139-818: Gladys Maria Knight (born May 28, 1944) is an American singer. Knight recorded hits through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s with her family group Gladys Knight & the Pips , which included her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten . She has won seven Grammy Awards (four as a solo artist and three with the Pips), and is often referred to as the "Empress of Soul" . Knight has recorded two number-one Billboard Hot 100 singles (" Midnight Train to Georgia " and " That's What Friends Are For " which she did with Dionne Warwick , Sir Elton John and Stevie Wonder ), eleven number-one R&B singles and six number-one R&B albums . In 1989, Knight recorded
278-814: A Christmas showcase at the Fox Theater in Detroit, recorded for the album, Motortown Revue Live . A second single, "Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me", also reached the charts in the UK. Their third single, " Everybody Needs Love ", became the group's first American charted single in two years, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three R&B after its release in 1967. On the A&;E Network television program Biography , Knight stated that she and
417-483: A Hold of Myself", "Who Knows? (I Just Can't Trust You)" and "If I Should Ever Fall in Love". The group developed a reputation for exciting and polished live performances, that enabled them to work even without the benefit of bestselling records. Choreographer Atkins designed "fast-stepping" dance routines that became a signature of the Pips' stage presentation; Atkins later described his working and personal relationship with
556-596: A Time " and ' What's the Matter With You Baby ", each reached the top 20. Gaye's next solo success, " How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) ", which Holland-Dozier-Holland wrote for him, reached No. 6 on the Hot 100 and reached the top 50 in the UK. Gaye started getting television exposure around this time, on shows such as American Bandstand . Also in 1964, he appeared in the concert film The T.A.M.I. Show . Gaye had two number-one R&B singles in 1965 with
695-472: A black recording artist at the time. Gaye first responded to the new contract with the soundtrack and subsequent score , Trouble Man , released in late 1972. Before the release of Trouble Man, Marvin released a single called " You're the Man ". The album of the same name was a follow-up to What's Going On, but Motown refused to promote the single, according to Gaye. According to some biographies, Gordy, who
834-593: A career breakthrough with their fourth Motown single, " I Heard It Through the Grapevine ", which reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the R&;B chart. The group's recording became Motown's bestselling single ever to that point, selling over 2.5 million copies. Marvin Gaye 's version of the song, released in 1968, outsold the group's version, selling four million copies and reaching number one on
973-575: A chain of chicken and waffles restaurants based in Atlanta, bearing her name. Gladys Knight & Ron Winans ' Chicken & Waffles opened three locations in the Atlanta area. One location was featured on the Travel Channel original series Man v. Food . In June 2016, authorities in Georgia raided two of the restaurants and its headquarters. In 2016, WSB-TV reported that Hankerson was at
1112-495: A commercial for Geico . On August 23, 1997, original Pips member Eleanor Guest died of heart failure. Langston George died on March 19, 2007, from congestive heart failure. Bubba Knight still continues to oversee his sister's career, by being her tour manager and occasionally joining Gladys onstage during performances. Gladys Knight recorded the theme song for the James Bond film, Licence to Kill in 1989, which became
1251-494: A consecutive series of million-selling albums for the label including the soundtrack to the movie, Claudine ; I Feel a Song and 2nd Anniversary . In 1975, the group scored a mid-season variety series, The Gladys Knight & the Pips Show , that aired for four episodes on NBC. During this time, the group recorded more hit singles, including " I Feel a Song (In My Heart) ", "Part-Time Love", "Love Finds Its Own Way" and
1390-401: A couple of years performing in talent shows, the group signed with Brunswick Records in 1957, recording a couple of singles that failed to chart. Brenda Knight and Eleanor Guest eventually left the group and were replaced by another cousin, Edward Patten , and a non-relative, Langston George in 1959. This lineup produced the group's first hit single, " Every Beat of My Heart ". After the single
1529-575: A decade, starting off in Belgium. In early 1977, Gaye released the live album, Live at the London Palladium , which sold over two million copies thanks to the success of its studio song, " Got to Give It Up ", which charted at No. 1. In September 1977, Gaye opened Radio City Music Hall's New York Pop Arts Festival. In December 1978, Gaye released Here, My Dear , inspired by the fallout from his first marriage to Anna Gordy . Recorded with
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#17327871589781668-640: A drummer for artists such as The Miracles , The Marvelettes and blues artist Jimmy Reed for $ 5 (US$ 51 in 2023 dollars ) a week. While Gaye took some advice on performing with his eyes open (having been accused of appearing as though he were sleeping) and also got pointers on how to move more gracefully onstage, he refused to attend grooming school courses at the John Robert Powers School for Social Grace in Detroit because of his unwillingness to comply with its orders, something he later regretted. In 1962, Gaye found success as co-writer of
1807-584: A few years later, playing gigs in Scotland and England in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2024. A farewell tour of Australia and New Zealand was announced for March 2024. In 1976, Knight made her acting debut as the lead in the film Pipe Dreams for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actress . In 2003, she had a small role in the movie Hollywood Homicide , which starred Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett . In 2009, Knight
1946-626: A fight between his parents in the family house in the West Adams neighborhood of Western Heights in Los Angeles. He became involved in a physical altercation with his father, Marvin Gay Sr. , who shot Gaye twice, once in the chest, piercing his heart, and then into his shoulder. The shooting took place in Gaye's bedroom at 12:38 p.m. Gaye was pronounced dead at 1:01 p.m. after his body arrived at California Hospital Medical Center ,
2085-555: A half, the group recorded the first hit single version of " I Heard It Through the Grapevine " in 1967, which led to several hit singles for Motown's Soul Records label, including " Nitty Gritty ", "Friendship Train", " If I Were Your Woman ", " I Don't Want to Do Wrong " and the Grammy-winning " Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) ", before leaving the label for Buddah Records in 1973. At Buddah, they recorded
2224-447: A king, a very peculiar, changeable, cruel, and all powerful king". He felt that had his mother not consoled him and encouraged his singing, he would have committed suicide. His sister later explained that Gaye was beaten often, from age seven well into his teenage years. Gaye attended Syphax Elementary School and then Randall Junior High School . Gaye began to take singing much more seriously in junior high, and he joined and became
2363-541: A local prostitute while in the Air Force. He feigned mental illness and was given a "General Discharge", with an outgoing performance review from his sergeant remarking "Airman Gay cannot adjust to regimentation nor authority". After Gaye left the Air Force, he formed a vocal quartet, The Marquees , with his good friend Reese Palmer. The group performed in the D.C. area and soon began working with Bo Diddley , who tried to persuade his own label, Chess , to sign them to
