Great interview with Gladys Knight!

[BobbyC]

She discusses her run ins with Diana Ross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQHLhKsUrTU

[SatansBlues]

Surely the Great Gladys Knight has better things to talk about than Diana Ross. At least I would hope.

[reese]

I wish the story hadn't been brought up again. Gladys spoke about it on this show as well as on the Sway in the Morning radio show, and Entertainment Tonight.

The latter interview was particularly sad as it should have been promoting Gladys' first release in years, JUST A LITTLE. But the majority of airtime was given to this old story.

[marybrewster]

I love Gladys! But poor thing.

I paraphrase:

"We were together 25 years before we went to Motown" [[signed to Motown in 1967; 25 years prior would have been 1942. Gladys wasn't born until 1944.)

"It took us 7 years before we had a big hit at Motown" [[Their version of "Grapevine" was released in 1967, the year they were signed to Motown. It reached #2 on the charts.)

[BobbyC]

Mary I noticed that as well! The math didn't add up!

[PeaceNHarmony]

Gladys certainly does herself no honor by dragging these 60-year old 'stories' up again and again. She lost me years ago because of this. Talented lady but one bitter pill.

[copley]

GK&TP's signed to Motown in early 1966 so it was less than two years before 'Grapevine'. However, 'TMIYAALM' reached #13 in the UK in the summer of 1967 giving them their first big Motown hit. They started out as The Pips in 1952, first hit was in 1961 with 'Every Beat of my Heart', #6. They were signed to Motown for seven years, that's were 'seven' comes in. Gladys's memory is obviously not what it was!

[vgalindo]

Gladys certainly does herself no honor by dragging these 60-year old 'stories' up again and again. She lost me years ago because of this. Talented lady but one bitter pill.

So very true. I used to love Gladys Knight. I just no longer feel the same.

[RanRan79]

So very true. I used to love Gladys Knight. I just no longer feel the same.

Artistically, Gladys will probably rank as one of the all time greats in my personal history book. I'm not interested in any of her new music, but I have to give credit where it's due: she still sounds amazing. I saw her sing a tribute to Garth Brooks I think it was last year, and homegirl still got it, when most of her peers have long lost it. Her catalog from the early 60s to the 90s still gets a ton of play from me. There will never be another voice like it.

As a person, Gladys is a huge disappointment. I have not- and will not- forget the drama she stirred up over Colin Kaepernick and the anthem. That was enough for me to put her in the trash category because she chose attention [[and maybe money) over the message and the point. That was it. I said I was done with her then and I have not gone back on my word. I have a ton of Gladys Knight music in my collection. I will not purchase anything else from her, ever.

While I can admit that she rarely, if ever, brings up Diana Ross, that it is always someone else who brings her up, Gladys runs into the opening presented every single time. She claims to not be with the drama, but this crap is drama. Even the way she addressed the question about her and Diana being friendly now, it was like Gladys was still making a claim that Diana is drama. There's no doubt in my mind that Diana Ross in 1960something probably should have been named Drama Ross. I'm inclined to believe that Drama Ross was heavily represented throughout the 70s and 80s. But after RTL, Diana has been minding her damn business. If she still have drama going on, it's with people we don't know or who gives her the courtesy of keeping it in-house.

I do realize this interview was also some years ago and the last time I heard Gladys talking about Diana on Sway a couple years back, she did say she addressed things with Diana "recently" and Diana said they all had some growing up to do. That's cool, but I get a vibe from Gladys that behind the scenes, she's quite the drama queen herself. Somebody who throws boulders and hides her hands. I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one Patti was referring to about people running between her and Diana telling them stuff in order to keep drama between them. Lol

[PeaceNHarmony]

Performers such as Gladys do not seem to understand that the fact that they can only use their public air-time to gossip about more successful performers diminishes their own career. Gladys seems reticent to discuss such personal points as her teenage pregnancies, failed marriages, scam business's ["Knight Nutritional Hair Supplements", anyone?), addictions, dishonest accounting practices [see the restaurant ... situation ...), shifting religions, current involvement with a group that supports gay conversion therapy, etc. I guess bringing up her 60-year-old teapot-tempests is her way of defraying conversation from her own less-than pristine life.

