Gladys Knight and The Pips
Gladys Knight & the Pips is an iconic American R&B, soul, and funk music group that originated from Atlanta, Georgia. The group is recognized for its impressive contributions to the music industry, with a career that has spanned several decades.
Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, began singing at a young age. She formed the group with her siblings and cousins, initially called "the Pips" in the 1950s. The original members included her brother Bubba Knight, sister Brenda Knight, and cousins Eleanor and William Guest. The ensemble initially gained experience by opening for legendary R&B acts during this period.
In the early 1960s, Gladys Knight & the Pips signed with Motown Records, where they built a solid reputation as a recording group. They were already an established act by the time they joined the label, having performed together for years. Their unique sound and harmonies quickly garnered attention, leading to several hits throughout the 1960s and beyond, with notable songs including "Midnight Train to Georgia," "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," and "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)".
The group is celebrated for blending elements of R&B, soul, funk, and pop music. Gladys Knight's powerful and emotive vocal style, often referred to as the “Empress of Soul,” played a significant role in the group's appeal. Their music often featured rich arrangements and poignant lyrics, resonating with audiences across multiple generations.
Over the years, Gladys Knight & the Pips received numerous awards and accolades, including several Grammy Awards, cementing their status as one of the most influential groups in American music history. Their performances have earned critical acclaim, and they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, showcasing their lasting impact on the music industry.
The group continued to perform and record music into the late 1980s, at which point Gladys Knight began to focus more on her solo career. However, the legacy of Gladys Knight & the Pips continues to influence contemporary artists and the music landscape as a whole.
In summary, Gladys Knight & the Pips are a pivotal part of American music history, known for their soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and enduring popularity. Their journey from a family group in Atlanta to international music stars illustrates their dedication to artistry and performance.
All I Need Is Time
Arranged By – David Van DePitte
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – David Jones, Johnny Bristol, Wade Brown
4:07
A2 All I Need Is Time
Arranged By – Artie Butler
Producer – Joe Porter
Written-By – Bud Reneau
4:30
A3 Heavy Makes You Happy
Arranged By – H.B. Barnum
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – Robert Bloom, Jeff Barry
3:45
A4 The Only Time You Love Me Is When You're Losing Me
Arranged By – H.B. Barnum
Producer – Clay McMurray
Written-By – Clay McMurray, Marty Coleman, Pam Sawyer
2:44
A5 Here I Am Again
Arranged By – Tom Baird
Producer – Clay McMurray
Written-By – Clay McMurray, Patricia Foster
3:40
B1 There's A Lesson To Be Learned
Arranged By – Tom Baird
Producer – Clay McMurray
Written-By – LaVerne Ware, Pam Sawyer
3:29
B2 Oh! What A Love I Have Found
Arranged By – Artie Butler
Producer – Joe Porter
Written-By – Bud Reneau
4:04
B3 The Singer
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – Elliot Willensky
3:10
B4 Thank You (Falletin Me Be Mice Elf Agin)
Arranged By – Paul Riser
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – Sylvester Stewart
4:00
Label: Soul – S 739 L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
All I Need Is Time is a 1973 soul/funk album by Gladys Knight & the Pips, released on Motown's Soul Records shortly after the group moved to Buddah, featuring their signature emotive vocals, uptempo grooves, and covers like The Staple Singers' "Heavy Makes You Happy," highlighting their strong R&B sound with the hit title track single.
The album was produced by a team of Motown stalwarts, including Joe Porter, Johnny Bristol, Clay McMurray, and Hal Davis. It has since been characterized by critics as an "excellent and underrated" entry in their Motown discography.
This album is packed with the rich harmonies of The Pips and Gladys Knight's commanding, soulful voice, offering a blend of smooth ballads and energetic funk tracks that defined their iconic sound in the early '70s
The general verdict on All I Need Is Time characterizes it as a hidden gem and an underrated masterpiece within Gladys Knight & the Pips' Motown discography. While it was released as the group was transitioning to Buddah Records, listeners and critics alike praise its high production value and emotional depth.
The album maintains strong user ratings across music databases, including 4.45/5 on Discogs and positive standing on Rate Your Music. Retrospective reviews frequently note that the album "slipped through the cracks" because it was released just as the group achieved superstardom with hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia" on their subsequent label.
Silk N’ Soul
Written-By – Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield, Rodger Penzabene
2:46
A2 The Look Of Love
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Hal David
3:56
A3 Goin' Out Of My Head
Written-By – Bobby Weinstein, Teddy Randazzo
2:36
A4 Yesterday
Written-By – John Lennon, Paul McCartney
3:23
A5 Groovin'
Written-By – Eddie Brigati, Felix Cavaliere
2:50
A6 You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
Written-By – Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector
3:26
B1 Theme From 'Valley Of The Dolls'
Written-By – André Previn, Dory Previn
2:33
B2 Baby I Need Your Loving
Written-By – Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, Edward Holland, Jr.
2:53
B3 Together
Written-By – Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff
2:42
B4 The Tracks Of My Tears
Written-By – Marv Tarplin, William "Smokey" Robinson, Warren Moore
2:48
B5 You're My Everything
Written-By – Cornelius Grant, Norman Whitfield, Rodger Penzabene
3:02
B6 Every Little Bit Hurts
Written-By – Ed Cobb
2:50
Label: Soul – SS-711
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Silk 'N' Soul is a classic 1968 Motown album by Gladys Knight & the Pips, showcasing their powerful R&B/soul sound with signature smooth harmonies, heartfelt vocals from Gladys Knight, and tracks like "I Heard It Through the Grapevine," solidifying their iconic status with its soulful melodies and emotive depth.
It features the quintessential Motown production with rich instrumentation, tight arrangements, and the distinctive, commanding voice of Gladys Knight, supported by the Pips' harmonies.
A pivotal album in their career, following their signing to Motown, and includes their early hits, establishing them as major artists.Described as a "timeless classic" and a "perfect summation of the genius of Gladys Knight," offering a nostalgic journey into classic soul music.
Critics describe the album as a "glimpse of the way life used to be," highlighting Knight’s ability to make every song she sings her own, much like contemporaries Elvis Presley or Aretha Franklin. The performances are noted for being "lively, sparky, and quick-footed," while showcasing a "compressed vocal delivery" typical of 1960s soul recordings. While not always cited as their most commercially dominant record, it is considered a "thoroughly enjoyable" and "timeless classic" for soul music enthusiasts.
In essence, Silk 'N' Soul captures Gladys Knight & the Pips at the height of their Motown era, delivering soulful anthems that remain beloved by R&B fans and collectors.