2502-928: A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , she sometimes leads the Saints Unified Voices choir. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in 1998. Gladys Knight & the Pips are ranked as the ninth most successful act in The Billboard Top 40 Book of R&B and Hip-Hop Hits (2005). They were also ranked No. 91 on VH1 's Top 100 Artists of Rock n' Roll . In June 2006, Gladys Knight &
2641-500: A mic and a light" appearances by Knight in the UK. A glossy program was available and the show featured pre-produced animation on large on-stage screens. The tour was promoted by an appearance on the TV program Later... with Jools Holland where Knight performed " If I Were Your Woman " and " Help Me Make It Through the Night ". In spite of her "farewell", Knight started touring the UK again
2780-498: A million dollars searching for her son after he was kidnapped. In 1995, Knight married motivational speaker Les Brown , divorcing in 1997. Knight was raised a Baptist , later was a Catholic , and was baptized in 1997 into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , inspired by her daughter and son who had left Catholicism to join. She had occasionally teased LDS president Gordon B. Hinckley , saying they needed to inject some "pep" into their music. He agreed, which resulted in
2919-417: A nursing home in 1998. Starting off his musicianship as a drummer doing session work during his tenure with Harvey Fuqua, and his early Motown years, Gaye's musicianship evolved to include piano, keyboards, synthesizers, and organ. Gaye also used percussion instruments, such as bells , finger cymbals , box drums , glockenspiels , vibraphones , bongos , congas , and cabasas . This became evident when he
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#17327871589783058-623: A performance at a UNESCO benefit concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall to support UNESCO's African literacy drive, resulting in him being commended at the United Nations by then-Ambassador to Ghana Shirley Temple Black and Kurt Waldheim . Gaye's next studio album, I Want You , followed in March 1976 with the title track "I Want You" reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts. The album would go on to sell over one million copies. That spring, Gaye embarked on his first European tour in
3197-599: A pop one. Their first Motown single, "Just Walk in My Shoes", was a hit in the UK, but the group was disappointed in Motown having The Andantes sing over the Pips' signature harmony in the song, resulting in the group demanding that the Andantes not be featured on anymore of the group's recordings. They also were one of the few Motown acts that did not regularly perform on the label's Motortown Revues, with an exception being
3336-678: A position on a professional football team, the Detroit Lions , where he later befriended Mel Farr and Lem Barney . Barney and Farr had gotten gold records for providing backup vocals for the title track of Gaye's What's Going On album. The Lions played along for the publicity, but ultimately declined an invitation for Gaye to try out, owing to legal liabilities and fears of possible injuries that could have affected his music career. On June 1, 1970, Gaye returned to Hitsville U.S.A. , where he recorded his new composition " What's Going On ", inspired by an idea from Renaldo "Obie" Benson of
3475-550: A record deal. Failing that, he sent them to Columbia subsidiary OKeh Records . Diddley co-wrote the group's sole single, "Wyatt Earp"; it failed to chart and the group was soon dropped from the label. Gaye began composing music. Moonglows co-founder Harvey Fuqua later hired The Marquees as employees. Under Fuqua's direction, the group changed its name to Harvey and the New Moonglows, and moved to Chicago. The group recorded several sides for Chess in 1959, including
3614-406: A record player malfunctioned. The quintet later formed a group at the encouragement of Knight's mother. The group settled on the name The Pips , inspired by the nickname of their cousin and manager, James "Pip" Woods. The Pips performed at church, talent shows, and clubs opening for popular acts, then signed with Brunswick Records in 1957 and began releasing singles. After a few lineup changes,
3753-581: A rendition of " America the Beautiful " at Wrestlemania 4 in Atlantic City, NJ . In 1989, she recorded " Licence to Kill ", the title track for James Bond film of the same name , a Top-10 hit in the UK and Germany. Knight released her third and most successful solo LP, Good Woman , on MCA in 1991, which hit No. 1 on the R&B album chart, featured the No. 2 R&B hit "Men", and reached No. 45 on
3892-662: A singing star with the Randall Junior High Glee Club. In 1953 or 1954, the Gays moved into the East Capitol Dwellings public housing project in D.C.'s Capitol View neighborhood . Their townhouse apartment (Unit 12, 60th Street NE; now demolished) was Marvin's home until 1962. Gaye briefly attended Spingarn High School before transferring to Cardozo High School . At Cardozo, Gaye joined several doo-wop vocal groups, including
4031-505: A single week in mid 1983. The single was the first time the group hit number one on the R&B chart since 1974. The video accompanying the song became among the earliest R&B videos to incorporate elements of hip hop culture. The album also included the R&B hit "You're Number One (In My Book)". In 1987, Knight decided to pursue a solo career, and she and the Pips recorded their final LP together, All Our Love (1987), for MCA Records . Its infectious lead single, " Love Overboard ",
4170-844: A six-year suspended sentence and five years of probation. Many institutions have posthumously bestowed Gaye with awards and other honors including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award , and inductions into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame , the Songwriters Hall of Fame , and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. was born on April 2, 1939, at Freedman's Hospital in Washington, D.C., to church minister Marvin Gay Sr. and domestic worker Alberta Gay (née Cooper). His first home
4309-622: A solo career, ending a 37-year tenure. Following the group's amicable disbandment in 1989, Edward Patten and William Guest formed their own production company in Detroit, titled Guest and Patten Productions, later renamed the Crew Entertainment Company. Patten was diagnosed with diabetes , which led to amputations of his legs and being confined to a wheelchair. He died of complications from the disease on February 25, 2005, in Livonia, Michigan . William Guest continued to lead
Gladys Knight - Misplaced Pages Continue
4448-527: A son, Shanga Ali. Hankerson and Knight became embroiled in a heated custody battle over Shanga Ali. In 1980, Johnny Mathis invited Knight to record two duets— "When A Child Is Born" (previously a hit for Mathis) and "The Lord's Prayer". Signing with Columbia Records in 1980 and restored to its familiar quartet form, Gladys Knight & the Pips began releasing new material. The act enlisted former Motown producers Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson for their first two albums: About Love (1980), which included
4587-1123: A then-record six sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, ended on August 14, 1983, at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, California , but was plagued by cocaine-triggered paranoia and illness. Following the concert's end, he moved into his parents' house in Los Angeles. In early 1984, Midnight Love was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Male R&;B Vocal Performance category, his 12th and final nomination. In June 1963, Gaye married Anna Gordy , sister to Berry Gordy . The couple separated in 1973, and Gordy filed for divorce in November 1975. The couple officially divorced in 1977. Gaye later married Janis Hunter in October 1977. The couple separated in 1979 and officially divorced in November 1982. Gaye
