Gladys Knight & the Pips
Gladys Knight & the Pips were a soul - singing band that was founded in 1952 by Gladys Knight. Soon, the band joined Gladys Knight 's bigger brother Merald "Bubba " Knight, her sister Brenda Knight and her cousin William Guest and her cousin Elenor Guest.
In 1957 she participated under the direction of another cousin, James Woods, as The Pips their first single Whistle My Love on. They toured with now popular soul greats like BB King or Sam Cooke. 1959 left Elenor Guest and Brenda Knight the Pips. As a replacement came Glady Knight's cousin Edward Patten and Langston George. On Vee Jay Records appeared in 1960, the single Every Beat of My Heart, which made it to the top 10 of the U.S. pop charts.
In 1962 it was renamed the Gladys Knight & the Pips. Shortly after the Single Letter Full of Tears returned Langston George and Bubba Knight of the band 's back. As a result, published Gladys Knight & the Pips very little original material, they now helped especially other musicians in the studio.
In the occupation of Gladys and Bubba Knight, Edward Patten and William Guest appeared in 1964, the single Giving Up, with which the band was again able to advance into higher chart positions. 1966, Berry Gordy, the four musicians in Soul Records and made Norman Whitfield to her producer. It was followed by other hits, of which I Heard It Through the Grapevine was successful. Even some of the band's albums were now in the charts.
In 1969, Gladys Knight & the Pips by Ashford & Simpson was produced the hit wave stopped. The biggest hit this time was Midnight Train to Georgia. Until 1977, were able to place various albums and songs in the pop charts Gladys Knight & the Pips. They have received several Grammys. At times, Gladys Knight was now focused more their solo projects and the Pips released two albums without it.
In 1980 she teamed up again, her music evolved with the trend towards disco. Even in the late 80s, their singles came in the top chart regions. In 1989, Gladys Knight parted finally from the pips. In 1996, the recording of Gladys Knight & the Pips inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.