[Jaap]

I saw her live a couple of years ago [[for the first time) and I was blown away by her vocal performance. So clear and strong, very impressive. I was less impressed by the way she started complaining again that "Marvin stole my song." He didn't. He recorded the song before her. I loved her voice, but didn't like her stage presence.

[sup_fan]

i think part of the problem is the Gladys sort of presents herself as down to earth and low key and natural. sort of in contrast to the diva-like Diana Ross. but shade is shade. and frankly if you're trying to present yourself as this earthy type but then stirring the pot, it's frankly more of a problem because clearly this "earthy" persona is just an act.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Wait a minute. Wait just a gall-derned, Gaye-suin' gossipin' minute. Has Gladys never heard that Motown song that had the line "Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear"? Now just what was that song, and just who sang it? I seem to recall the song being something relating to gossip ...

[marybrewster]

To Gladys' defense, those interviewers lead her down the Diana Ross path, and kept pressing. Journalists are all about getting the scandal, and hearing juice between Gladys and Diana, however how old, is going to be more exciting than hearing about how Gladys spends her Saturday nights at home. Now, that said, Gladys could have easily dodged the question, or responded with something along the lines of "that's old news".

Reminds me a lot of Mary in the 80's and 90's; she'd get wound up in an interview and end up saying something foolish about Diana.

Thankfully in her later years she mellowed out and had a few stock answers.

[Roberta75]

i think part of the problem is the Gladys sort of presents herself as down to earth and low key and natural. sort of in contrast to the diva-like Diana Ross. but shade is shade. and frankly if you're trying to present yourself as this earthy type but then stirring the pot, it's frankly more of a problem because clearly this "earthy" persona is just an act.

Her endless "folksy" chat is insincere IMO. Last time I saw Gladys will be the last time i see Gladys. She talked for 50% of the show and anotherother 10% was Bubba doing old jokes that would make a HeeHaw audience cringe. You could tell the audience was getting restless but Gladys and Bubba just droned on and on and on. LOL

[PeaceNHarmony]

Her endless "folksy" chat is insincere IMO. Last time I saw Gladys will be the last time i see Gladys. She talked for 50% of the show and anotherother 10% was Bubba doing old jokes that would make a HeeHaw audience cringe. You could tell the audience was getting restless but Gladys and Bubba just droned on and on and on. LOL

Do I recall, Ms. Roberta, that you encountered Gladys in person and you were less than impressed?

[PeaceNHarmony]

Wait a minute... wait just a... well, anyhoo, I wonder if Gladys mentions having 'stolen' Midnight Train to Georgia, The Way We Were, Try to Remember, You And Me Against the World ... my guess is "no".

[Ollie9]

As if Diana would demand a bigger dressing room and want the Pips removed from the tour!!. It’s simply not in her nature.
I guess like most performers, Gladys has her good and bad side. Allowing for all that, she will always be considered one of the most talented and influential female singers in music history. It’s just a shame she remains confused regarding “Grapevine”.

[TheMotownManiac]

She discusses her run ins with Diana Ross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQHLhKsUrTU

For me, Gladys has one of the best voices in the history of voices. I’ve seen her five times, and all but one had a major disappointment or more in it. She name drops every award she’s ever won, sometimes recite sales figures or a Grammy for this, a gold record for that And there’s nothing wrong with being proud of your achievements, but she is often a little too proud for my dollar. Three times I have seen her ridiculing diana ross as part of her act, and, in my humble opinion, Bubba could stay home or cut his time in half without anchoring mean. But she’s glorious when she sings. He’s not only got a killer voice, but she’s also a brilliant technician.

she’s done a lot of shady things, and she says phony as a three dollar bill. She uses her diana ross kick me off her tour story to get booked on radio and television shows, and when it’s mentioned, every time, she acts like she’s so surprised that anyone’s ever heard that story even though she told it three weeks ago on another show. I believe there’s some truth to the story, or that there could be, but I do not believe it played itself out the way it did. And of course I do not believe that she saw diana ross watching her on stage from behind a curtain across an arena with a spotlight in her eyes. And I don’t believe she demanded the pips be kicked out of a bigger dancing room because the venue itself would’ve put the headline act in the past dressing room, but their road manager would’ve taken care of that before they ever got to the venue. Now maybe Gladys was angry that they had to share a small dressing room and Rosses was 10 times bigger, but I do not believe she arrived at the venue, saw her dressing room, went and looked to see how big Gladys’ was, and demanded a change.

she just lies and lies and lies. And yes, it’s possible to make mistakes all these years later with how many years this was or how many years that was, but she knows damn good and well I hope recorded grapevine first and it wasn’t her. She learned however, that being the victim of diana ross and or Berry Gordy has its benefits. she claims that she’s above all the drama and that she takes like easy and she doesn’t sweat the small stuff, but the truth is she’s butt sore from decades ago and is still angry and resentful.