4726-470: A top ten single in the UK. Two years later, she released her 1991 album, Good Woman , which included the top five R&B hit, "Men", and Grammy-nominated duet version of "Superwoman", recorded with Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle . A 1994 album, Just for You , featured the hits "I Don't Wanna Know" and her cover of Boyz II Men 's "End of the Road", and went gold. Knight still records and performs today. As
4865-473: The 1983 NBA All-Star Game , where he sang " The Star-Spangled Banner ", Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever in 1983, and on Soul Train . On April 1, 1984, the day before his 45th birthday, Gaye was shot and killed by his father, Marvin Gay Sr. , at their house in Western Heights , Los Angeles, after an argument. Gay Sr. later pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter , and received
5004-586: The Apollo Theater took place in June 1963. Later that October, Tamla issued the live album, Marvin Gaye Recorded Live on Stage . " Can I Get a Witness " became one of Gaye's early international successes. In 1964, Gaye recorded a successful duet album with singer Mary Wells titled Together , which reached No. 42 on the pop album chart. The album's two-sided single, including " Once Upon
5143-462: The CBS sitcom Charlie & Co. , alongside comedian Flip Wilson , which lasted for one season. In April 2005, she portrayed a singer in an episode of JAG . In April 2009, she made a special guest appearance, and performed a song, on Tyler Perry's House of Payne . Knight has also made a number of cameo appearances, including on Las Vegas and 30 Rock . In 2012, she began a recurring role in
5282-596: The Detroit Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals . In late 1968, Gaye's recording of " I Heard It Through the Grapevine " became his first to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the top of the charts in other countries, selling over four million copies. However, Gaye felt the success was something he "didn't deserve" and that he "felt like a puppet – Berry's puppet, Anna 's puppet". Gaye followed it up with " Too Busy Thinking About My Baby " and " That's
5421-520: The Four Tops after he witnessed an act of police brutality at an anti-war rally in Berkeley. Upon hearing the song, Berry Gordy refused its release due to his feelings of the song being "too political" for radio and feared Gaye would lose his crossover audience. Gaye responded by deciding against releasing any other new material before the label released it. Released in 1971, it reached No. 1 on
5560-567: The Grammy Award –winning " Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) " (1972), and "Daddy Could Swear (I Declare)" (1973). In their early Motown career, Gladys Knight and the Pips toured as the opening act for Diana Ross and the Supremes . Gladys Knight stated in her memoirs that Ross kicked her off the tour because the audience's reception to Knight's soulful performance overshadowed her. Berry Gordy later told Knight that she
5699-589: The Miracles – composed " I'll Be Doggone " and " Ain't That Peculiar ". Both songs became million-sellers. After this, Gaye returned to jazz-derived ballads for a tribute album to the recently-deceased Nat "King" Cole . After recording " It Takes Two " with Kim Weston , Gaye began working with Tammi Terrell on a series of duets, mostly composed by Ashford & Simpson , including " Ain't No Mountain High Enough ", " Your Precious Love ", " Ain't Nothing Like
Gladys Knight - Misplaced Pages Continue
5838-599: The R&;B -soul category. People magazine called it "America's hottest musical turn-on since Olivia Newton-John demanded we get ' Physical ' ". Midnight Love was released to stores less than a month after the single's release, and was equally successful, peaking at the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and becoming Gaye's eighth No. 1 album on the Top Black Albums chart, eventually selling three million alone in
5977-432: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1996 and 2001 respectively. Gladys Knight performed on Ted Mack 's Original Amateur Hour in 1952 at the age of eight, winning first prize. On September 4, 1952, Gladys, Bubba, sister Brenda and their cousins William and Eleanor Guest began performing together during Bubba's tenth birthday party after a record player malfunctioned. Shortly afterwards,
6116-594: The VH1 's benefit concert Divas Live 2004 alongside Ashanti , Cyndi Lauper , Jessica Simpson , Joss Stone , Debbie Harry , and Patti LaBelle , in support of the Save the Music Foundation. In 2005, a duet between Knight and Ray Charles of "You Were There" was released on Charles' duets album Genius & Friends . In the spring of 2008, Knight appeared alongside Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Diana Ross at
6255-643: The national anthem at Super Bowl LIII . She faced criticism for agreeing to perform due to the alleged blacklisting of Colin Kaepernick by the National Football League after he began protesting police brutality during pre-game anthem ceremonies. Similar criticism was expressed against the half-time show performers, Maroon 5 , Travis Scott , and Big Boi . Knight defended her decision to sing, claiming to understand Kaepernick's reasons for protesting but criticizing him for kneeling during
6394-464: The theme song for the James Bond film Licence to Kill . Two of her songs (" I Heard It Through the Grapevine " and "Midnight Train to Georgia") were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for "historical, artistic and significant" value. She is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame along with The Pips. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Knight among
6533-562: The "Lele pū nā manu like" ("Birds of a Feather...") episode of Hawaii Five-0 , which first aired on November 16, 2018. In February 2019, she was revealed to have competed as "Bee" on the first season of The Masked Singer , in which she placed third. She performed "Chandelier" , " Locked Out of Heaven ", "Wrecking Ball" , "What's Love Got to Do with It" , " (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman ", and " I Can't Make You Love Me ". She finished behind Donny Osmond as "Peacock" and T-Pain as "Monster". Knight's son Shanga Hankerson owns
6672-441: The 'Divas with Heart' concert in aid of cardiac research, at New York's Radio City Hall. Also in 2008 Gladys, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Stiller performed on American Idol to raise money for charity. In 2009, Knight sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" and "The Lord's Prayer" at the funeral service for Michael Jackson . In September 2011, a new, updated recording of Shirley Bassey's 1960s classic " I (Who Have Nothing) "
6811-576: The 100 Greatest Singers of All Time (2010). She is also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors . Gladys Knight was born in Atlanta, Georgia , on May 28, 1944, to Sarah Elizabeth (née Woods), a nurse's aide, and Merald Woodlow Knight Sr., a postal worker. Her parents were members of both the church choir and a local choir group. She has a sister, Brenda, and two brothers, Merald "Bubba" Jr. and David "Billy". Knight
6950-686: The 1962 sessions were included on Gaye's second album, That Stubborn Kinda Fellow , released on Tamla in January 1963. Starting in October 1962, Gaye performed as part of the Motortown Revue , a series of concert tours headlined at the north and southeastern coasts of the United States as part of the Chitlin' Circuit , a series of rock shows performed at venues that welcomed predominantly black musicians. A filmed performance of Gaye at
7089-450: The 1970s, Gaye became one of the first Motown artists to break away from the reins of a production company and recorded the landmark albums What's Going On (1971) and Let's Get It On (1973). His later recordings influenced several R&B subgenres, such as quiet storm and neo soul . " Sexual Healing ", released in 1982 on the album Midnight Love , won him his first two Grammy Awards . Gaye's last televised appearances were at
