What happened to the Pips?

Gladys Knight and the Pips are celebrated music legends today, but their journey began as a family affair in Atlanta, Georgia. They initially sang together in their family living room during a birthday party, showcasing their talent in a very personal setting.

At just eight years old, Gladys, often called the Empress of Soul, had already made a mark by winning Ted Mack’s The Original Amateur Hour, a talent competition that paved the way for shows like American Idol. Inspired by her performance, her mother brought together Gladys, her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight, and their cousins to form what would become the Pips, named after their cousin and manager, James “Pip” Woods.

Over time, the group had various line-ups before settling on Gladys, Bubba, and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten. Though they started performing in 1952, it wasn’t until 1961 that they released their first hit, a cover of “Every Beat of My Heart,” through Fury Records. Their big break came in 1966 when they signed with Motown Records, though their time there was less glamorous than expected. They famously had to scrape together money for travel to their audition in Detroit, even pawning their guitar to make it happen. Despite their efforts, Motown often focused more on other artists, leaving Knight and the Pips underappreciated during their tenure.

However, they did manage to release “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” in 1967, which reached number 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100, although Marvin Gaye’s version soon eclipsed theirs. Their real success came later with Buddah Records, where they recorded their signature song “Midnight Train to Georgia.” This track became their first and only number-one hit, solidifying their place in the pantheon of soul music. The group garnered numerous accolades, including seven American Music Awards and three Grammy Awards, before disbanding amicably in 1989.

Where Are the Pips Now?

Sadly, only the Knight siblings are still with us today. Gladys has enjoyed a successful solo career, becoming a household name. Recently, she performed “Midnight Train to Georgia” at the 50th anniversary of the American Music Awards and surprised Whoopi Goldberg on The View for her birthday, showcasing her powerful voice and stunning appearance.

Merald “Bubba” Knight is now 82 and mostly retired from public performances, although he did make a special appearance at the Las Vegas production of Follies in April. Unfortunately, the other Pips have passed away; Edward Patten died in 2005 due to complications from diabetes, and William Guest passed away in 2015 from congestive heart failure at age 74.

In recognition of their contributions to music, Gladys Knight and the Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 for “Midnight Train to Georgia.” They received another Grammy Hall of Fame honor in 2018 for “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” as well as the Rhythm and Blues Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. Their legacy continues to resonate, making them an enduring part of American music history.