Childhood and Education Journey of Gladys Knight in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 25, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Gladys Knight, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1960: Marriage to James "Jimmy" Newman

In 1960, Gladys Knight married Atlanta musician James "Jimmy" Newman, her high school sweetheart. They later had a miscarriage but went on to have two children.

1962: Birth of son James "Jimmy" Gaston Newman III

In 1962, Gladys Knight and James "Jimmy" Newman had their first child, a son named James "Jimmy" Gaston Newman III.

1963: Birth of daughter Kenya Maria Newman

In 1963, Gladys Knight and James "Jimmy" Newman had their second child, a daughter named Kenya Maria Newman.

1973: Divorce from James Newman

In 1973, Gladys Knight and James Newman divorced after being separated for 7 years. They had been married for over 12 years.

1974: Marriage to Barry Hankerson

In 1974, Gladys Knight married Barry Hankerson, founder of Blackground Records, in Detroit.

August 1, 1976: Birth of son Shanga Ali Hankerson

On August 1, 1976, Gladys Knight and Barry Hankerson had a son named Shanga Ali Hankerson.

1977: Relocation to Las Vegas

Around 1977, Gladys Knight and Barry Hankerson relocated to Las Vegas.

1979: Divorce from Barry Hankerson

In 1979, Gladys Knight and Barry Hankerson divorced, leading to a prolonged custody battle over their son.

1995: Marriage to Les Brown

In 1995, Gladys Knight married motivational speaker Les Brown.

1997: Divorce from Les Brown

In 1997, Gladys Knight and Les Brown divorced.

1997: Baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In 1997, Gladys Knight was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, inspired by her daughter and son.

July 10, 1999: Death of son Jimmy Newman III

On July 10, 1999, Gladys Knight's son, Jimmy Newman III, passed away at age 36 due to heart failure.

2001: Marriage to William McDowell

In 2001, Gladys Knight married William McDowell.

June 2016: Authorities raided Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles restaurants

In June 2016, authorities in Georgia raided two of Gladys Knight & Ron Winans' Chicken & Waffles restaurants and its headquarters.

2016: Investigation involving unpaid taxes

In 2016, WSB-TV reported that Gladys Knight's son, Hankerson, was at the center of an investigation involving unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest. The investigation solely involved Hankerson and not Knight.