Gladys Knight, affectionately known as the “Empress of Soul,” is arguably one of the most iconic voices in American music history. With a monumental career spanning over six decades, she has influenced generations through her powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling and genre-defining contributions to soul, R&B and pop. 

From her time fronting Gladys Knight & the Pips to her successful solo career, Knight has become a beloved legend whose music remains timeless. She’s played a role for every generation she’s touched. Beyond the stage, she’s also a resilient figure, navigating personal hardships, business ventures, and public life with grace and strength. Here’s a closer look at her journey and the net worth she has earned along the way.

How Did Gladys Knight Become Famous?

Knight first rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead singer of Gladys Knight & the Pips, a group formed with her brother and cousins. It was a very successful family endeavor. Their breakthrough hit, “Every Beat of My Heart,” marked the beginning of their chart success. The group only upleveled in the 1970s with hits, like “Midnight Train to Georgia,”  “Neither One of Us,” and “If I Were Your Woman.” Her rich voice, emotional depth, and electrifying stage presence quickly set her apart in the musical arena. Her work with Motown and later Buddah Records only helped to solidify her superstar status.

Music

Knight’s contributions to music are countless and profound. With seven Grammy Awards and a plethora of chart-topping singles, her catalog spans soul, gospel, R&B and even pop. After decades with the Pips, she launched a solo career that birthed hits, like “License to Kill” and “Men.” Knight also released gospel albums and continued to perform live well into her 70s. In 1996, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside the Pips, and in 2022, she received the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime contribution to American culture.

Business Ventures

Beyond music, Knight made her keep with several entrepreneurial endeavors. In the mid-2000s, she launched a chain of Southern-style restaurants called Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles, based in Atlanta. Though the business eventually faced legal and financial troubles, it went viral amongst the people and showcased her desire to build a brand beyond entertainment. Knight has also written memoirs and served as a spokeswoman for diabetes awareness after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She has done wonders using her platform to advocate for health in the Black community.

What is Gladys Knight’s Net Worth?

As of 2025, Knight’s estimated net worth is around $28 million. While much of her wealth comes from decades upon decades of record sales, touring and royalties, she’s also earned income from business ventures, books and television appearances. This includes her iconic stint on “Dancing with the Stars.” Despite her financial ups and downs, Knight has maintained a respectable career and inspiring legacy, reflecting a career built on talent, longevity and hustle.

How Much Time Did Gladys Knight’s Son Get?

Things haven’t always been easy for Knight’s family. Her son, Shanga Hankerson, made headlines after legal trouble connected to the operation of her restaurant chain. In 2021, he was sentenced to two years in prison and one year of supervised release for willfully failing to remit over $1 million in payroll taxes. Hankerson managed the restaurant, and though Knight was not directly involved in the business side, the legal scandal directly impacted her and her image. She soon distanced herself from the restaurants and removed her name from the brand.

Who Was Gladys Knight’s First Husband?

Knight’s first husband was James “Jimmy” Newman, a fellow musician she met as a teenager. In the rush of young love, they married in 1960, when Knight was just 16 years old. Together, they had two children: James “Jimmy” Newman III and Kenya. Unfortunately, their love ventured down a rocky path. Newman struggled with drug addiction, and the couple eventually divorced in 1973 after over a decade of marriage.

How Many Biological Children Does Gladys Knight Have?

Though she’s America’s auntie, there are a few special beings who call her mom. She has three biological children from two of her marriages. Her first child, James “Jimmy” Newman III, was born during her marriage to her first husband, James Newman. He worked as her manager for some time. Tragically, he passed away in 1999 at the age of 37 due to heart failure. Knight also gave birth to a daughter named Kenya. Very little is known publicly about her, as she’s opted for a lower-profile life.

Finally, Knight had a son named Shanga Hankerson with her second husband, Barry Hankerson, who she would go on to have many legal troubles with. Knight has only spoken in interviews about the challenges of balancing motherhood with stardom, particularly during the height of her fame with the Pips. Despite the demands of touring, she remained devoted to her children and stayed centered on the importance of family while raising them.

How Many Husbands Did Gladys Knight Have?

Knight has been married four times. Her first husband and father of her first two children was James Newman, who she was married to from 1960 to 1973. Next, she wed Barry Hankerson from 1974 to 1979. He was a music producer and founder of Blackground Records. Together, they shared one son, Shanga Hankerson. From 1995 to 1997, she married Les Brown, a motivational speaker and author. Finally, William McDowell stands as her current husband, with whom she married in 2001. Seemingly the one, she has found lasting companionship and spiritual alignment with him as her partner.

She has openly expressed how love, heartbreak and healing have all influenced the depth of her music. With McDowell, she has embraced a quieter life filled with faith. The couple lives in North Carolina and remains active in their community and local charities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many biological children does Gladys Knight have? Gladys Knight has three children, sixteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Why did Gladys Knight sue her son? Knight unfortunately had to sue her own son to remove her name and likeness from their restaurant businesses.