Gladys Knight's music career began in the 1950s when she and her family formed the group 'The Pips.' The group initially gained recognition for their performances at local venues, but it wasn't long before they caught the attention of record labels. Their first major hit, "Every Beat of My Heart," released in 1961, marked the beginning of a series of successful songs that solidified their place in the music industry.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Knight and The Pips released numerous chart-topping hits, including "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)," and "If I Were Your Woman." Their unique sound, characterized by Knight's powerful vocals and the group's harmonious background, captured the hearts of audiences across the globe.