It’s Sunday, November 24, 2019 — just four days before Thanksgiving — and music lovers are lining up outside MPAC in Morristown, NJ for a live concert performance by the “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight.
Knight, 75, was born in Atlanta, GA, the daughter of a postal worker. She first achieved fame at the age of seven winning Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour television competition. Soon after, she formed a music group with several relatives called the Pips, named after a cousin, James “Pip” Woods.
With her brother, Merald “Bubba” Knight, and two other cousins, Edward Patten and William Guest, Gladys Knight and the Pips went on to record numerous hits during the 1960s and ’70s. In 1996, the group became inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition, Knight has also had success as a solo artist, performing with Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John on the Grammy-winning “That’s What Friends Are For,” in addition to other hits.
She appeared on television in the 1980s and ’90s with roles on A Different World, The Jeffersons, Benson, and The Jamie Foxx Show, and more recently on Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer. She won a Golden Globe for her work in film and has also been honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.
Inside the stunning MPAC auditorium, we chat with several concertgoers waiting for tonight’s performance to begin.
Remarks Kathleen from Roselle, “I’m a big Gladys Knight fan. I used to see her at the Apollo, and I also saw her in downtown Brooklyn with Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and The Temptations all on one bill,” before noting, “Those were the good old days!”
Kathleen’s friend, Evelyn from Monroe Twp. agrees adding, “I’ve seen her in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and New York. Whenever I travel, if she’s there, I’ll see her,” acknowledging, “I even went to her restaurant in Atlanta — it’s famous for its chicken and waffles, collard greens, mac and cheese, and six-layer pineapple cake.”
Comments Kathleen’s friend, Lily from Rahway, “I love Gladys Knight and her hits — I can’t wait to hear her sing them tonight.”
Beth from Chatham reveals, “I brought my mom with me this evening. We both wanted to see Gladys Knight,” to which her mom, Catherine, asserts, “I’ve never seen her before but I’ve always wanted to — she has such a beautiful voice.”
Continues Beth, “I’ve seen some of her recent performances on YouTube and she looks and sound fantastic,” before adding, “Plus, we enjoy coming to see shows at MPAC because they really accommodate you here. They have parking close by, and there are so many restaurants in the area, you can make a whole evening of it.”
The lights dim, the curtain opens, and Gladys Knight takes the stage smiling as the audience rises to its feet. Opening tonight’s show with a dynamic rendition of her 1974 Top 5 hit, “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” Knight’s world-renown alto rings out through the MPAC auditorium as she sings, “I’ve really got to use my imagination/To think of good reasons/To keep on keepin’ on.”
Thrilling the crowd as she dances to her six-piece band’s driving bass and drums, her electric guitarist comes forward for a wailing solo as Gladys sings, “Get down, get down!” to cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
Taking a moment to welcome all of the music lovers in tonight’s packed house, Knight says, “I’m so glad you all showed up tonight. You have lifted me up for such a long time!”
After a fan yells out, “We love you Gladys!” Knight tells the story of how she spent a weekend in the studio recording Curtis Mayfield’s song, “On and On.” Launching into this number from the soundtrack to the film, Claudine, the band’s slow groove captivates the crowd as the bass slinks slow and funky behind Knight’s powerful lead vocal.
Announcing, “This is my favorite song from the Claudine album,” Knight performs a soft and heartfelt rendition of Mayfield’s “The Makings of You.” Smiled and relaxed as she sings with ease and charm, she deftly interprets the lyrics on this sweet ballad.
The crowd responds with warm applause and Knight replies, “I like that song,” before adding, “This next one is dedicated to each and every one of you because you are special to me.”
Here, she presents a brilliant rendition of her 1973 million-selling hit, “(You’re the) Best Thing that Ever Happened to Me.” Coming straight from her heart, Gladys sings to her fans, “If anyone should ever write my life story/For whatever reason there might be/You’ll be there between each line of pain and glory/’Cause you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” Inviting the audience to join her, the crowd happily sings along on the song’s chorus before leaping to their feet as Knight holds out one last long, long, long note.
Moving on to her own powerful rendition of Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me,” the audience joyfully vocalizes on the tune’s infectious “Oh, won’t you stay with me/‘Cause you’re all I need” chorus.
The sound of an acoustic guitar is featured on Knight’s rendition of “Part Time Love.” Crooning “I need somebody/Who’s consistent with me/Someone already there/When I need company,” Knight holds the mic far away from her body as her powerful voice rings out on this lovely ballad which is accompanied by lush three-part background vocals.
In recounting for the audience a story about the beginning of her career at Motown, Knight recalls, “Norman Winfield was the head of Motown records, and he loved us,” acknowledging, “He even put Smokey Robinson out of the studio so we could record this next song!”
Launching into her 1967 Motown smash, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” Knight’s outstanding lead vocal blends perfectly with her trio of back-up singers. Following a slow and sultry introduction — a la Marvin Gaye’s version of the tune — the arrangement shifts to an upbeat and funky Gladys Knight and the Pips-like groove which inspires the audience to participate by cheerfully singing and clapping along.
