Gladys Knight

Venerable R&B singer Gladys Knight, a.k.a. the Empress Of Soul, has surely governed the empire well during her more than 50-year career. Fronting Gladys Knight And The Pips, she recorded a series of indelible soul classics, including “Midnight Train To Georgia” and a version of “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Up to and following her split with the group, she proved her ability to adapt to everything from funky scorchers to grandiose ballads. Knight hasn’t released a new record since the modest 2006 standards collection Before Me, though a stint on this year’s season of Dancing With The Stars has kept her in the public eye.

Updated 04/17/2012