[TheMotownManiac]

I just found this article a rather topical considering everything. It’s from 1964.

[TheMotownManiac]

Florence has such a diverse taste in music that She enjoys.

[Ollie9]

I never knew Diana and Mary had a penchant for knit suits. You learn something everyday.

[RanRan79]

Flo was diggin Aretha even before the Atlantic years. Aretha's Columbia years are sorely underrated IMO.

Diana mentioned somewhere else- was it her book?- that Gladys Knight was one of her favorites. Of course this doesn't mean that Diana didn't view Gladys as a rival or didn't feel some type a way because Gladys and the Pips were opening so well that it was stealing Diana and her group's thunder. But it is interesting that Diana is documented as being a fan of Gladys' even before Gladys came to Motown.

[reese]

Flo was diggin Aretha even before the Atlantic years. Aretha's Columbia years are sorely underrated IMO.

Diana mentioned somewhere else- was it her book?- that Gladys Knight was one of her favorites. Of course this doesn't mean that Diana didn't view Gladys as a rival or didn't feel some type a way because Gladys and the Pips were opening so well that it was stealing Diana and her group's thunder. But it is interesting that Diana is documented as being a fan of Gladys' even before Gladys came to Motown.

Indeed it was in SECRETS OF A SPARROW that Diana said that she really liked Gladys. I was surprised, only because Gladys was one of the very few artists Diana mentioned that way in her book.

I've also seen these same faves of hers [[Pips, the Dells, Jackie Ross) noted in an old Rock and Roll Songs from 1967. I think they sometimes re-used old info.

[PeaceNHarmony]

For me, Gladys has one of the best voices in the history of voices. I’ve seen her five times, and all but one had a major disappointment or more in it. She name drops every award she’s ever won, sometimes recite sales figures or a Grammy for this, a gold record for that And there’s nothing wrong with being proud of your achievements, but she is often a little too proud for my dollar. Three times I have seen her ridiculing diana ross as part of her act, and, in my humble opinion, Bubba could stay home or cut his time in half without anchoring mean. But she’s glorious when she sings. He’s not only got a killer voice, but she’s also a brilliant technician.

she’s done a lot of shady things, and she says phony as a three dollar bill. She uses her diana ross kick me off her tour story to get booked on radio and television shows, and when it’s mentioned, every time, she acts like she’s so surprised that anyone’s ever heard that story even though she told it three weeks ago on another show. I believe there’s some truth to the story, or that there could be, but I do not believe it played itself out the way it did. And of course I do not believe that she saw diana ross watching her on stage from behind a curtain across an arena with a spotlight in her eyes. And I don’t believe she demanded the pips be kicked out of a bigger dancing room because the venue itself would’ve put the headline act in the past dressing room, but their road manager would’ve taken care of that before they ever got to the venue. Now maybe Gladys was angry that they had to share a small dressing room and Rosses was 10 times bigger, but I do not believe she arrived at the venue, saw her dressing room, went and looked to see how big Gladys’ was, and demanded a change.

she just lies and lies and lies. And yes, it’s possible to make mistakes all these years later with how many years this was or how many years that was, but she knows damn good and well I hope recorded grapevine first and it wasn’t her. She learned however, that being the victim of diana ross and or Berry Gordy has its benefits. she claims that she’s above all the drama and that she takes like easy and she doesn’t sweat the small stuff, but the truth is she’s butt sore from decades ago and is still angry and resentful.

Gladys seems to be the DJT of Motown! Surprised she hasn't used the phrase 'witch hunt'.

