Gladys Knight began her singing career as a very young child and has not stopped since. She had her first number one hit in 1961 and continued having chart hits for the next four decades with her group, the Pips, and as a solo artist. Gladys sang lead in her group known as Gladys Knight & the Pips and then ventured out on her own and became known as the 'Empress of Soul.' She is a songwriter, singer, author, actress, and businesswoman and has been listed as one of the greatest singers of all time.