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#17327871589787228-546: The 1985 AIDS benefit single, " That's What Friends Are For ", a triple No. 1 mega-hit, which won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal. Knight shared a stage with Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle for the 1986 HBO special Sisters in the Name of Love, which she co-executive produced and received three ACE Awards for Performance in a Music Special, as well as nominations for Best Music Special and Costume Design in 1987. On March 27, 1988, Knight performed
7367-470: The Billboard Hot 100 and winning the group a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals . Following the signing with Buddah Records, the label issued another Weatherly ballad, "Where Peaceful Waters Flow", released around the same time "Neither One of Us" and a Motown single, "Daddy Could Swear, I Declare", was charting. The song became a modest success as a result. The group reached its popular and critical peak soon afterwards, starting with
7506-540: The Capris' song, Gaye said, "It fell from the heavens and hit me between the eyes. So much soul, so much hurt. I related to the story, to the way that no one except the Lord really can read the heart of lonely kids in love." Gaye's main musical influences were Rudy West of The Five Keys , Clyde McPhatter , Ray Charles and Little Willie John . Gaye considered Frank Sinatra a major influence in what he wanted to be. He also
7645-616: The Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County. The event was held at the Palace Theatre and was co-hosted by Carol Anne Riddell and Alan Kalter . Knight had a gambling addiction that lasted more than a decade. In the late 1980s, after losing $ 60,000 in one night at the baccarat table, she joined Gamblers Anonymous , which helped her quit the habit. Gladys Knight %26 the Pips Gladys Knight &
7784-426: The Dippers and the D.C. Tones. During his teenage years, his father would kick him out of the house often. In 1956, 17-year-old Gaye dropped out of high school and enlisted in the United States Air Force as an airman basic . His early disenchantment with the service was similar to most of his peers who were made to perform menial labor, not working on jet airplanes as hoped. Gaye later said he lost his virginity to
7923-482: The First Edition several times in the early 1970s, and Knight guested on Rogers' TV special, Kenny Rogers Classic Weekend in 1986, performing a duet of "Am I Too Late?", a song both singers had previously recorded. Three years later she also collaborated with Rogers on the US Billboard AC top ten single "If I Knew Then What I Know Now". Following a year-long international tour, the group recorded their third Columbia album, Visions , in 1983. The leading single, " Save
8062-423: The First to Say Goodbye) ", in December 1972, the single would become their last single released while still with the label. As the single was charting, the group tried to negotiate a better contract with Motown. Negotiations fell through weeks later and, in February 1973, the group left Motown and signed with Buddah Records . "Neither One of Us" became their biggest selling single at Motown, reaching number two on
8201-403: The Hot 100. While at Motown in 1968, Knight was the first person to suggest that Berry Gordy sign the up-and-coming group called The Jackson Five (though Bobby Taylor of the Vancouvers also had a role), after appearing with them on a concert held in Gary, Indiana , to help elect Mayor Richard Hatcher , despite the claim that Diana Ross discovered them. Following the success of "Grapevine",
8340-457: The Marvelettes track " Beechwood 4-5789 ", on which he also played drums. His first solo success, " Stubborn Kind of Fellow ", was later released that September, reaching No. 8 on the R&B chart and No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100. Gaye first reached the pop top 40 with the dance song, " Hitch Hike ", peaking at No. 30 on the Hot 100. " Pride and Joy " became Gaye's first top ten single after its release in 1963. The three singles and songs from
8479-438: The Overtime (For Me) ", gave the group their first number one R&B single in eight years. The video accompanying the song became among the earliest R&B videos to incorporate elements of hip-hop culture. The album also included the R&B hit "You're Number One (In My Book)". After Knight partook in solo projects, including a No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 and R&B hit collaboration on the song, " That's What Friends Are For ",
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#17327871589788618-447: The Pips were an American R&B , soul , and funk family music group from Atlanta , Georgia, that remained active on the music charts and performing circuit for over three decades starting from the early 1950s. Starting out as simply The Pips in 1952, derived from a cousin's nickname, the founding members were Gladys Knight , brother Merald "Bubba" Knight , sister Brenda Knight and cousins Eleanor Guest and William Guest . After
8757-408: The Pips (minus Gladys) appeared on his show performing their backup verses for the songs "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" and "Midnight Train to Georgia"; during parts where Gladys would sing, the camera panned on a lone-standing microphone. The group still performed together during this period, which ended with the group signing with Columbia Records in 1980. In 1980, having signed with Columbia,
8896-489: The Pips joined the Motown Records roster in 1966 (with only three hits to their credit - " Every Beat of My Heart ", " Giving Up " and " Letter Full of Tears "), and, although initially regarded as a second-string act by the label, scored several major hit singles, including " I Heard It Through the Grapevine " (#1 in 1967) (released later by Marvin Gaye ), " The Nitty Gritty " (1969), "Friendship Train" (1969), " If I Were Your Woman " (1970), " I Don't Want To Do Wrong " (1971),
9035-412: The Pips recorded the soundtrack to the film Claudine with producer Curtis Mayfield , which included the songs " On and On ", "The Makings of You" and "Make Yours a Happy Home". The act was particularly successful in Europe, and especially the United Kingdom. A number of the Buddah singles became hits in the UK several years after their release in the US. For example, "Midnight Train to Georgia" hit
9174-512: The Pips were inducted into the Apollo Theater 's Hall of Fame in New York City. In 2017 the group was inducted into Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Timeline The following singles reached the Top 20 on either the United States Billboard Hot 100 Pop Singles Chart or the United Kingdom Pop Singles Chart . Gladys Knight has received an additional four Grammy Awards as a solo artist/collaborator. Marvin Gaye Marvin Pentz Gaye Jr. ( né Gay ; April 2, 1939 – April 1, 1984)
9313-437: The Pips were regarded as a second-string act, and that " Diana (Ross) & the Supremes , The Temptations , and Marvin Gaye were given all the hits, while we took the leftovers." In Knight's autobiography, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story , she stated that Diana Ross had the group removed from being The Supremes' opening act on a 1968 tour for, according to Knight, being 'too good'. The group finally scored
9452-423: The Pips. In 1961, the Pips recorded the Johnny Otis -penned " Every Beat of My Heart ". Because the group was without a record label, a local Atlanta label, Huntom Records, pushed the single and got a distribution deal with Vee-Jay Records to release the single. During this time, the group moved to New York where they auditioned for Bobby Robinson 's Fury Records . Upon learning that "Every Beat of My Heart"
9591-429: The Pips. In a 2014 interview, she expressed a hope that women would "Stand Up" and stop selling sex in the music/entertainment industry. She commented that the growing trend saddened her heart and that she had been taught to dress respectfully for her audiences ... "not take it off, put it on." Knight is ranked number 18 on VH1 network's list of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock. In 2019, Knight accepted an invitation to sing
