deserve a special mention - they really were in a class of their own.
She was unexpectedly joined on stage by her elder brother Bubba, who did a very entertaining semi-comic song and dance routine giving Gladys a little break.
The only thing about an otherwise great show that was a little disappointing was her decision to end it with a hymn. She is a religious woman and this kind of ending may go down well with American audiences but it really didn't work here in Britain. Had she simply finished on the previous song, Neither One Of Us, the audience would have gone home happier.
Gladys Knight exceeded all expectations. Her voice was so strong,smooth and soulful. She looked great , had a phenomenal backup band with amazing back up singers. Would love to see her in a venue where the audience were standing as that voice is timeless and a younger generation would also be blown away. Gladys sounded better than her recordings. Pity someone like Nile Rodgers doesn't produce a recording for her as nobody I've seen through the years has got that quality of vocals or owns the stage with genuine superstar presence.
The concert was everything I hoped it would be. My friend and I had an amazing night, Gladys and her backing singers were great, sound quality was spot on and she mixed up old songs (Midnight train to Georgia) with newer covers (Sam Smith's Stay with me) She got us all on our feet (Baby dont change your mind) and tears flowing (The way we were). She talked to us (the audience) as if we were old friends and still has so much vocal range and energy. So "glad" I saw her live at last. Long may she reign: The Empress of Soul!!!
Having been a fan of Gladys Knight and the Pips since the 70s, to finally hear the Queen of Soul, live and up close was absolutely amazing. What a wonderful performance filled with many favourites and a sprinkling of new contempory love songs kept the audience mesmerised. Gladys Knights’ powerful voice accompanied by very talented musicians and supporting singers made for a truely memorable experience.Love, Love, Love it
Gladys is a super performer and has a great rapport with the audience. Her performance and choice of music was excellent and her voice is still very strong. This is my third time to see her so it goes without saying I love her music and the heart that’s all part of it. Her concert is a treat for anyone. She looked very lovely. God bless Gladys and thanks for so many years. Love you
The lady rules, to begin with, she's beautiful,gracious, grateful and very witty, and then let's talk about that voice, a voice like an angel come down from Heaven. It was a first class show all the way. And her backup singers and musicians were just as talented as she. And on a last note, I just think her name is beautiful, you'll wonder why right? Loved every minute of it!