When it comes to music royalty, few names shine brighter than Gladys Knight, the legendary Empress of Soul. A Grammy Hall of Famer, Knight has left an indelible mark on soul, R&B, and gospel music with timeless hits.
Rising to fame with her group, Gladys Knight & the Pips, she delivered classics like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye),” and the iconic “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
Though her Motown era was filled with chart-toppers, Knight has remained active well into her later years. She released 11 solo studio albums, the latest in 2014, and has continued to perform, including singing the National Anthem at the 2019 Super Bowl and appearing on The Masked Singer.
On Dec. 11, she’ll grace NBC’s A Motown Christmas. Beyond her music, her life is anchored by a loving partnership with her fourth husband, William McDowell.
Who is William McDowell?
Gladys Knight married William “Billy” McDowell in April 2001 after dating for just three months. A former corporate consultant turned songwriter and author, McDowell co-wrote the song “This Is Our Time” with Knight in 2001.
The song was performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics and featured on the Light Up the Land: 2002 Olympic Winter Games Album. McDowell is also the author of the Christian book The ONE: How to Grow and Thrive as a One While Feeding Your Soul and Impacting Others, published in 2021.
The couple resides in Fairview, North Carolina, where they founded the RHS Community Foundation in 2014 to support their local community. Together, they’ve built a life centered on faith, family, and music.
A Healthy Marriage Rooted in Faith
Gladys Knight and William McDowell have been married for 23 years, a testament to their strong bond. In a 2022 interview with Closer, Knight revealed the secret to their lasting marriage: “You have to always know that the Lord is going to make a way. We put him first.
If you’ve got a problem and don’t know how to do something, you have to look up. That’s how we get through.”
While the couple doesn’t share children together, McDowell is a devoted stepfather to Knight’s three children from previous marriages.
They also cherish their extended family, including 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Knight often shares how much her grandchildren adore McDowell, saying, “He’ll do anything to keep them on the right track.”
Gladys Knight’s Romantic Past
Before McDowell, Knight had three previous marriages. She wed James Newman at 16, with whom she had two children, James “Jimmy” Newman III and Kenya Newman. After 12 years, their marriage ended due to Newman’s struggles with addiction.
In 1974, she married Barry Hankerson, founder of Blackground Records, and had a son, Shanga Ali Hankerson. Their marriage ended in a contentious divorce in 1979. Knight’s third marriage to motivational speaker Les Brown lasted from 1995 to 1997.
A Life of Music and Love
At 79, Gladys Knight continues to inspire through her music and life story. From her soulful hits to her enduring love with William McDowell, her journey is a testament to resilience and faith. For more stories like this, visit timeoutcalifornia and stay updated on the latest in music and entertainment.
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