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Gladys Knight & the Pips

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Gladys Knight & the Pips
Company typeMusical group
IndustryMusic
Founded1952 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States
FounderGladys Knight, Merald "Bubba" Knight, Brenda Knight, Eleanor Guest, William Guest
Defunct1989
Headquarters
Atlanta
,
United States
ProductsR&B, soul, funk music recordings and live performances

Gladys Knight & the Pips was a family ensemble from Atlanta, Georgia known for their contributions to R&B, soul, and funk music. Their presence on the charts and live performances spanned more than thirty years, beginning in the early 1950s.

Initially called The Pips in 1952, a name derived from a cousin's nickname, the original lineup consisted of Gladys Knight, her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight, sister Brenda Knight, and cousins Eleanor Guest and William Guest. After competing in talent shows, they secured a contract with Brunswick Records in 1957 but did not achieve chart success with their early singles. In 1959, Brenda Knight and Eleanor Guest departed to focus on their families and were succeeded by cousin Edward Patten and non-relative Langston George. This formation produced their first charting single, "Every Beat of My Heart". Following releases on several labels, the group adopted the name Gladys Knight & the Pips in 1961. Langston George exited that same year; Gladys Knight briefly left in 1962 to start a family but returned in 1964. This ensemble remained intact until their split in 1989.

Their major commercial breakthrough occurred after signing with Motown Records in 1966. Within eighteen months, they released the original hit version of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (1967), followed by numerous hits on Motown’s Soul label including "Nitty Gritty", "Friendship Train", "If I Were Your Woman", "I Don't Want to Do Wrong", and the Grammy-winning track "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)". In 1973, they transitioned to Buddah Records, where they delivered hits such as "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me", "I've Got to Use My Imagination", "I Feel a Song (In My Heart)", along with their Grammy-winning chart-topper "Midnight Train to Georgia". The following year, they collaborated with producer Curtis Mayfield on the soundtrack for Claudine, featuring tracks like "On and On" and "The Makings of You".

Between 1977 and 1980, contractual complications restricted their releases until they signed with Columbia Records. There, they achieved hits including "Landlord", "Save the Overtime (For Me)", and earned another Grammy for "Love Overboard". The group disbanded in 1989; while the Pips retired from performing, Gladys Knight embarked on a prosperous solo career.

Gladys Knight & the Pips have been honored with multiple Grammy and American Music Award accolades and have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Early years (1952–1961)

At just eight years old, Gladys Knight won first place on Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour in 1952. On September 4 of that year, during her brother Bubba’s tenth birthday celebration, Gladys joined Bubba, sister Brenda, and cousins William and Eleanor Guest to form a group after their record player malfunctioned. Following their mother Elizabeth Knight’s suggestion, they adopted the name The Pips, inspired by cousin James "Pip" Woods. By 1955, they were regulars on Atlanta’s talent show circuit, consistently winning contests which led to a recording deal with Brunswick Records in 1957. Despite releasing two singles that failed to chart, they gained experience opening for prominent artists such as Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke.

In 1959, Brunswick ended their contract; Brenda Knight and Eleanor Guest left to focus on family life. They were replaced by cousin Edward Patten along with friend Langston George, both formerly part of another group.

Initial achievements (1961–1965)

In 1961, The Pips recorded Johnny Otis's "Every Beat of My Heart." Without a record deal, the local Huntom Records took charge of promoting the single and arranged distribution through Vee-Jay Records. After relocating to New York and auditioning for Bobby Robinson’s Fury Records, the group re-recorded and reissued the track due to disputes over royalties. Both versions reached the charts, with the Huntom/Vee-Jay release climbing to number six on the Billboard Hot 100. It was during this period that they adopted the name Gladys Knight & the Pips. Later that year, they released "Letter Full of Tears," which also entered the top 40. Langston George departed from the group in 1962.

In 1962, Gladys Knight temporarily stepped away to focus on her family with musician Jimmy Newman, having two children by late 1963. During her hiatus, the Pips continued performing but met with limited success; members took on various side jobs while Knight performed solo with Newman serving as musical director. The group reunited in 1964 and signed with Maxx Records in New York. Guided by Maurice King and choreographer Cholly "Pops" Atkins—who had been connected to them since their early days in Detroit—they released the Van McCoy-penned single "Giving Up," which reached the top 40. Their Maxx album featured songs such as "Lovers Always Forgive," "(There Will Never Be) Another Love," and "If I Should Ever Fall in Love."

The ensemble became known for their refined live shows, which helped sustain their career despite modest record sales. Atkins crafted distinctive "fast-stepping" dance moves that became a hallmark of their performances; he continued collaborating closely with them even after joining Motown Records.

Gladys Knight & the Pips sign with Motown Records (1966–1973)

By late 1965, Berry Gordy aimed to bring the group into Motown. Initially hesitant due to concerns about being overshadowed by Motown’s leading artists, Knight was eventually persuaded by the Pips. They joined Motown's Soul Records in 1966, focusing primarily on R&B rather than pop music. Their debut Motown single, "Just Walk in My Shoes," found success in the UK; however, the group objected to The Andantes overdubbing their vocals and insisted that no further backing vocal overdubs be used. Unlike many other Motown artists, they seldom appeared on Motortown Revues except for a Christmas special recorded for Motortown Revue Live. Their next single, "Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me," also charted in the UK.