[captainjames]

I think GK&TP had great success even after leaving Motown so I don't know why she would be so hung up on something with Diana unless it just jealousy. I remember Gladys Knight any the Pips breaking up for some reasons. At first I heard it was because of the contracts for a group and then I heard it was just Gladys wanting to break out on her own. There was one LP from the Pips I think called "At Last" and then the next thing I knew Bubba was back with her minus the cousins. I think she should talk more about that instead of us hearing about Diana watching her from behind the curtain or seeing if the dressing rooms are bigger. Jesus take the wheel.

[Ollie9]

Poor Gladys. “So Sad The Song”remains one of my favourite film themes, even if Pipe Dreams wasn't the most memorable.

[blackguy69]

I’m wondering that No one on here hadn’t noticed that this interview is over 8 years old. And I noticed no one here had mentioned that Gladys didn’t bring up Diana Ross, one of the interviewers did. She just told the story and that was it.

[RanRan79]

I’m wondering that No one on here hadn’t noticed that this interview is over 8 years old. And I noticed no one here had mentioned that Gladys didn’t bring up Diana Ross, one of the interviewers did. She just told the story and that was it.

Tell me you didn't read my comment without telling me you didn't read my comment. I pointed both of those things out.

[blackguy69]

I know you pointed it out just repeating it once again

Tell me you didn't read my comment without telling me you didn't read my comment. I pointed both of those things out.

[kenneth]

Gladys seems to be the DJT of Motown! Surprised she hasn't used the phrase 'witch hunt'.

I had to think for a minute what singer or performer you were referring to! Of course I catch on eventually!

[Roberta75]

Do I recall, Ms. Roberta, that you encountered Gladys in person and you were less than impressed?

Yes she was supposed to meet a group of us at an arranged meet and greet after a Casino show near Palm Springs but it didnt happen and she was hustled out wouldnt look our way and Im gonna leave it at that. Great show and great voice when shes singing but again she talked for 40% of the show. Im a big supporter of BLM and the FREEDOM and right to take a knee instead of standing for the National Anthem. Im a huge supporter and have great respect gor Colin Kaepernick and feel Gladys should have left him alone IMO.

[BobbyC]

Guys--Gladys was asked directly about DR. What was she supposed to do, ignore the question? She didn't say anything nasty. I love Gladys and her voice, but then I love female altos like her, Nona Hendryx, Darlene Love, Mary Wilson.

[RanRan79]

Guys--Gladys was asked directly about DR. What was she supposed to do, ignore the question?

Yup.

Gladys claims to be drama free. If that's so, Gladys is old enough to recognize when someone is baiting her. There probably isn't a person in the business who has ever had a bigger gripe with Diana Ross than Mary Wilson, and I've seen Mary sidestep some obvious traps when it comes to Diana's name. That Gladys appears to willingly walk into these suggests that she enjoys continuously painting that picture of Diana. And in the original interview posted, she gives the impression that she believes Diana is still with the drama.

At least when Patti takes the bait regarding her Diana story, she makes sure that she lets people know that a lot of the beef was manufactured by others and that she and Diana are friends today.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Guys--Gladys was asked directly about DR. What was she supposed to do, ignore the question? She didn't say anything nasty. I love Gladys and her voice, but then I love female altos like her, Nona Hendryx, Darlene Love, Mary Wilson.

Easy. "Diana was one of a kind. She deserved her success". That's what a classy person would have said. I recall years ago when Tina Turner was asked about Brittney Spears, etc and their "lack" of talent. Tina's reply? "They ARE talented. They are just doing what the market demands" {my parephrase).

[TheMotownManiac]

Yup.

Gladys claims to be drama free. If that's so, Gladys is old enough to recognize when someone is baiting her. There probably isn't a person in the business who has ever had a bigger gripe with Diana Ross than Mary Wilson, and I've seen Mary sidestep some obvious traps when it comes to Diana's name. That Gladys appears to willingly walk into these suggests that she enjoys continuously painting that picture of Diana. And in the original interview posted, she gives the impression that she believes Diana is still with the drama.

