Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight (born May 28, 1944) is a legendary American soul singer; she first launched to fame with The Pips in 1961, with "Every Beat of My Heart". In spite of a few more hits, Knight did not achieve widespread success until 1966, after signing to Motown. "Friendship Train", "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "If I Were Your Woman" became huge hits, though her biggest was "Neither One of Us". In the mid 1970s, the group hit its popular and critical peak with "Midnight Train to Georgia", "I've Got to Use My Imagination" and "Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me".

In 1987, Knight acknowledged a gambling addiction to the game baccarat. She finally called Gamblers Anonymous when she lost $45,000 in one night.

Along with the Pips, Knight was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Knight joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1997. She has occaisonally teased the LDS Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, that his flock needs to inject some "pep" into their music.

Gladys Knight has continued touring and recording occasionally, though the Pips have retired.