Who Is Gladys Knight? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on May 28, 1944, Gladys Knight is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and actress. Widely known as the “Empress of Soul,” she gained fame as the lead singer of the group Gladys Knight & the Pips. With a career spanning several decades, she has remained an influential figure in the music industry. As of 2025, Gladys Knight is 80 years old.
| Occupation | Soul Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1944 |
| Age | 81 Years |
| Birth Place | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Georgia |
Popularity
Gladys Knight's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Gladys Knight stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m). Her weight varies, but as of recent reports, she is reported to weigh around 150 pounds (68 kg). Her body measurements are estimated to be approximately 38-30-40 inches, reflecting her curvy figure and her commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In 1983, Gladys Knight and the Pips scored again with the hit "Save the Overtime (For Me)". The song, under the artistic direction of Leon Sylvers III (known for collaborating on Shalamar hits), was done in a soulful boogie style.
The single was released from their LP "Visions" and reached number sixty-six on the Hot 100, but was more successful on the R&B where it hit number one for a single week in mid 1983. The single was the first time the group hit number one on the R&B chart since 1974.
The video accompanying the song became among the earliest R&B videos to incorporate elements of hip hop culture. The album also included the R&B hit "You're Number One (In My Book)".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gladys Knight has been married several times; however, as of 2025, she is reportedly in a relationship with William McDowell, a renowned gospel singer. Previously, she was married to Barry Hankerson and has three children, including her son Shanga Hankerson, who has been involved in various aspects of her career. Gladys has always prioritized family and often shares her love for them on social media.
Her parents were members of both the church choir and a local choir group. She has a sister, Brenda, and two brothers, Merald "Bubba" Jr. and David "Billy".
Net Worth and Salary
Gladys Knight's net worth is estimated to be around $28 million in 2025. Her wealth is primarily accrued through her successful music career, performances, and her business ventures. Knight's earnings come from album sales, touring, and various media appearances.
In 2016, WSB-TV reported that Hankerson was at the center of an investigation involving unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. Georgia Department of Revenue Special Investigations Chief Jeff Mitchell told the station that the investigation solely involved Hankerson and not Knight.
Career, Business and Investments
Gladys Knight's career began in the 1960s, and she has released numerous chart-topping hits, including “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither One of Us.” Beyond singing, she has delved into acting, appearing in several films and television shows. Knight has also explored business opportunities, including her own line of health foods, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Gladys Knight & the Pips joined the Motown Records roster in 1966 (with only three hits to their credit - "Every Beat of My Heart", "Giving Up" and "Letter Full of Tears"), and, although initially regarded as a second-string act by the label, scored several major hit singles, including "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (#1 in 1967) (released later
by Marvin Gaye), "The Nitty Gritty" (1969), "Friendship Train" (1969), "If I Were Your Woman" (1970), "I Don't Want To Do Wrong" (1971), the Grammy Award–winning "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)" (1972), and "Daddy Could Swear (I Declare)" (1973).
In their early Motown career, Gladys Knight and the Pips toured as the opening act for Diana Ross and the Supremes. Gladys Knight stated in her memoirs that Ross kicked her off the tour because the audience's reception to Knight's soulful performance overshadowed her. Berry Gordy later told Knight that she was giving his act a hard time.
Social Network
Gladys Knight stays connected with her fans through various social media platforms. You can find her on:
- Instagram: @msgladysknight
- Twitter: @realgladysknight
- Facebook: Gladys Knight Official
In February 2019, she was revealed to have competed as "Bee" on the first season of The Masked Singer, in which she placed third. She performed "Chandelier", "Locked Out of Heaven", "Wrecking Ball", "What's Love Got to Do with It", "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman", and "I Can't Make You Love Me". She finished behind Donny Osmond as "Peacock" and T-Pain as "Monster".
Education
Gladys Knight attended the Historical black college, Shaw University, where she further enriched her artistic talent and passion for performance. Although she began her music career at a young age, her education played a crucial role in shaping her artistry and professionalism in the music industry.
In 1960, Knight married Atlanta musician and high school sweetheart James "Jimmy" Newman. The couple had a miscarriage and went on to have two children. In the early 1960s, Knight's family and the Pips moved to Detroit. The family lived in Sherwood Forest, an upscale neighborhood on Detroit's West Side.
Knight retired from the road to raise their children while the Pips toured on their own, later returning with Newman as the group's musical director. Newman later became addicted to drugs and left the family when Knight was 20. They remained married for over 12 years and were separated for 7 years until their divorce in 1973.
Newman died a few years later.