Their third release, "Everybody Needs Love" (1967), marked their first U.S. chart appearance in two years, reaching number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the R&B chart. Knight later recalled feeling like a secondary act behind Diana Ross & the Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye. According to Knight, Ross had them removed from opening for The Supremes in 1968 because they were considered "too good." Their major breakthrough came with "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", which peaked at number two on the Hot 100 and topped the R&B chart, becoming Motown’s best-selling single at that point with sales exceeding 2.5 million copies. Marvin Gaye’s subsequent version surpassed theirs by selling four million copies and reaching number one on the Hot 100. In 1968, Knight played a key role in introducing The Jackson Five to Gordy after performing alongside them at a political event.

Following "Grapevine," they worked extensively with producer Norman Whitfield, producing hits such as "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. Their ballads "If I Were Your Woman" and their self-written "I Don't Want to Do Wrong" each sold over one million copies and were featured on their first number one album of the same name. In late 1971, their soulful interpretation of Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night" gained international acclaim. December 1972 saw the release of "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)", which was their final single under Motown.

While "Neither One of Us" was climbing charts, contract talks with Motown stalled. By February 1973, they departed from Motown and signed with Buddah Records. The single became their highest-selling Motown release, peaking at number two on the Hot 100 and earning them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Journey on the "Midnight Train" with Buddah Records (1973–1980)

Following their contract with Buddah Records, the ensemble released Weatherly's heartfelt ballad "Where Peaceful Waters Flow," which enjoyed moderate acclaim alongside their Motown release "Daddy Could Swear, I Declare." Their artistic and commercial zenith came with the August 1973 launch of Weatherly's "Midnight Train to Georgia," which claimed the top position on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts, ultimately becoming their defining track.

The million-copy-selling album Imagination was released next, generating two additional top ten hits: "I've Got to Use My Imagination" and "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me." This momentum sparked a succession of million-selling records for Buddah, including the Claudine soundtrack, I Feel a Song, and 2nd Anniversary. In 1975, they headlined their own brief NBC variety show, The Gladys Knight & the Pips Show. Throughout this era, chart successes such as "I Feel a Song (In My Heart)", "Part-Time Love", and "Love Finds Its Own Way" reinforced their strong market position.

By 1977, tensions arose regarding contracts with Motown and Buddah Records. During ongoing negotiations, Buddah required the group to record individual side projects. Between 1978 and 1980, Knight released two solo albums while the Pips issued two separate projects. Despite these ventures, they continued performing collectively and appeared on Richard Pryor's television special before signing with Columbia Records in 1980.

Subsequent years and dissolution (1980–1989)

Upon joining Columbia in 1980, the group reunited with Motown producers Ashford & Simpson for the album About Love, which included singles such as "Taste of Bitter Love" and "Bourgie, Bourgie". Their 1981 release, Touch, featured tracks like "I Will Fight" and a rendition of "I Will Survive". That same year, they contributed backing vocals for Kenny Rogers on his remake of "Share Your Love with Me". Knight also collaborated with Rogers on his 1986 television special and their 1989 US Adult Contemporary top-ten hit "If I Knew Then What I Know Now".

Following a global tour, they unveiled their third Columbia album, Visions (1983). The lead single, "Save the Overtime (For Me)", marked their first number one R&B hit in eight years. The accompanying video was among the pioneering R&B clips to feature hip-hop influences. The album also contained the popular track "You're Number One (In My Book)".

After Knight's solo triumph with the chart-topping collaboration "That's What Friends Are For", the group signed with MCA Records and issued their final album All Our Love in 1987. Certified gold, it included hits such as "Lovin' On Next to Nothin" and their Grammy-winning chart-topper "Love Overboard". In 1988, they earned a Soul Train Music Award for Career Achievement. Concluding a remarkable 37-year journey together, the group embarked on a farewell tour in 1988 before disbanding as Knight focused on her solo endeavors.

Awards, solo endeavors, and passings

Following the group's peaceful split in 1989, Edward Patten and William Guest established Guest and Patten Productions based in Detroit, which was later renamed the Crew Entertainment Company. Patten, who suffered from diabetes, experienced leg amputations and relied on a wheelchair until he passed away due to complications on February 25, 2005, in Livonia, Michigan. William Guest oversaw the company alongside Patten's family until his own death from congestive heart failure on December 24, 2015. Two years prior to his passing, Guest collaborated with his sister Dame Dhyana Ziegler to publish his memoir, Midnight Train FROM Georgia: A Pip's Journey, chronicling his personal and professional life. In 2007, Bubba Knight, Guest, and Neil Taffe (a backing vocalist for Gladys Knight) appeared together in a Geico advertisement. Eleanor Guest, an original member of the Pips, died from heart failure on August 23, 1997; Langston George succumbed to congestive heart failure on March 19, 2007.

