Entertainment
Gladys Knight announces plans to scale back live performances
The legendary singer intends to focus on family and future career projects after decades of touring.
The short version
- Singer Gladys Knight announced she is reducing her live performances and scaling back on touring.
- Knight plans to focus on family, spend time with her grandchildren, and work on projects with her husband.
- The decision follows a recent joint concert with Smokey Robinson where observers noted Knight relied heavily on her backing vocalists.
Key facts
- Gladys Knight, the 82-year-old "Empress of Soul," announced on social media that she will be easing into fewer live performances.[Billboard]
- Knight stated she plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and collaborate on projects with her husband as she transitions into a new era of her life.[Billboard]
- The announcement follows a July performance with Smokey Robinson at the Hollywood Bowl, where reviewers observed that Knight appeared to struggle and leaned heavily on her three backup singers.[Billboard]
- Knight was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 as part of Gladys Knight & the Pips, and she received the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.[Billboard]