9730-402: The R&B charts within a month, staying there for five weeks. It also reached the top spot on Cashbox 's pop chart for a week and reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 and the Record World chart, selling over two million copies. After giving an ultimatum to record a full album to win creative control from Motown, Gaye spent ten days recording the What's Going On album that March. Motown issued
9869-431: The Real Thing " and " You're All I Need to Get By ". In October 1967, Terrell collapsed in Gaye's arms during a performance in Farmville, Virginia . Terrell was subsequently rushed to Farmville's Southside Community Hospital, where doctors discovered she had a malignant tumor in her brain . The diagnosis ended Terrell's career as a live performer , though she continued to record music under careful supervision. Despite
10008-682: The Top 5 of the UK singles chart in the summer of 1976, a full three years after its success in the U.S. Knight and the Pips continued to have hits until the late 1970s, when they were forced to record separately due to legal issues, resulting in Knight's first solo LP recordings— Miss Gladys Knight (1978) on Buddah and Gladys Knight (1979) on Columbia Records . After divorcing James Newman II in 1973, Knight married Barry Hankerson , then Detroit mayor Coleman Young 's executive aide. Knight and Hankerson remained married for four years, during which time they had
10147-531: The U.S. I don't make records for pleasure. I did when I was a younger artist, but I don't today. I record so that I can feed people what they need, what they feel. Hopefully, I record so that I can help someone overcome a bad time. On February 13, 1983, Gaye sang " The Star-Spangled Banner " at the NBA All-Star Game at The Forum in Inglewood, California —accompanied by Gordon Banks , who played
10286-476: The Way Love Is ", which reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. That year, his album M.P.G. became his first No. 1 album on the R&B album charts. During this period, Gaye produced and co-wrote " Baby I'm For Real " and " The Bells " for The Originals . Tammi Terrell died from brain cancer on March 16, 1970; Gaye attended her funeral and after a period of depression, Gaye sought out
10425-470: The advice of music promoter Freddy Cousaert , Gaye relocated to Cousaert's apartment in Ostend , Belgium. While there, Gaye shied away from heavy drug use and began exercising and attending a local Ostend church, regaining personal confidence. In this period, Gaye lived in the home of Belgian musician Charles Dumolin [ nl ] . In March 2024, it was revealed that when he moved on, Gaye had given
10564-524: The album and released it on January 15, 1981. When Gaye learned of its release, he accused Motown of editing and remixing the album without his consent, allowing the release of an unfinished production ( "Far Cry" ), altering the cover art and removing the album title's question mark, muting its irony. He also accused the label of rush-releasing the album, comparing his unfinished album to an unfinished Pablo Picasso painting. Gaye then vowed not to record any more music for Motown. On February 14, 1981, under
10703-557: The album that May after Gaye remixed the album in Hollywood. The album became Gaye's first million-selling album launching two more top ten singles, " Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) " and " Inner City Blues ". One of Motown's first autonomous works, its theme and segue flow brought the concept album format to rhythm and blues and soul music. An AllMusic writer later cited it as "the most important and passionate record to come out of soul music , delivered by one of its finest voices". For
10842-677: The album, " Sexual Healing ", which was written and recorded in Ostend in Freddy Cousaert's apartment, was released in October 1982, and became Gaye's biggest career success, spending a record 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Black Singles chart, becoming the biggest R&B hit of the 1980s according to Billboard stats. In January 1983, it successfully crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100 , where it peaked at No. 3, while
10981-425: The album, Gaye received two Grammy Award nominations at the 1972 ceremony and several NAACP Image Awards . The album also topped Rolling Stone ' s year-end list as its album of the year. Billboard magazine named Gaye "Trendsetter of the Year" following the album's success. In 1971, Gaye signed a new deal with Motown worth $ 1 million (US$ 7,523,418 in 2023 dollars ), making it the most lucrative deal by
11120-550: The band's name from Raw Soul to Maze. Marvin's final duet project, Diana & Marvin , with Diana Ross , garnered international success despite contrasting artistic styles. Much of the material was crafted especially for the duo by Ashford and Simpson. Responding to demand from fans and Motown, Gaye started his first concert tour in four years at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum on January 4, 1974. The performance received critical acclaim and resulted in
11259-434: The center of an investigation involving unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. Georgia Department of Revenue Special Investigations Chief Jeff Mitchell told the station that the investigation solely involved Hankerson and not Knight. In 1960, Knight married Atlanta musician and high school sweetheart James "Jimmy" Newman. The couple had a miscarriage and went on to have two children. Their son, James "Jimmy" Gaston Newman III,
11398-510: The company with members of Patten's family until his death from congestive heart failure in Detroit on December 24, 2015. Two years prior, Guest and his sister, Dame Dhyana Ziegler, PhD, released his autobiography, Midnight Train FROM Georgia: A Pip's Journey (Branden Books, Boston, MA, USA), about his life and career. In 2007, Bubba Knight and Guest, along with a third man, Neil Taffe (one of Gladys Knight's background singers), appeared in
11537-473: The day before his 45th birthday. After Gaye's funeral, his body was cremated at Forest Lawn Memorial Park–Hollywood Hills , and his ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean . Gay Sr. was initially charged with first-degree murder, but the charges were reduced to voluntary manslaughter following a diagnosis of a brain tumor. He was given a suspended six-year sentence and probation. He died at
11676-523: The family a large collection of unreleased recordings made during his stay in the country. Following several months of recovery, Gaye sought a comeback onstage, starting the short-lived Heavy Love Affair tour in England and Ostend in June–July 1981. Gaye's personal attorney Curtis Shaw would later describe Gaye's Ostend period as "the best thing that ever happened to Marvin". When word got around that Gaye
11815-457: The family when Knight was 20. They remained married for over 12 years and were separated for 7 years until their divorce in 1973. Newman died a few years later. In 1974, Knight married Barry Hankerson , founder of Blackground Records , in Detroit. The couple had a son, Shanga Ali Hankerson, born on August 1, 1976. Around 1977, they relocated to Las Vegas. Their marriage ended in 1979 with a prolonged custody battle over their son. Knight spent over
11954-478: The final Motown artists to move there despite early protests urging him to stay in Detroit. In August 1973, Gaye released the Let's Get It On album. Its title track became Gaye's second No. 1 single on the Hot 100. The album was later hailed as "a record unparalleled in its sheer sensuality and carnal energy". Other singles from the album included " Come Get to This ", which recalled Gaye's early Motown soul sound of
12093-585: The founding of the Saints Unified Voices gospel choir directed by Knight. In 2018, Knight led the Be One Choir at the "Be One" event in Salt Lake City, Utah . Knight has an honorary doctorate from Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina . Knight's son Jimmy Newman III managed her career through his Newman Management Inc. until his death from heart failure on July 10, 1999, at age 36. Newman
