Best Gladys Knight Songs of All Time - Top 10 Harmonies Through Time
by B Kishwar
Updated Nov 15, 2023
Top 10 Best Gladys Knight Songs of All Time
1
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
N/A
2
Midnight Train To Georgia
Imagination
3
Neither One Of Us
Neither One of Us
4
License to Kill
License to Kill (Soundtrack Single)
5
Love Overboard
All Our Love
6
Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
Imagination
7
If I Were Your Woman
If I Were Your Woman
8
I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
Imagination
9
Try to Remember (The Way We Were)
N/A
10
On and On
Claudine (Soundtrack)
S.No.
Best Gladys Knight Songs
Album
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Best Gladys Knight Songs of All Time
Gladys Knight, widely recognized as the Empress of Soul, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her powerful and soulful voice. Boasting a career that spans several decades, Knight and her group, The Pips, have delivered timeless classics that have become iconic in the realm of R&B and soul. In this compilation of the "Best Gladys Knight Songs of All Time," we traverse through the highlights of her illustrious career, celebrating chart-topping hits, award-winning performances, and the enduring influence of the legendary singer on the landscape of soul music. From the emotional depth of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" to the soul-stirring narrative of "Midnight Train To Georgia," this list encapsulates the essence of Gladys Knight's musical legacy.
1. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" stands as one of Gladys Knight's signature songs, originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1966. However, it was Gladys Knight & the Pips' rendition in 1967 that elevated the song to legendary status. Released as a single in September 1967, the track swiftly claimed the top spot on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and reached No. 2 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.
The soulful delivery of Knight, coupled with The Pips' harmonious backing vocals, added a unique dimension to the song, making it the highest-selling Motown single of its time. The emotional intensity and raw energy of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" have solidified its place in music history, and it remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
2. Midnight Train To Georgia
"Midnight Train To Georgia" stands as a pinnacle in Gladys Knight's discography and is widely regarded as one of her most beloved hits. Originally penned and performed by Jim Weatherly, the song found its way to Gladys Knight in 1973, and her rendition catapulted it to chart-topping success. Released as a single from the album "Imagination," the song debuted at No. 71 on the Hot 100 but quickly soared to No. 1, where it remained for two consecutive weeks.
The narrative of the song, depicting a woman's journey from Los Angeles to Georgia to support her partner's aspirations, coupled with Knight's soulful and emotive delivery, struck a chord with listeners. In 1999, "Midnight Train To Georgia" was rightfully inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its status as a timeless classic that continues to capture the hearts of music enthusiasts.
3. Neither One Of Us
"Neither One Of Us" is a poignant ballad that marked the end of an era for Gladys Knight & the Pips at Motown. Released in late 1972 as the title track of their final Motown album, the song quickly became a major success. Spending four weeks at No. 1 on the U.S. Soul Singles chart and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, the track showcased Knight's vocal prowess and the group's ability to convey raw emotion.
The critical acclaim for "Neither One Of Us" was evident as it went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The song's universal theme of heartbreak and parting ways resonated with audiences, solidifying its place as a classic soul ballad and a fitting farewell to Gladys Knight & the Pips' Motown era.
4. License to Kill
Gladys Knight's rendition of "License to Kill" stands as a testament to her ability to infuse depth and emotion into a cinematic ballad. Originally intended for Eric Clapton and Vick Flick, the song found its home in Knight's soulful interpretation for the 1989 James Bond film, "License to Kill." Written and produced by industry heavyweights Narada Michael Walden and Walter Afanasieff, the track is a gripping exploration of love and betrayal.
With Knight's commanding vocals and the song's orchestral arrangement, "License to Kill" reached No. 18 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart and No. 10 in the UK pop charts. It not only became a significant addition to Gladys Knight's repertoire but also solidified her presence in the realm of iconic Bond theme performances.
5. Love Overboard
"Love Overboard" marked a triumphant return for Gladys Knight & The Pips in 1987, ending a decade-long hiatus from the top 40 charts. The song, with its infectious rhythm and Knight's soulful delivery, became a sensation, reaching the summit of the Hot Black Singles Chart and securing the group's last No. 1 on that chart. Climbing to No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the dance charts, "Love Overboard" not only revitalized the group's commercial success but also earned them a Grammy Award.
The track's success is a testament to Gladys Knight's enduring ability to connect with audiences across genres and generations.
6. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
Gladys Knight & the Pips' rendition of "Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me" stands as a pinnacle in their repertoire, showcasing Knight's unparalleled vocal prowess. Originally written by Jim Weatherly and first recorded by Ray Price in 1973, the song took on new life when Gladys Knight & the Pips released their interpretation.