Bubba Knight continues to oversee Gladys Knight’s professional career and occasionally joins her on stage. Gladys Knight performed the theme song for the 1989 James Bond movie Licence to Kill, which reached the top ten in the UK charts. Her 1991 album Good Woman produced the top five R&B single "Men" and a Grammy-nominated collaboration "Superwoman" with Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle. The gold-certified 1994 album Just for You featured popular tracks such as "I Don't Wanna Know" and a rendition of Boyz II Men's "End of the Road". Knight remains active in both recording and live performances and leads the Saints Unified Voices choir as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The ensemble has been honored with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1996) and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2001), as well as receiving the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. They are ranked ninth in The Billboard Top 40 Book of R&B and Hip-Hop Hits (2005) and placed number 91 on VH1's list of Top 100 Artists of Rock n' Roll. In June 2006, they were inducted into the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame, followed by their inclusion in the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017.

Members

  • Gladys Knight – lead vocals (1952–1962, 1964–1989)
  • Merald "Bubba" Knight – lead and backing vocals (1952–1989)
  • William Guest – lead and backing vocals (1952–1989; died 2015)
  • Edward Patten – lead and backing vocals (1959–1989; died 2005)
  • Brenda Knight – backing vocals (1952–1959)
  • Eleanor Guest – backing vocals (1952–1959; died 1997)
  • Langston George – backing vocals (1959–1962; died 2007)

Timeline

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Top 20 singles

Below is a list of singles that attained Top 20 positions on either the United States Billboard Hot 100 or the United Kingdom Pop Singles Chart.

1975 1976 1977 1978 1987
Year Song title US Pop Charts US R&B Charts UK Singles Chart Canada
CHUM/RPM
1961 "Every Beat of My Heart" 6 1 – 20
"Letter Full of Tears" 19 3 – –
1967 "Take Me in Your Arms and Love Me" 98 – 13 –
"I Heard It Through the Grapevine" 2 1 47 5
1968 "The End of Our Road" 15 5 – 12
1969 "The Nitty Gritty" 19 2 – 27
"Friendship Train" 17 2 – 29
1970 "If I Were Your Woman" 9 1 – 23
1971 "I Don't Want to Do Wrong" 17 2 – 30
1972 "Help Me Make It Through the Night" 33 13 11 64
1973 "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" 2 1 31 16
"Daddy Could Swear, I Declare" 19 2 –
"Midnight Train to Georgia" 1 1 10 (1976 reissue) 5
"I've Got to Use My Imagination" 4 1
rowspan=3 1974 "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me"

3

1

7

6

"On and On"

5

2

–

13

"I Feel a Song (In My Heart)"

21

–

–

13

"The Way We Were/Try to Remember"

11

6

4

29

"So Sad the Song"

47

12

20

–

"Baby, Don't Change Your Mind"

52

10

4

58

"Come Back and Finish What You Started"

–

–

15

–

"Love Overboard"

13

1

42

59


Studio albums

Concert

  • 1977: Gladys Knight & the Pips feat. Ray Charles: Live at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles
  • 2021: Summer of Soul

Compilations

  • 1973: Burt Sugarman's Midnight Special – Legendary Performances 1973
  • 2004: Kenny Rogers Rollin' Vol. 1
  • 2006: Flashbacks: Soul Sensation

American Music Awards

|- |rowspan="4"|1975 |rowspan="2"|Gladys Knight & the Pips |Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group | |- |Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group | |- ||"Midnight Train to Georgia" |Favorite Soul/R&B Single | |- ||Imagination |Favorite Soul/R&B Album | |- |1976 |Gladys Knight & the Pips |Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group | |- |1984 |Gladys Knight & the Pips |Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group | |- |1989 |Gladys Knight & the Pips |Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group |

Grammy Awards

|- ||1969 ||"Friendship Train" ||Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group || |- ||1971 ||"If I Were Your Woman" ||Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group || |- ||1972 ||"Help Me Make It Through the Night" ||Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus || |- |rowspan="2"|1973 ||"Midnight Train to Georgia" ||Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus || |- ||"Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" ||Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus || |- ||1974 ||"I Feel a Song (In My Heart)" ||Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus || |- ||1975 ||"The Way We Were"/"Try to Remember" ||Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus || |- ||1977 ||"Baby Don't Change Your Mind" ||Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus || |- ||1980 ||"About Love" ||Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal || |- ||1988 ||"Love Overboard" ||Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal ||

Gladys Knight has also received four additional Grammy Awards as an individual artist and through collaborations.

Additional Honors and Hall of Fame Inductions

  • 1988: Honored with the Heritage Award, which was later renamed the Quincy Jones Award for Career Achievement, at the Soul Train Music Awards.
  • 1989: Entered into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
  • 1996: Became inductees of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • 1998: Awarded the Lifetime Achievement recognition by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.
  • 1999: "Midnight Train to Georgia" was enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
  • 2001: Joined the ranks of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductees.
  • 2006: Inducted into the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame.
  • 2009: Included in the Hit Parade Hall of Fame.
  • 2018: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Notes

External links

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