At least when Patti takes the bait regarding her Diana story, she makes sure that she lets people know that a lot of the beef was manufactured by others and that she and Diana are friends today.

most celebrities walk into interviews with a list of questions that they feel they can give interesting answers to. Sam go as far as to be scripted. I would bet my unplayed I hear a Symphony 45 that Gladys direct people to ask this question or, more probably, her publicist gets the interviews booked with this as bait. I’ve seen very young people interview Gladys and ask about this I do not believe they heard it from another source. She is as shady as shady can be.

[PeaceNHarmony]

most celebrities walk into interviews with a list of questions that they feel they can give interesting answers to. Sam go as far as to be scripted. I would bet my unplayed I hear a Symphony 45 that Gladys direct people to ask this question or, more probably, her publicist gets the interviews booked with this as bait. I’ve seen very young people interview Gladys and ask about this I do not believe they heard it from another source. She is as shady as shady can be.

Though I don't know how much control Gladys has left, but you make a great point regarding the youth of the interviewers nows-a-days. I'd bet the majority have no idea who Gladys is until a show producer gives them a run-down, and not many more know who Diana is.

[PeaceNHarmony]

Yes she was supposed to meet a group of us at an arranged meet and greet after a Casino show near Palm Springs but it didnt happen and she was hustled out wouldnt look our way and Im gonna leave it at that. Great show and great voice when shes singing but again she talked for 40% of the show. Im a big supporter of BLM and the FREEDOM and right to take a knee instead of standing for the National Anthem. Im a huge supporter and have great respect gor Colin Kaepernick and feel Gladys should have left him alone IMO.

I trust you completely, Ms. Roberta, and believe your story completely. There are a lot of aspects here {I've always been ... impressed ... by the hypocrisy of some of our members complaining about one major Motown star performing for 75-90 minutes while Gladys has always been on-and-off in a hot-rush 59 minutes even during the Pips glory days and gets no negativity ...) I can't help but wonder if Glady's post-Buddah success was hampered by her 'tude. You be well!

[carlo]

There are a lot of aspects here {I've always been ... impressed ... by the hypocrisy of some of our members complaining about one major Motown star performing for 75-90 minutes while Gladys has always been on-and-off in a hot-rush 59 minutes even during the Pips glory days and gets no negativity ...)

Gladys is known for consistently performing for an hour? I've seen her twice now, in 2011 and again a few weeks ago. Both times were over 75 mins. This latest time, I believe she was on stage for about 85 mins. Kindly mentioning it because I'm surprised hearing about her being known for delivering all-too-short shows.

Personally, I end up rolling my eyes when the Diana stories come up in her interviews. Although I don't let it stop me from being a fan of hers. It doesn't bother me to that extent. If I were to let those types of things bother me, then I would be a fan of very few artists.

I am sorry to read about your negative experience with Gladys, Roberta. It can be difficult to shake off those feelings, when you're a fan and you have been mistreated by an artist you love. I can sympathize, having been down that road quite a few times. A friend of mine who rubbed elbows with many stars over the years, told me, "If you're going to stand near that stage door, you better be prepared for what could come out."

[Ollie9]

Gladys is known for consistently performing for an hour? I've seen her twice now, in 2011 and again a few weeks ago. Both times were over 75 mins. This latest time, I believe she was on stage for about 85 mins. Kindly mentioning it because I'm surprised hearing about her being known for delivering all-too-short shows.

Personally, I end up rolling my eyes when the Diana stories come up in her interviews. Although I don't let it stop me from being a fan of hers. It doesn't bother me to that extent. If I were to let those types of things bother me, then I would be a fan of very few artists.

I am sorry to read about your negative experience with Gladys, Roberta. It can be difficult to shake off those feelings, when you're a fan and you have been mistreated by an artist you love. I can sympathize, having been down that road quite a few times. A friend of mine who rubbed elbows with many stars over the years, told me, "If you're going to stand near that stage door, you better be prepared for what could come out."

Wise words Carlo.

[vgalindo]

Her endless "folksy" chat is insincere IMO. Last time I saw Gladys will be the last time i see Gladys. She talked for 50% of the show and anotherother 10% was Bubba doing old jokes that would make a HeeHaw audience cringe. You could tell the audience was getting restless but Gladys and Bubba just droned on and on and on. LOL

The first time I saw Gladys Knight in concert. I loved the show. Gladys was my all time favorite singer at one point. But I just don’t feel the same way about her anymore. And I agree Roberta. I saw her again a while back and she talked more than she sang. The show was so disappointing.