12232-484: The group debuted their first album in 1960 when Knight was just 16. By then, she had recorded five songs and released her first hit single, “ Every Beat of My Heart .” The group's success was later halted by Knight's departure to start a family with husband and musician Jimmy Newman, resuming soon after when she returned. Knight attended the historic Booker T. Washington High School , in Atlanta, later transferring and graduating from Archer High School. Gladys Knight &
12371-464: The group in his autobiography, Class Act: The Jazz Life of Choreographer Cholly Atkins : "The one thing that I was pleased about was a stipulation in my contract that allowed me to keep working with Gladys Knight & the Pips as personal clients even though I would be an employee of Motown Records. To tell the truth, Gordy wasn't too happy about it at first, but this is something that I would not compromise under any circumstances. By that time, Gladys and
12510-423: The group released two recordings that failed to chart. Despite this, the group was now opening for top recording acts such as Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke . By 1959, Brunswick dropped the group and both Brenda Knight and Eleanor Guest left the group to begin families. They were replaced by another cousin, Edward Patten, and a friend, Langston George. Patten and George were involved in another group before joining
12649-577: The group reunited with their old Motown collaborators Ashford & Simpson, recording and releasing the album, About Love , which included the charted singles "Taste of Bitter Love", "Bourgie, Bourgie" and "Landlord". They continued the collaboration with the duo on their 1981 follow-up, Touch , which included the single "I Will Fight", and a cover of " I Will Survive ". Also in 1981, the group provided prominent backing vocals for Kenny Rogers on his remake of Bobby "Blue" Bland's " Share Your Love with Me ". The group had appeared on Rogers' television show with
12788-512: The group signed with MCA Records and released their final album All Our Love in 1987. The album was certified gold and included the hits "Lovin' On Next to Nothin'" and their Grammy-winning number-one single, " Love Overboard ". In 1988 the band also won a Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement . Gladys Knight & the Pips embarked on their final tour in 1988 and disbanded upon its conclusion, as Knight decided she wanted to pursue
12927-478: The group to record side projects from 1977 until 1980 when they signed with Columbia Records . Later hits included "Landlord", " Save the Overtime (For Me) " and the Grammy-winning single " Love Overboard ". In 1989, the group disbanded with the Pips retiring and Knight embarking on a successful solo career. Gladys Knight & the Pips are multiple Grammy and American Music Award winners and are inductees into
13066-430: The group were mentored by Maurice King and Cholly "Pops" Atkins ; their association with King going back to the group's early years traveling to Detroit. The group recorded a third top 40 single with Van McCoy 's " Giving Up " in 1964. Other notable songs they released on Maxx include "Lovers Always Forgive", "(There Will Never Be) Another Love", "Either Way I Lose", "Go Away, Stay Away", "Maybe Maybe Baby", ""Stop and Get
13205-442: The group worked frequently with Norman Whitfield . Whitfield produced them the hits, " The End of Our Road ", " It Should've Been Me ", "Friendship Train", " Nitty Gritty " and "You Need Love Like I Do (Don't You)". They also recorded Ashford & Simpson 's "Didn't You Know (You'd Have To Cry Sometime)" in 1969. They scored their second million-selling Motown single with the ballad " If I Were Your Woman " in 1970. Another ballad,
13344-447: The guys were like my own children!" By the end of 1965, Berry Gordy was scouting to get the group signed to his Motown label. Knight initially refused to sign due to her fears that the label would overlook them for the more popular artists on his roster, but she was outvoted by the Pips. They would sign with Motown in 1966, being assigned to Motown's Soul Records label, a label which featured acts who had more of an R&B flavor than
13483-433: The hit "Landlord" and Touch (1981). In 1983, Gladys Knight and the Pips scored again with the hit " Save the Overtime (For Me) ". The song, under the artistic direction of Leon Sylvers III (known for collaborating on Shalamar hits), was done in a soulful boogie style. The single was released from their LP "Visions" and reached number sixty-six on the Hot 100, but was more successful on the R&B where it hit number one for
13622-452: The hits " Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me ", " I've Got to Use My Imagination ", " I Feel a Song (In My Heart) " and their Grammy-winning and number-one hit single, " Midnight Train to Georgia ". In 1974, they recorded the soundtrack to the successful film Claudine with producer Curtis Mayfield , which included the songs " On and On ", "The Makings of You" and "Make Yours a Happy Home". Contractual difficulties with their labels forced
13761-524: The holiday season in December 1960. Impressed, Gordy sought Fuqua on his contract with Gaye. Fuqua agreed to sell part of his interest in his contract with Gaye. Shortly afterwards, Gaye signed with Motown subsidiary Tamla. When Gaye signed with Tamla, he pursued a career as a performer of jazz music and standards , having no desire to become an R&B performer. Before the release of his first single, Gaye started spelling his surname with added "e", in
13900-584: The influence of Ruffin and Stubbs, stating: "I had heard something in their voices something my own voice lacked." He further explained, "the Tempts and Tops ' music made me remember that when a lot of women listen to music, they want to feel the power of a real man." Gaye had a four-octave vocal range . From his earlier recordings as member of the Marquees and Harvey and the New Moonglows, and in his first several recordings with Motown, Gaye recorded mainly in
14039-485: The intention of remitting a portion of its royalties to her as alimony payments, it performed poorly on the charts. During that period, Gaye's cocaine addiction intensified while he was dealing with several financial issues with the IRS . These issues led him to move to Maui , where he struggled to record a disco -influenced album titled Love Man , with a probable release date for February 1980, though he would later shelve
14178-430: The live recording, " The Way We Were / Try to Remember ". By 1977, the group ran into contract disputes with both Motown and Buddah Records. After asking to be released from their contract from Buddah, the label forced the band to record side projects while the dispute was settled. Between 1978 and 1980, Knight released two solo albums and the Pips released two side albums. In a segment for Richard Pryor 's TV special,
14317-574: The main Billboard album chart—her all-time-highest showing. The album also featured " Superwoman ", written by Babyface and featuring Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle ; the track was nominated for a Grammy. Knight and LaBelle collaborated the same year on "I Don't Do Duets", for LaBelle's album Burnin' . Also in 1991, Knight performed the national anthem at Game 1 of the World Series . Her fourth solo album, Just for You , went Gold and
14456-754: The national anthem. In 2019, Knight was invited to play at the 100th Anniversary of Delaware State Fair , located in Harrington, Delaware . In 2022, Knight received Kennedy Center Honors , presented by U.S. President Joe Biden . She also headlined a U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Dinner at the White House. In October 2009, Knight started her farewell tour of the United Kingdom, which featured Tito Jackson as her supporting act and special appearances by Dionne Warwick . The UK Farewell Tour featured higher production values than previous "Gladys Knight,