After a chair is placed center stage for her to sit on, Knight jokes, “You all think I’m tired? Who brought me this?” before stating, “I love my crew. It’s been a wonderful journey.”
Vocalizing with power and feeling, Knight performs Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” making the song her own before segueing into Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make it Through the Night.” On this number, Knight’s guitarist picks softly as she croons with a country blues flavor and lights shine out over the audience.
Next, she engages the eager throng with her expert vocals on her 1987 Top 40 hit, “Love Overboard.” On this number, Knights stands and dances to the bass as her bassist solos low and funky on his instrument.
Colored lights flash to a funky guitar solo on this upbeat dance tune which prompts audience members to enthusiastically shout out their approval.
Announcing, “I always choose my music by its lyrical content,” Knight explains how she likes “getting back to romance and that kind of stuff.”
At this point, she performs a medley of Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” and The Five Satins’ “In the Still of the Night.”
On this 1950’s-sounding medley, Knight vocalizes to the slow 6/8 groove improvising “I’m lost in the ’50s tonight” as her back-up singers “Sh-doot, shooby-doo” behind her, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Responding, “Those were some good years,” Knight takes some time to spotlight her trio of background singers on a series of songs.
First, female vocalist Porcia performs with Knight on the ballad, “This is Why I Love You.” Singing high and sweetly, Porcia and Knight provide a tender musical moment for the audience on this lovely duet. Next, male vocalist Javonte opens with a slow version of Quincy Jones and James Ingram’s “One Hundred Ways.” Lastly, female vocalist Alexis is featured on a rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman” which has Alexis, Porcia, and Knight giving the audience goosebumps with a powerhouse performance of this classic Carole King/Gerry Goffin composition.
The crowd cheers and Knight exclaims, “That kind of music turns you around!” before launching into one of the highlight performances of the evening — Knight’s interpretation of her 1974 recording, “The Way We Were.” Starting off with her voice soft, crying, and pleading, the audience sways to the beautiful Alan and Marilyn Bergman lyrics as Gladys’ voice swells and fills the MPAC theater with majestic sound as lights shine above and stars twinkle behind her.
Looking and sounding spectacular as she performs this classic number, before she’s even finished, the crowd is on its feet in recognition of the extraordinary display of vocal perfection they’ve just witnessed and enjoyed.
After declaring, “I thank you!” lights dance both on the stage and on the ceiling for Knight’s sumptuous version of her 1973 Top Ten Motown hit, “Neither One of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye).” Vocalizing with feeling, Knight knocks the audience’s socks off on this stellar rendition of the song.
The crowd hoots and hollers and Knight says, “ I can’t thank you enough. I just love you to death. You all have got to be my Pips tonight!”
Here, she finishes off her magical evening of music by raising the roof with an upbeat rendition of her signature tune — her 1973 chart-topping Grammy-winner, “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
Knight holds the mic out for the audience to join in with her talented backup singers, and the crowd becomes a moving sea of Pips with people standing, clapping, and singing the melody along with rhythmic “Whoo-whoo!” train whistle sounds.
Exclaiming, “Thank you, Pips — you were wonderful!” Knight introduces her band members and vocalists prior to thanking her crew and all of the people at MPAC.
Exclaiming, “We love you with all our hearts!” Knight wishes everyone a “Happy Thanksgiving” as the curtain closes.
While audience members filter out of the MPAC auditorium, we chat with several music lovers who share their thoughts on this evening’s performance by Gladys Knight.
Remarks Simon from Brooklyn, NY, “It was beautiful — just fantastic — and she was beautiful,” before noting, “and I loved seeing her right here at MPAC; I love this space!”
Comments Kevin from Poughkeepsie, NY, “Gladys Knight has still got it! She played a variety of songs and mixed it up, and I appreciated all of her great story telling, too.”
Continuing, “I’m a Motown fan — my parents are from Detroit, so I grew up listening to this kind of music,” Kevin notes, “And I especially enjoyed hearing it in this venue where the sound is really good and the view from every seat is good, too.”
Linda from Florida calls Gladys Knight, “Wonderful — just outstanding!” Recalling, “I’ve seen her about six times now,” Linda acknowledges, “She is so down to earth, and I love the way she talks to the audience — it’s like she’s sharing life lessons with them.”
Lekeisha from Randolph remarks, “Gladys Knight was phenomenal — incredible!” adding, “She hasn’t changed one bit over the years.”
Adriela from NYC agrees adding, “I grew up with her music — my parents played it for me,” before noting, “Her vocals were amazing — she doesn’t ever seem to age.”
Myles from Maplewood, here celebrating his 17th birthday, comments on tonight’s show exclaiming, “I enjoyed it!” His mom, Nedra, tells us, “This was Myles’ first concert, and he wanted to see Gladys Knight!” before concluding, “She is just amazing — she sounds even better than her records!”
For further information on Gladys Knight, please go to gladysknight.com. To find out about upcoming events at MPAC — including Audra McDonald on January 18, classical pianists The 5 Browns on January 30, and Darlene Love on February 14 — please go to mayoarts.org.
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