Gladys Knight: Unveiling the Iconic Career of the Empress of Soul Ahead of Her Epic Verzuz Battle

Atlanta, Georgia-native Gladys Knight, 76, a true titan in the realm of R&B and soul music, is set to captivate audiences alongside fellow legend Patti LaBelle, 76, in what promises to be a truly unforgettable Verzuz battle on September 13. This highly anticipated streaming event will feature two unparalleled vocal powerhouses sharing their illustrious catalogs live from The Fillmore, allowing fans to reminisce about the epic years their timeless tracks dominated the charts. The announcement of this monumental musical showdown sent waves of excitement through the music community when Verzuz revealed the incredible news on their Instagram page on September 8, accompanied by a striking poster featuring the esteemed ladies’ faces and all the essential event details. This particular Verzuz is not just a battle; it’s a celebration of enduring talent, resilience, and the sheer power of soul music, bringing together two artists whose careers have shaped generations.

The caption for the Instagram post perfectly encapsulated the sentiment and magnitude of the upcoming event: “The Master Class we’ve ALL been waiting for! @MsGladysKnight vs. @MsPattiLaBelle 🔥 Live from The Fillmore in Philly this Sunday at 5PM PT/8PM ET. The ultimate Verzuz!” It continued, urging fans to join in the celebration: “Leave ya church clothes on all Sunday and pull up to the affair of all affairs. Y’all gotta get dressed up in ya Sunday’s best for this one.” This call to action underscored the event’s significance, likening it to a spiritual gathering for devotees of rhythm and blues. The matchup between Knight and LaBelle is more than just a musical contest; it’s a profound recognition of their unparalleled contributions to American music, promising an evening filled with classic hits, powerful vocals, and heartfelt storytelling that only these two icons can deliver.

As the world eagerly awaits this epic special, it’s the perfect moment to delve deeper into the extraordinary life and impressive career of Gladys Knight. Known affectionately as the ‘Empress of Soul,’ her journey is one of remarkable talent, perseverance, and groundbreaking achievements. Before you settle in to witness her musical prowess, here are five essential facets of Gladys Knight’s iconic legacy that illuminate why she remains one of music’s most revered figures.

1. A Young Star’s Ascent: Gladys Knight’s Early Musical Beginnings

Gladys Maria Knight, born in Atlanta in 1944, displayed her prodigious vocal talents from a remarkably young age. Her path to stardom began at just seven years old when she achieved her first taste of minor fame by winning the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. This early national exposure was a pivotal moment, showcasing her raw talent and setting the stage for what was to come. Shortly after this triumph, she formed a singing group with her brother Merald, sister Brenda, and cousins William and Eleanor Guest, which they aptly named The Pips, according to Biography.com. This family-centric formation laid the groundwork for a legendary career. After undergoing some initial lineup changes, the group found significant success in 1961 with their hit song “Every Beat Of My Heart,” a soulful ballad that resonated deeply with audiences. This early success marked a crucial turning point, solidifying their presence in the burgeoning R&B scene and leading Gladys and The Pips on an inevitable journey to Detroit, the heart of Motown, where their legend would truly flourish.

2. The Motown Years: Chart-Topping Hits and a Grammy Win

The year 1966 marked a monumental chapter in Gladys Knight and The Pips’ career as they officially joined the ranks of Motown Records, a label synonymous with groundbreaking soul music. Under the guidance of Berry Gordy Jr., they quickly solidified their status as hitmakers, crafting a distinctive sound that blended R&B with pop sensibilities. Their time at Motown yielded an impressive string of major hits that have since become staples of American music. Tracks like the iconic “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” (though famously also recorded by Marvin Gaye, their version was a significant success), “Take Me In Your Arms and Love Me,” “If I Were Your Woman,” and the Grammy-winning ballad “Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)” showcased Gladys’s unparalleled vocal delivery and the group’s harmonious precision. “Neither One Of Us” earned them a Grammy Award, a testament to their exceptional artistry and commercial appeal. Despite their undeniable success and association with the legendary label, Gladys and the group sought greater creative control and new artistic challenges, leading them to depart Motown for Buddah Records in 1973. Nevertheless, their Motown era remains a celebrated period, forever etching their names into the annals of music history and establishing Gladys Knight as a true icon of soul.