14595-507: The possible end time from a chapter in the Book of Revelation . Titling the album In Our Lifetime? , Gaye worked on the album for much of 1980 in London studios such as AIR and Odyssey Studios . In the fall of that year, a master tape of a rough draft of the album was stolen from one of Gaye's traveling musicians, Frank Blair, and taken to Motown's Hollywood headquarters. Motown remixed
14734-584: The presence of successful singles such as "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" and "You're All I Need to Get By", Terrell's illness caused problems with recording, and led to multiple operations to remove the tumor. Gaye was reportedly devastated by Terrell's sickness and became disillusioned with the record business. On October 6, 1968, Gaye sang the national anthem during Game 4 of the 1968 World Series , held at Tiger Stadium , in Detroit, Michigan , between
14873-448: The previous decade, while the suggestive " You Sure Love to Ball " reached modest success on the R&B charts, while also managing to make the pop top 50, its success halted by radio refusing to play the sexually explicit song. In the 1970s, Gaye's sister-in-law turned her attention to Frankie Beverly , the founder of Maze . Marvin took them on his tours, featured them as the opening acts of his concerts, and persuaded Beverly to change
15012-409: The project. That year, Gaye went on a European tour, his first in four years. By the time the tour stopped, he had relocated to London when he feared imprisonment for failure to pay back taxes , which had now reached upwards of $ 4.5 million (US$ 16,640,549 in 2023 dollars ). Gaye then reworked Love Man from its original disco concept to another socially-conscious album invoking religion and
15151-471: The quintet agreed to form a group under the insistence of Gladys' mother Elizabeth Knight. They settled on the name The Pips, inspired by the nickname of their cousin James "Pip" Woods. By 1955, the group began performing on the talent show circuit in their hometown of Atlanta, winning each talent show they entered. This success allowed them to get a record contract with Brunswick Records in 1957. At Brunswick,
15290-643: The record reached international success, reaching the top spot in New Zealand and Canada and reaching the top 10 on the United Kingdom's OCC singles chart , Australia and Belgium, later selling more than two million copies in the U.S. alone, becoming Gaye's most successful single to date. The video for the song was shot at Ostend's Casino-Kursaal. "Sexual Healing" won Gaye his first two Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance , in February 1983, and also won Gaye an American Music Award in
15429-516: The release of another Weatherly song, " Midnight Train to Georgia ", in August 1973. The song eventually hit number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B singles charts, becoming their signature song . They followed that single with the release of the million-selling album, Imagination , which released two more top ten singles, " I've Got to Use My Imagination " and " Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me ". The release of Imagination sparked
15568-525: The release of the live album, Marvin Gaye Live! and its single, a live version of " Distant Lover ", an album track from Let's Get It On . The tour helped to enhance Gaye's reputation as a live performer. For a time, he was earning $ 100,000 a night (US$ 617,814 in 2023 dollars ) for performances. Gaye toured throughout 1974 and 1975. A renewed contract with Motown allowed Gaye to build his own custom-made recording studio . In October 1975, Gaye gave
15707-485: The same way as did Sam Cooke . Author David Ritz wrote that Gaye did this to silence rumors of his sexuality , and to put more distance between himself and his father. Gaye released his first single, " Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide ", in May 1961, with the album The Soulful Moods of Marvin Gaye , following a month later. Gaye's initial recordings failed commercially and he spent most of 1961 performing session work as
15846-470: The self-composed " I Don't Want to Do Wrong ", became another million-selling single. Both singles were featured on their first number one album, also titled If I Were Your Woman . In late 1971, they released a soulful version of Kris Kristofferson 's " Help Me Make It Through the Night ", which became an international hit. The group released the Jim Weatherly ballad, " Neither One of Us (Wants to Be
15985-421: The single, " Letter Full of Tears ", which became another top 40 hit in early 1962. After a string of single releases on Fury Records, Langston George left the group in 1962. The group's success was halted by Gladys Knight's sudden departure in 1962 to start a family with husband Jimmy Newman, a musician. Knight gave birth to the couple's son James Gaston Newman III in August 1962. A daughter, Kenya Maria Newman,
16124-457: The song "Mama Loocie", which was Gaye's first lead vocal recording. The group found work as session singers for established acts such as Chuck Berry , singing on the songs " Back in the U.S.A. " and " Almost Grown ". In 1960, the group disbanded. Gaye moved to Detroit with Fuqua, where he signed with Tri-Phi Records as a session musician, playing drums on several Tri-Phi releases. Gaye performed at Motown president Berry Gordy 's house during
16263-671: The studio tape from the stands. The following month, Gaye performed at the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever special. This and a May appearance on Soul Train (his third appearance on the show) became Gaye's final television performances. Gaye embarked on his final concert tour, titled the Sexual Healing Tour , on April 18, 1983, at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego. The tour, which had 51 dates in total and included
16402-580: The syndicated sitcom The First Family . In 2012, Knight competed on season 14 of Dancing with the Stars , partnered with Tristan MacManus . They were eliminated on April 24 after losing a "dance duel" to Disney Channel star Roshon Fegan and partner Chelsie Hightower , ironically on the show's "Motown Week". In 2017, she appeared as herself in the musical-drama TV series Star . In 2018, she played Ella Grover, mother of Captain Lou Grover, in
16541-511: Was a number-one R&B hit and won another Grammy for the act as well. After a successful 1988 tour, the Pips retired and Knight began her solo career. Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 1989, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001. While still with the Pips, Gladys Knight joined with Dionne Warwick , Stevie Wonder , and Elton John on
16680-543: Was already becoming a hit and cutting the group out of profits, Robinson had the group re-record the song and re-release it on Fury Records. Both versions made the Billboard charts, with the Huntom/Vee-Jay version reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 . Prior to the re-release on Fury Records, the group changed their name to Gladys Knight & the Pips. Later in 1961, the newly christened quintet released
16819-519: Was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He helped shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of successes, which earned him the nicknames "Prince of Motown" and "Prince of Soul". Gaye's Motown hits include " How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) " (1964), " Ain't That Peculiar " (1965), and " I Heard It Through the Grapevine " (1968). He also recorded duets with Mary Wells , Kim Weston , Tammi Terrell , and Diana Ross . During
16958-492: Was born in 1962, and their daughter, Kenya Maria Newman, was born in 1963. In the early 1960s, Knight's family and the Pips moved to Detroit . The family lived in Sherwood Forest , an upscale neighborhood on Detroit's West Side. Knight retired from the road to raise their children while the Pips toured on their own, later returning with Newman as the group's musical director. Newman later became addicted to drugs and left
