Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, is an iconic American singer and songwriter known as the "Empress of Soul." With a career spanning several decades, Knight rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of Gladys Knight & the Pips, a highly successful R&B and soul group. Her powerful and emotive voice, coupled with the group's dynamic performances, garnered them numerous hits, including "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)." Gladys Knight's contributions to the music industry have earned her multiple Grammy Awards, and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the Pips in 1996. Beyond music, Knight is recognized for her philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, making her a respected figure both in the entertainment world and beyond.