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, known as the "Empress of Soul." She achieved significant success with her family group, Gladys Knight & the Pips, throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, alongside her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten. A testament to her talent and impact, Knight has been honored with seven Grammy Awards for her contributions to music.
May 28, 1944: Gladys Knight's Birth
On May 28, 1944, Gladys Maria Knight was born. She would become an American singer known as the "Empress of Soul".
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1960: Gladys Knight Married James "Jimmy" Newman
In 1960, Gladys Knight married Atlanta musician James "Jimmy" Newman, her high school sweetheart.
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1962: Birth of Gladys Knight's Son James Newman III
In 1962, Gladys Knight and James "Jimmy" Newman had their first child, a son named James "Jimmy" Gaston Newman III.
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1963: Birth of Gladys Knight's Daughter Kenya Maria Newman
In 1963, Gladys Knight and James "Jimmy" Newman had their second child, a daughter named Kenya Maria Newman.
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1973: Gladys Knight Divorced James "Jimmy" Newman
In 1973, Gladys Knight divorced James "Jimmy" Newman after being separated for seven years.
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1974: Gladys Knight Married Barry Hankerson
In 1974, Gladys Knight married Barry Hankerson, founder of Blackground Records, in Detroit.
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August 1, 1976: Birth of Gladys Knight's Son Shanga Ali Hankerson
On August 1, 1976, Gladys Knight and Barry Hankerson had a son, Shanga Ali Hankerson.
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1977: Gladys Knight Relocated to Las Vegas
Around 1977, Gladys Knight and Barry Hankerson relocated to Las Vegas.
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1979: Gladys Knight Divorced Barry Hankerson
In 1979, Gladys Knight and Barry Hankerson divorced.
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1995: Gladys Knight Married Les Brown
In 1995, Gladys Knight married motivational speaker Les Brown.
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1997: Gladys Knight Divorced Les Brown
In 1997, Gladys Knight divorced Les Brown.
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1997: Gladys Knight Baptized 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.
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July 10, 1999: Death of Gladys Knight's Son Jimmy Newman III
On July 10, 1999, Gladys Knight's son Jimmy Newman III died from heart failure at age 36.
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2001: Gladys Knight Married William McDowell
In 2001, Gladys Knight married William McDowell.
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June 2016: Authorities Raided Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles Restaurants
In June 2016, authorities in Georgia raided two locations and the headquarters of Gladys Knight & Ron Winans' Chicken & Waffles restaurants, owned by her son Shanga Hankerson.
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2016: Investigation Involving Gladys Knight's Son's Unpaid Taxes
In 2016, WSB-TV reported that Gladys Knight's son, Shanga Hankerson, was at the center of an investigation involving unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest. The investigation solely involved Hankerson and not Knight.
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2017: Gladys Knight Helped Raise Money for Children's Learning Centers
In 2017, Gladys Knight helped raise $400,000 for the Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County.
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2018: Gladys Knight Led the Be One Choir
In 2018, Gladys Knight led the Be One Choir at the "Be One" event in Salt Lake City, Utah.
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