17097-415: Was born in November 1963. During this period, the Pips kept performing and recording to little fanfare, and eventually each Pip took odd jobs while Gladys Knight began performing solo with Newman, now her musical director. Eventually Gladys reunited with the Pips and signed with a local New York label, Maxx Records, that year. During that time, Newman served as the group's musical director. During this period,
17236-427: Was considered a moderate, feared Gaye's left-leaning political views would alienate Motown's moderately liberal audiences. As a result, Gaye shelved the project and substituted it for Trouble Man . In 2019, Universal Music Group released the album on what would've been Gaye's 80th birthday. In between the releases of What's Going On and Trouble Man , Gaye and his family relocated to Los Angeles, making Marvin one of
17375-613: Was featured in Tyler Perry 's I Can Do Bad All by Myself , the film version of a play he had dramatized, and performed her song "The Need To Be" from the 1974 album I Feel a Song. In 1975, Knight starred in a variety show, The Gladys Knight and the Pips Show , which was canceled after four episodes. She also guest-starred on several TV series throughout the 1980s and 1990s, appearing on Benson , The Jeffersons , A Different World , Living Single , The Jamie Foxx Show , and New York Undercover . In 1985, she co-starred on
17514-649: Was four years old; his father often accompanied him on piano. Gaye and his family were part of a conservative church known as the House of God that took its teachings from Pentecostalism , with a strict code of conduct. Gaye developed a love of singing at an early age and was encouraged to pursue a professional music career after a performance at a school play at 11 singing Mario Lanza 's " Be My Love ". His home life consisted of " brutal whippings " by his father, who struck him for any shortcoming. The young Gaye described living in his father's house as similar to "living with
17653-466: Was given creative control in his later years with Motown, to produce his own albums. In addition to his talent as a drummer, Gaye also embraced the TR-808 , a drum machine that became prominent in the early '80s, making use of its sounds for production of his Midnight Love album. The piano was his primary instrument when performing on stage, with occasional drumming. As a child, Gaye's main influence
17792-408: Was giving his act a hard time. The act left Motown for a better deal with Buddah Records in 1973, and achieved even greater mainstream success that year with hits such as the Grammy-winning " Midnight Train to Georgia " (#1 on the pop and R&B chart), " I've Got to Use My Imagination ", "The Way We Were/Try To Remember" and " Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me ". In the summer of 1974, Knight and
17931-403: Was his minister father, something he later acknowledged to biographer David Ritz , and also in interviews, often mentioning that his father's sermons greatly impressed him. His first major musical influences were doo-wop groups such as The Moonglows and The Capris . Gaye's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame page lists the Capris' song, " God Only Knows " as "critical to his musical awakening". Of
18070-546: Was in a public housing project, the Fairfax Apartments (now demolished) at 1617 1st Street SW in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. Although one of the city's oldest neighborhoods, with many elegant Federal-style homes, most buildings were small, in extensive disrepair, and lacked both electricity and running water. The alleys were full of one- and two-story shacks, and nearly every dwelling
18209-441: Was influenced by the vocal styles of Billy Eckstine and Nat King Cole . As his Motown career developed, Gaye took inspiration from fellow label mates such as David Ruffin of The Temptations and Levi Stubbs of the Four Tops , whose grittier voices led to Gaye and his producer seeking a similar sound in recordings such as " I Heard It Through the Grapevine " and " That's the Way Love Is ". Later in his life, Gaye reflected on
18348-462: Was nominated for the 1995 Grammy Award for Best R&B Album . The fifth solo album, At Last , earned her first solo Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Album in 2000. Knight created and directs the Mormon -themed choir Saints Unified Voices . SUV has released a Grammy Award-winning CD titled One Voice , and occasionally performs at LDS church firesides . In April 2004, Knight co-headlined
18487-475: Was overcrowded. Gaye and his friends nicknamed the area "Simple City", owing to it being "half-city, half country". Gaye was the second oldest of the couple's four children. He had two sisters, Jeanne and Zeola, and one brother, Frankie Gaye . He also had two half-brothers: Michael Cooper, his mother's son from a previous relationship, and Antwaun Carey Gay, born as a result of one of his father's extramarital affairs. Gaye started singing in church when he
18626-655: Was planning a musical comeback and an exit from Motown, CBS Urban president Larkin Arnold eventually was able to convince Gaye to sign with CBS Records . On March 23, 1982, Motown and CBS negotiated Gaye's release from Motown. The details of the contract were not revealed due to a possible negative effect on Gaye's settlement to creditors from the IRS and to stop a possible bidding war by competing labels. Assigned to CBS's Columbia subsidiary, Gaye worked on his first post-Motown album titled Midnight Love . The first single from
18765-488: Was raised Baptist and began singing gospel music at age four at the Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Atlanta. At the age of eight, she won Ted Mack 's The Original Amateur Hour TV show contest singing Nat King Cole 's " Too Young ." Shortly after, Knight along with her brother Bubba, sister Brenda, and cousins Eleanor and William Guest performed together during Bubba's tenth birthday party after
18904-633: Was released on iTunes and Amazon. In 2013, Knight recorded the Lenny Kravitz -written and -produced song "You And I Ain't Nothin' No More" for the soundtrack from Lee Daniels ' motion picture The Butler . The song was added to the movie's soundtrack of older songs with various artists so the producers could nominate it for Best Song from a Motion Picture category at the Academy Awards . Where My Heart Belongs (2014) marked her 30th top-40 R&B album, including work by Gladys Knight &
19043-408: Was released on three different labels, they changed their name to Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1961. Langston George left the same year and Gladys Knight left in 1962 to start a family with musician Jimmy Newman. Knight rejoined in 1964 and this lineup continued until the group's disbandment in 1989. The group reached commercial success after signing with Motown Records in 1966. After a year and
19182-613: Was survived by his wife, Michelene; daughters Nastasia and Gabrielle; and sons Rishawn, Stefan, and Sterling. Following his death, her daughter Kenya Jackson took over management. Knight married William McDowell in 2001. They have seventeen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren between them. Knight and McDowell reside in Fairview, North Carolina , near where they own a community center, the former Reynolds High School in Canton attended by McDowell. In 2017, Knight helped raise $ 400,000 for
19321-501: Was the father of three children: Marvin III, Nona , and Frankie. Marvin III was the biological son of Anna's niece, Denise Gordy , who was 16 at the time of the birth. Nona and Frankie were born to Gaye's second wife, Janis. At the time of his death, Gaye was survived by his three children, mother, father, and five siblings. Gaye was a cousin of Wu-Tang Clan member Masta Killa . In the early afternoon of April 1, 1984, Gaye intervened in
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