[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 104 (Wednesday, June 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E561-E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING GLADYS KNIGHT, SINGER, SONGWRITER, ACTRESS, AND BUSINESSWOMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2023

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Gladys Knight, the 
Empress of Soul, who will be inducted into the Madam Walker Legacy 
Center Walk of Fame on June 16. 2023. The historic Madam Walker Legacy 
Center is in Indiana's 7th Congressional District.
  Gladys Maria Knight was born in 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia, to Sarah 
and Merald Knight. Her musical career began early in life in a church 
choir, where her singing talent was quickly recognized. Ms. Knight 
performed with her siblings and cousins in a quintet that would later 
become known as The Pips. In 1961, the group signed with Fury Records 
and changed their name to Gladys Knight & The Pips. The group released 
several successful albums until 1987, when Ms. Knight began to pursue a 
solo career. She went on to release several solo albums and achieved 
incredible feats in the music industry, becoming an icon for R&B and 
soul music across the world.
  Ms. Knight has been widely recognized with prestigious awards for her 
achievements. She has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of 
Fame, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of 
Fame. In 2008, Rolling Stone named Ms. Knight one of the ``100 Greatest 
Singers of All Time,'' and the American Academy of Achievement 
presented her with the Golden Plate Award in 2019. She also received an 
Honorary Doctorate in Performing Arts from Shaw University.
  However impressive, these achievements do not capture the true 
brilliance of Gladys Knight. Her love of family and children shines 
through in her philanthropic efforts, including

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raising $400,000 for the Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield 
County.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Gladys Knight. She 
has graced the world with her talent, and it is a privilege to 
celebrate her success and place in history.

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