Gladys Maria Knight (born May 28, 1944), known as the "Empress of Soul", is an American singer and actress.

Gladys Knight, often referred to as the "Empress of Soul," is an American singer, songwriter, and actress with a career spanning several decades. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1944, Knight began her musical journey at a young age, forming Gladys Knight & the Pips with her siblings and cousins. The group achieved widespread success in the 1960s and 1970s, producing a string of hits that showcased Knight's powerful and emotive voice. Classics like "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)," and "If I Were Your Woman" are just a few examples of the timeless songs that contributed to the group's legacy.

Gladys Knight's distinct voice, often described as warm and soulful, earned her numerous accolades throughout her career, including seven Grammy Awards. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her performances has made her an enduring figure in the world of R&B and soul music. In addition to her success with the Pips, Knight also enjoyed a thriving solo career, further showcasing her vocal prowess and musical versatility.

Beyond her contributions to music, Gladys Knight has ventured into acting and philanthropy. Knight's impact on the entertainment industry, marked by her enduring talent and dedication to her craft, has solidified her status as a cultural icon. Whether performing with the Pips or as a solo artist, Gladys Knight's voice remains a symbol of soulful elegance, leaving an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of American music.A seven-time Grammy Award-winner,[3] 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.

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. She has won seven Grammy Awards (four as a solo artist and three with the Pips) and is an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame along with The Pips. 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.^[4][5] She also recorded the theme song for the 1989 James Bond film Licence to Kill. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Knight among the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.^[6] She is also a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors