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.
About Love
A2 Taste Of Bitter Love 4:37
A3 Still Such A Thing 5:34
A4 Get The Love 3:40
B1 Add It Up 3:53
B2 Bourgie', Bourgie' 4:37
B3 Friendly Persuasion 4:37
B4 We Need Hearts 3:57
Written, Produced and Arranged By Ashford & Simpson
Label: CBS – S CBS 84178
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1980
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
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.
All Our Love
Producer – Vincent Calloway
Written-By, Producer – Reggie Calloway
5:26
A2 Lovin' On Next To Nothin'
Written-By – Alan Rich, Jeff Pescetto, Howie Rice
6:09
A3 Thief In Paradise
Producer – Howie Rice
Written-By – Nan O'Byrne, Tom Snow
5:05
A4 You
Written-By, Producer – Alex Brown, Ron Kersey
5:00
A5 Let Me Be The One
Producer – Nick Martinelli
Written-By – Joe Jefferson, Rosa Jefferson
4:39
B1 Complete Recovery
Producer – Nick Martinelli
Written-By – Ann Godwin, Ian Prince
4:35
B2 Say What You Mean
Producer – Howie Rice
Written-By – Mike Gaffey, Pete Glenister
5:19
B3 It's Gonna Take All Our Love
Written-By, Producer – Sam Dees
5:24
B4 Love Is Fire (Love Is Ice)
Written-By, Producer – Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager
4:37
B5 Point Of View
Producer – Ron Kersey
Written-By – Robin Smith, Alex Brown
4:19
B6 Overnight Success
Written-By, Producer – Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager
4:56
Label: MCA Records – MCA-42004
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Soul
Everybody Needs Love
Written-By – E. Holland, N. Whitfield
2:57
A2 I'll Be Standing By
Written-By – N. Ashford, V. Simpson
2:22
A3 Since I've Lost You
Written-By – N. Whitfield
2:34
A4 I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:58
A5 You Don't Love Me No More
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield, R. Penzabene
2:28
A6 Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone
Written-By – C. Grant, N. Whitfield, S. Moy
2:26
B1 Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me
Written-By – B. Strong, C. Grant, R. Penzabene
2:54
B2 He's My Kind Of Fellow
Written-By – H. Fuqua, J. Bristol
2:53
B3 Yes, I'm Ready
Written-By – B. Mason
3:00
B4 My Bed Of Thorns
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
2:52
B5 Do You Love Me Just A Little, Honey
Written-By – G. Knight, H. Fuqua, J. Bristol, V. Bullock
2:59
B6 Just Walk In My Shoes
Written-By – H. Lewis, K. Lewis
2:26
Label: Soul – SOUL 706
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Feelin' Bluesy
Written-By – N. Whitfield, R. Penzabene
2:20
A2 That's The Way Love Is
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:38
A3 Don't You Miss Me A Little Bit Baby
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield, R. Penzabene
2:43
A4 The Boy From Crosstown
Written-By – E. Holland, N. Whitfield
3:09
A5 Ain't You Glad You Chose Love
Written-By – Wm. Robinson
3:00
A6 I Know Better
Written-By – N. Whitfield, R. Dean Taylor
2:49
B1 Don't Let Her Take Your Love From Me
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:53
B2 It Should Have Been Me
Written-By – N. Whitfield, Wm. Stevenson
2:50
B3 Don't Turn Me Away
Written-By – J. Dean, Wm/ Witherspoon
2:55
B4 What Good Am I Without You
Written-By – H. Fuqua, J. Bristol, S. Moy
3:24
B5 Your Old Standby
Written-By – J. Bradford, Wm. Robinson
2:36
B6 It's Time To Go Now
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:31
Label: Soul – 707
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1968
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul, Motown
Gladys Knight and The Pips
A2 Either Way I Lose 2:38
A3 Another Love 2:42
A4 Lovers Always Forgive 2:36
A5 Daybreak 2:34
A6 If I Ever Should Fall In Love 1:57
B1 Tell Her You're Mine 2:34
B2 Why Don't You Love Me 2:34
B3 Maybe Maybe Baby 3:37
B4 Who Knows 2:37
B5 Go Away, Stay Away 2:41
B6 Stop & Get A Hold Of Myself 2:45
Label: Maxx Records – Maxx 3000
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1965
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
I Feel A Song
Written-By – Mary Sawyer, Tony Camillo
2:48
A2 Love Finds Its Own Way
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
3:56
A3 Seconds
Written-By – Burt Bacharach, Neil Simon
3:48
A4 The Going Ups And The Coming Downs
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
3:35
A5 Try To Remember / The Way We Were
Written-By [The Way We Were] – Alan & Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
Written-By [Try To Remember] – Harvey Schmidt, Tom Jones
4:30
B1 Better You Go Your Way
Written-By – Bill Withers
4:15
B2 Don't Burn Down The Bridge
Written-By – Ronnie Miller*
4:47
B3 The Need To Be
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
4:07
B4 Tenderness Is His Way
Written-By – Bill Withers
2:58
Label: Buddah Records – BDS 5612
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
If I Were Your Woman
Written-By – C. McMurray, L. Ware, P. Sawyer
3:05
A2 Feeling Alright
Written-By – D. Mason
3:44
A3 One Less Bell To Answer
Written-By – B. Bacharach, H. David
3:17
A4 Let It Be
Written-By – Lennon, McCartney
3:15
A5 I Don't Want To Do Wrong
Written-By – M. Knight, G. Knight, J. Bristol, C. Schaffner, W. Guest
3:20
A6 One Step Away
Written-By – J. Hinton, L. Demps, M. Stewart
3:25
B1 Here I Am Again
Written-By – C. McMurray, P. Foster
3:20
B2 How Can You Say That Ain't Love
Written-By – J. Hinton, P. Sawyer
2:28
B3 Is There A Place (In His Heart For Me)
Written-By – C. McMurray, M. Coleman
3:25
B4 Everybody Is A Star
Written-By – S. Stewart
3:30
B5 Signed Gladys
Written-By – C. McMurray, P. Sawyer
2:59
B6 Your Love's Been Good To Me
Written-By – J. Bradford, J. Hinton
3:25
Label: Soul – SS731
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Imagination
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
4:38
A2 I've Got To Use My Imagination
Written-By – Barry Goldberg, Gerry Goffin
3:29
A3 Storms Of Troubled Times
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
3:44
A4 Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
3:45
A5 Once In A Lifetime Thing
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
3:41
B1 Where Peaceful Waters Flow
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
4:24
B2 I Can See Clearly Now
Written-By – Johnny Nash
4:28
B3 Perfect Love
Written-By – Paul Williams
2:37
B4 Window Raisin' Granny
Written-By – B. Knight, E. Patten, G. Knight, W. Guest
6:09
Label: Buddah Records – BDS 5141
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1973
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Knight Time
Written-By – Joe Hinton, Pam Sawyer
2:40
A2 Somebody Stole The Sunshine
Written-By – Doris McNeil, Johnny Bristol
3:29
A3 Between Her Goodbye And My Hello
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
3:41
A4 It's All Over But The Shoutin'
Written-By – James Dean (3), Joe Hinton, Johnny Bristol
3:50
A5 We've Got Such A Mellow Love
Written-By – Al Hamilton, Norma Jean Toney, William Garrett
3:30
B1 Ease Me To The Ground
Written-By – Bud Reneau
2:44
B2 Your Heartaches I Can Surely Heal
Written-By – Carol Peters, Johnny Bristol, Lewis Peters, Robert Purdue
3:18
B3 Master Of My Mind
Written-By – Clay McMurray, Gloria Jones, Pam Sawyer
2:34
B4 Billy, Come On Back As Quick As You Can
Written-By – Edwin Starr, Johnny Bristol, Scott Regen
2:49
B5 It Takes A Whole Lot Of Human Feelingr
Written-By – Micki Grant
5:02
Label: Soul – S 741V1
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Soul, Motown
Neither One Of Us
Arranged By – Artie Butler, Michael O'Martian
Producer – Joe Porter
Written-By – Jim Weatherly
4:15
A2 It's Gotta Be That Way
Arranged By – H.B. Barnum
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – David Jones, Jr., Johnny Bristol, Wade Brown, Jr.
4:32
A3 For Once In My Life
Arranged By – David Van DePitte
Producer – Clay McMurray
Written-By – Orlando Murden, Ron Miller
4:00
A4 This Child Needs Its Father
Arranged By – Tom Baird
Producer – Dino Fekaris, Nick Zesses
Written-By – Dino Fekaris, Nick Zesses
3:15
A5 Who Is She (And What Is She To You)
Arranged By – Michael O'Martian
Producer – Joe Porter
Written-By – Bill Withers, Stan McKenny
4:12
B1 And This Is Love
Arranged By – James Carmichael
Producer – Hal Davis
Written-By – Frederick Long, Sylvia Moy
3:21
B2 Daddy Could Swear, I Declare
Arranged By – H.B. Barnum
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – Merald Knight, Gladys Knight, Johnny Bristol
3:42
B3 Can't Give It Up No More
Arranged By – Paul Riser
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – David Jones, Jr., Johnny Bristol, Wade Brown, Jr.
3:38
B4 Don't It Make You Feel Guilty
Arranged By – David Van DePitte
Producer – Johnny Bristol
Written-By – David Jones, Jr., Johnny Bristol, Wade Brown, Jr.
3:15
Label: Motown – S 737L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: Released: 1974
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Nitty Gritty
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
3:05
A2 Runnin' Out
Written-By – N. Ashford, V. Simpson
2:15
A3 Didn't You Know (You'd Have To Cry Sometime)
Written-By – N. Ashford, V. Simpson
3:20
A4 (I Know) I'm Losing You
Written-By – C. Grant, E. Holland, N. Whitfield
2:33
A5 The Nitty Gritty
Written-By – Lincoln Chase
2:57
A6 Ain't No Sun Since You've Been Gone
Written-By – C. Grant, N. Whitfield, S. Moy
3:20
B1 All I Could Do Was Cry
Written-By – B. Gordy, Jr., B. Davis, G. Gordy
2:57
B2 Keep An Eye
Written-By – N. Ashford, V. Simpson
2:48
B3 Got Myself A Good Man
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:58
B4 It's Summer
Written-By – B. Strong, N. Whitfield
2:18
B5 The Stranger
Written-By – Ivy Hunter
3:07
B6 I Want Him To Say It Again
Written-By – M. Knight, G. Knight, J. Bristol, Wm. Guest
2:58
Label: Soul – SS713
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Soul, Motown
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.
Standing Ovation
Written-By – C. McMurray
3:29
A2 Can You Give Me Love With A Guarantee
Written-By – D. Jones, Jr., J. Bristol, W. Brown, Jr.
3:03
A3 Fire And Rain
Written-By – J. Taylor
3:45
A4 Master Of My Mind
Written-By – C. McMurray, L. Ware, P. Sawyer
2:27
A5 He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother
Written-By – B. Russell, B. Scott
2:27
A6 Bridge Over Troubled Water
Written-By – P. Simon
5:15
B1 It Takes A Whole Lotta Man For A Woman Like Me
Written-By – J. Bristol, W. Robinson
2:59
B2 Help Me Make It Through The Night
Written-By – K. Kristofferson
4:10
B3 The Long And Winding Road
Written-By – J. Lennon, P. McCartney
3:10
B4 If You Gonna Leave (Just Leave)
Written-By – C. McMurray, P. Sawyer
3:20
B5 No One Could Love You More
Written-By – L. Ware, P. Sawyer
3:03
Label: Soul – S736L
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Motown
Visions
Producer – Edmund Sylvers
Written-By – T. Lewis-J. Harris
5:50
A2 Just Be My Lover
Producer – Joey Gallo
Written-By – D. Meyers, J. Gallo, W. Shelby
3:29
A3 Save The Overtime (For Me)
Producer – Rickey Smith
Written-By – B. Knight, G. Knight, J. Gallo, R. Smith, S. L. Dees
4:42
A4 Heaven Sent
Producer – Knight, Knight, Dees
Written-By – S. L. Dees
4:11
A5 Don't Make Me Run Away
Producer – Knight, Knight, Dees
Written-By – M. Lovesmith
3:47
B1 Ain't No Greater Love
Producer – Richard Randolph, Rickey Smith
Written-By – G. Dozier, R. Randolph, R. Smith, W. Shelby
4:53
B2 Seconds
Producer – Knight, Knight, Dees
Written-By – R. Kersey, S. L. Dees
4:36
B3 You're Number One (In My Book)
Producer – William Zimmerman, Wilmer Raglin
Written-By – D. Meyers, L. Sylvers III, W. Zimmerman, W. Raglin
5:12
B4 Oh La De Da
Producer – Knight, Knight, Dees
Written-By – B. Knight, S. L. Dees
3:35
B5 Hero
Producer – Knight, Knight, Dees
Written-By – J. Silbar, L. Henley
3:44
Label: CBS – CBS 25096
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Country: Europe
Released: 1983
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Eighties Boogie, Disco, Soul