Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gladys Knight

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Gladys Knight

Discover the career path of Gladys Knight, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Gladys Knight is an acclaimed American singer, renowned as the "Empress of Soul." Her career flourished throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, primarily with her family group, Gladys Knight & the Pips, featuring her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten. Knight's powerful vocals and stage presence led to numerous hit records and seven Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a legendary figure in soul and R&B music.

1996: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1996, Gladys Knight & the Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

April 2005: Portrayal of singer in JAG episode

In April 2005, Gladys Knight portrayed a singer in an episode of JAG.

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2007: Received the Society of Singers ELLA Award

In 2007, Gladys Knight received the Society of Singers ELLA Award and was declared the "Empress of Soul".

April 2009: Guest appearance on Tyler Perry's House of Payne

In April 2009, Gladys Knight made a special guest appearance on Tyler Perry's House of Payne and performed a song.

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2012: Recurring role in The First Family

In 2012, Gladys Knight began a recurring role in the syndicated sitcom The First Family.

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2012: Competed on Dancing with the Stars

In 2012, Gladys Knight competed on season 14 of Dancing with the Stars with Tristan MacManus as her partner and was eliminated on "Motown Week".

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2017: Appearance in Star

In 2017, Gladys Knight appeared as herself in the musical-drama TV series Star.

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2017: Fundraising for Children's Learning Centers

In 2017, Gladys Knight helped raise $400,000 for the Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County at an event held at the Palace Theatre.

November 16, 2018: Played Ella Grover in Hawaii Five-0

On November 16, 2018, Gladys Knight played Ella Grover in the "Lele pū nā manu like" episode of Hawaii Five-0.

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2018: Led the Be One Choir at the "Be One" event

In 2018, Gladys Knight led the Be One Choir at the "Be One" event in Salt Lake City, Utah.

February 2019: Competed as "Bee" on The Masked Singer

In February 2019, Gladys Knight was revealed to have competed as "Bee" on the first season of The Masked Singer, placing third.

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2021: Received the National Medal of Arts

In 2021, Gladys Knight received the National Medal of Arts.

2022: Received a Kennedy Center Honor

In 2022, Gladys Knight received a Kennedy Center Honor.

2023: Received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In 2023, Gladys Knight received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.