3. Beyond Music: Gladys Knight’s Acclaimed Acting Career

Gladys Knight’s talents extend far beyond the recording studio, showcasing her versatility as a performer through a commendable acting career. Her dramatic abilities earned her a prestigious Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – Actress for her compelling role in the 1976 film Pipe Dreams. This nomination was a significant recognition of her seamless transition from music icon to respected actress, demonstrating her innate ability to connect with audiences through different artistic mediums. In addition to her notable performance in Pipe Dreams, she has also graced the silver screen in movies such as Hollywood Homicide, where she shared the screen with established actors. Her presence on television has been equally impactful, with numerous appearances in beloved series including Benson, The Jeffersons, Living Single, and a memorable role in 2017’s Star. Each role has allowed her to showcase a different facet of her talent, endearing her to new generations of fans and proving that her artistry knows no bounds.

4. A Personal Battle: Overcoming Cancer and Clarifying a Health Scare

In August 2018, the music world mourned the passing of the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, due to a pancreatic tumor. While attending Aretha’s funeral, Gladys Knight delivered a heartfelt eulogy, during which she made a comment that briefly caused widespread concern. She stated that she and Aretha “shared the fact that we had the same disease.” This remark led many to initially believe that Gladys also had pancreatic cancer, sending shockwaves through her fanbase and the industry. However, Gladys later clarified her comments, explaining that while she had indeed battled cancer, it was specifically “stage 1 breast cancer,” which she had successfully overcome. She reassured her concerned public that she is “cancer-free and grateful for that,” as reported by Rolling Stone. Her courage in sharing her personal health journey, even amidst public confusion, highlights her strength and her willingness to be transparent with her admirers. This experience not only served as a testament to her resilience but also brought important awareness to breast cancer detection and survival.

#NFL #SBLIII pic.twitter.com/HdiR7DZR5Z

— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) January 17, 2019

5. Super Bowl Anthem: Standing for Unity Amidst Controversy

Gladys Knight faced significant criticism for her decision to sing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl LIII, a period when the NFL and the African-American community were experiencing strained relations. This tension largely stemmed from the highly publicized exile of Colin Kaepernick, 31, the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who had not played in the NFL since 2016. Many, including Kaepernick himself, believed he had been blackballed from the league due to his peaceful protests against police brutality and racial injustice during the national anthem. Artists like Travis Scott and Big Boi also faced online backlash for their involvement in the Halftime show, and Gladys Knight received similar flak for agreeing to perform the anthem. However, true to her character, Knight approached the situation with grace, conviction, and a deep understanding of the complex issues at play. She addressed the controversy head-on, delivering a powerful statement that articulated her rationale and commitment to her principles.

“I understand that Mr. Kaepernick is protesting two things, and they are police violence and injustice,” Gladys said in her statement. “I am here today and on Sunday, Feb. 3 to give the Anthem back its voice, to stand for that historic choice of words, the way it unites us when we hear it and to free it from the same prejudices and struggles I have fought long and hard for all my life, from walking back hallways, from marching with our social leaders, from using my voice for good — I have been in the forefront of this battle longer than most of those voicing their opinions to win the right to sing our country’s Anthem on a stage as large as the Super Bowl LIII.” Her words transcended mere justification; they were a profound declaration of her lifelong dedication to social justice. She emphasized that her performance was not an endorsement of the NFL’s stance on Kaepernick, but rather a reclaimation of the anthem’s true spirit as a symbol of unity and a platform for her continued advocacy. Her decision reflected a nuanced perspective, reminding critics of her decades-long fight for civil rights and her belief in using her voice to inspire change, even on the world’s biggest stage.

As Gladys Knight steps into the Verzuz arena, she does so as a revered figure whose career spans generations and cultural shifts. Her unparalleled vocal talent, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering commitment to both her art and her community firmly cement her status as the ‘Empress of Soul.’ This battle with Patti LaBelle is not just a competition; it’s a testament to the enduring power of these legendary artists, celebrating their iconic contributions to music and their indelible mark on popular culture.