Pronunciation: [ɡlˈadɪs nˈa͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the legendary soul singer's name is Gladys Knight. It is pronounced as /ˈɡlædɪs naɪt/. The first syllable is stressed with the 'a' in 'Gladys' pronounced as /æ/ like 'cat'. The 'd' in 'Knight' is silent and the 'i' is pronounced as /aɪ/ like 'eye'. This spelling is important for fans and media outlets to get right when referring to the artist and her music.
Gladys Knight is an American singer, songwriter, and actress renowned for her powerful and soulful vocal abilities. Born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, she started her musical journey in her childhood and emerged as one of the most successful R&B and Gospel artists of all time.
Knight gained prominence as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips, a group formed in the 1950s featuring her brother, sister, and two cousins. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the group released multiple chart-topping hits including "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)," and "Midnight Train to Georgia," which became their signature song and won them a Grammy Award.
Often referred to as the "Empress of Soul," Gladys Knight has displayed superb versatility by effortlessly transitioning between various genres such as soul, R&B, pop, gospel, and adult contemporary music. Her powerful vocals, emotional delivery, and immense stage presence have made her a true musical icon.
Apart from her extensive musical career, Knight has also ventured into acting, making appearances in films and television shows. She has received numerous accolades in her career, including multiple Grammy Awards and inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Apollo Theater Legends Hall of Fame. Gladys Knight's impact on the music industry and her contributions to soul music have solidified her status as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