The track soared to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart, and No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart in 1974. The emotive lyrics, coupled with Knight's soul-stirring delivery, create a timeless ballad that resonates with listeners across generations.
The song's universal theme of gratitude and appreciation for love has led to its enduring popularity, making it a staple in Gladys Knight's repertoire and a classic in the broader landscape of soul music.
7. If I Were Your Woman
"If I Were Your Woman," released in 1971, stands as a definitive showcase of Gladys Knight & the Pips' ability to convey raw emotion through soulful melodies. Co-written by Pam Sawyer, Clay McMurray, and Gloria Jones, the song's narrative explores themes of love, yearning, and devotion. Climbing to the top of the Best Selling Soul Singles chart and securing the 9th position on the Billboard Hot 100, the track became a pivotal moment in Gladys Knight's career. The lush orchestration and Knight's impassioned delivery make "If I Were Your Woman" a timeless classic, with its influence echoing through subsequent generations of R&B artists who draw inspiration from its evocative storytelling and powerful vocal performance.
8. I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
"I’ve Got To Use My Imagination" emerged as a standout track from Gladys Knight & the Pips' debut album with Buddha Records in 1973. The song's infectious groove and Knight's soulful delivery propelled it to the number one spot on the Hot Soul Singles chart in early 1974.
Written by Gerry Goffin and Barry Goldberg, the track is a testament to Knight's interpretative skills and her ability to infuse soulful depth into every lyric. Beyond its chart success, "I’ve Got To Use My Imagination" has left a lasting impact, having been covered by various artists such as Joe Cocker, Joan Osborne, and Bobby Bland, attesting to its enduring popularity and the universality of its soulful appeal.
9. Try to Remember (The Way We Were)
"Try to Remember (The Way We Were)" showcases Gladys Knight & the Pips' versatility as they ventured into a medley with Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were" in 1975. Originally composed by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt for the 1960 musical "The Fantasticks," the medley offered a unique blend of Broadway and soul influences.
The juxtaposition of Streisand's iconic ballad with Gladys Knight's soulful interpretation added a distinctive flavor to the track, propelling it into the Top 40 hits. The medley's success not only demonstrated the group's ability to seamlessly merge genres but also reinforced their status as interpreters capable of breathing new life into well-established songs.
10. On and On
Released as a single in 1974, "On and On" showcased Gladys Knight's versatility as an artist. Recorded for the film "Claudine" and included in the soundtrack, the song reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B Chart, solidifying its status as a chart-topping success. The track's inclusion in the film and subsequent nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song underscored its impact beyond the music charts.
"On and On" remains a testament to Gladys Knight's ability to convey emotion through her soulful vocals, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal that resonates with audiences across generations.
What is Gladys Knight's Most Iconic and Highest-selling Motown Single?
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine" holds the distinction of being Gladys Knight & the Pips' most iconic and highest-selling Motown single. Originally recorded by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles in 1966, the song underwent a transformative journey before finding its home with Gladys Knight & the Pips. Motown founder Berry Gordy initially rejected earlier versions of the song, demanding a stronger rendition. Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, the song's writers, collaborated with Gladys Knight & the Pips to create a version that satisfied Gordy's expectations.
Released as a single in September 1967, "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" soared to the top of the Billboard R&B Singles chart and secured the second position on the Billboard Pop Singles chart. The track became Motown's highest-selling single at the time, marking a significant achievement in Gladys Knight's career. The emotional depth of Knight's delivery, combined with the soulful arrangement, resonated with audiences, solidifying the song's status as a timeless classic. In 1999, the track received further accolades when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, cementing its place as one of the most enduring and influential songs in the Motown catalog.
Best Gladys Knight Songs of All Time - FAQs
"I’ve Got To Use My Imagination" claimed the top spot on the Hot Soul Singles chart in early 1974, becoming the group's first No. 1 hit in that category.
"Love Overboard" marked Gladys Knight & the Pips' significant comeback in 1987, reaching the top of the Hot Black Singles Chart and earning them a Grammy Award.
"On and On" was recorded for the film "Claudine" and reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B Chart. It also earned a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.
The group turned "Try to Remember" from the Broadway classic "The Fantasticks" into a Top 40 hit in 1975 when they created a medley with Barbra Streisand's "The Way We Were."
"I Heard It Through The Grapevine," released in 1967, became the highest-selling Motown single to date for Gladys Knight & the Pips, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and No. 2 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.