[Ollie9]

I saw her again a while back and she talked more than she sang. The show was so disappointing.

As opposed to Diana who hardly says a word.

[Boogiedown]

This Gladys character sounds truly horrible . Imagine engaging with her audiences during her performances. And sharing the spotlight with her Pips cousin with whom she’s spent a lifetime performing on the stage with. What a dastardly thing to do.
thanks for the warning I could never support such a performer like this regardless of how stellar their historic repertoire or how strong still their voice. CANCELLED!

[Roberta75]

This Gladys character sounds truly horrible . Imagine engaging with her audiences during her performances. And sharing the spotlight with her Pips cousin with whom she’s spent a lifetime performing on the stage with. What a dastardly thing to do.
thanks for the warning I could never support such a performer like this regardless of how stellar their historic repertoire or how strong still their voice. CANCELLED!

Yelling CANCELLED is such a FAUX News trick. LOL

[Roberta75]

Gladys is known for consistently performing for an hour? I've seen her twice now, in 2011 and again a few weeks ago. Both times were over 75 mins. This latest time, I believe she was on stage for about 85 mins. Kindly mentioning it because I'm surprised hearing about her being known for delivering all-too-short shows.

Personally, I end up rolling my eyes when the Diana stories come up in her interviews. Although I don't let it stop me from being a fan of hers. It doesn't bother me to that extent. If I were to let those types of things bother me, then I would be a fan of very few artists.

I am sorry to read about your negative experience with Gladys, Roberta. It can be difficult to shake off those feelings, when you're a fan and you have been mistreated by an artist you love. I can sympathize, having been down that road quite a few times. A friend of mine who rubbed elbows with many stars over the years, told me, "If you're going to stand near that stage door, you better be prepared for what could come out."

Im completely fine with it Carlo and wish Gladys well. It's the endless talking that bothers me more. How much did she talk in the show a few weeks ago?

[carlo]

Im completely fine with it Carlo and wish Gladys well. It's the endless talking that bothers me more. How much did she talk in the show a few weeks ago?

Glad to read that you wish her well, Roberta She didn't talk an excessive amount. At the most, she would spend a minute, talking before several of the songs. I've been to other artists' shows where they talk a lot, and in comparison, I didn't feel that Gladys talked for too long. Maybe she adjusts the amount of talking she does each night, based on how much singing she is able to do, depending on the state of her voice?

When I saw Barbra Streisand on her last tour, several years ago, she did relatively more talking. I didn't mind, as she shared entertaining stories and banter, in between songs. It didn't come across as rambling, because it was planned and scripted.

[marybrewster]

Wait a minute... wait just a... well, anyhoo, I wonder if Gladys mentions having 'stolen' Midnight Train to Georgia, The Way We Were, Try to Remember, You And Me Against the World ... my guess is "no".

Sounds a lot like Aretha! Covered 100's if not 1000's of songs, but don't you dare sing one of hers! Lol.

[marybrewster]

As opposed to Diana who hardly says a word.

Now that's funny! I think Diana was on her 3rd or 4th song before she even addressed us at the MN State Fair.

[Ollie9]

Now that's funny! I think Diana was on her 3rd or 4th song before she even addressed us at the MN State Fair.

These days she prefers to save all that for later in the show. It’s always fascinating to learn what each of her five kids have been up to these past five years. She could decide to bore us all to death and talk about the music, but no. Credit to her.

[Roberta75]

Glad to read that you wish her well, Roberta She didn't talk an excessive amount. At the most, she would spend a minute, talking before several of the songs. I've been to other artists' shows where they talk a lot, and in comparison, I didn't feel that Gladys talked for too long. Maybe she adjusts the amount of talking she does each night, based on how much singing she is able to do, depending on the state of her voice?

When I saw Barbra Streisand on her last tour, several years ago, she did relatively more talking. I didn't mind, as she shared entertaining stories and banter, in between songs. It didn't come across as rambling, because it was planned and scripted.

I love Barbra so much and have seen her twice both times at the Staples Center in LA with my nephew and his boyfriend [[first show) now husband [[2nd show) and she was amazing. i think when barbra coughs its scripted and planned. LOL. Be well my dear.