Gladys Knight at The Strathmore April 26, 2013

Shortly after 8pm, the Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, hit the stage at the Strathmore. 

Looking great and armed with a full band, troop of background singers and her golden voice which hasn't aged a day, Ms. Knight started the evening coyly with "Soldier of Love" building into a cover of Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine".  

The hits followed including "If I Were Your Woman" & "You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me".  Taking a break from the hits, Knight talked about her experience of going to Cuba with a group of other artists and collaborating with Cuban artists.  She performed the duet, "Vacilon", with her background singer, Neil Taffe before launching into a funky "I've Got To Use My Imagination", which had the 68 year old legend showing off some fierce dance moves. 

Knight began talking about the good old days and music that inspires.  This led into her trademark "End of the Road Medley" and was followed by another medley, this one inspired by her last album, "Before Me".  After a few more hits, Knight's brother, Bubba, joined her for a segment showcasing his vocals and dance moves.  Bubba Knight is Gladys' older brother and an original Pip.  Though his set was entertaining, it seemed to go on just a bit too long, considering afterward Ms. Knight only performed one more number, "Midnight Train To Georgia", before leaving the stage without an encore. 

Overall though, Gladys Knight proves she's still one of the best in the business with a voice that is as strong today as it was in the sixties and a stage personality that makes you feel more like a friend than a fan.  

SETLIST
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Soldier of Love
Just Fine
If I Were Your Woman
You're The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
Feelin' Good (Vacilon)
I've Got To Use My Imagination
End of the Road Medley:
    -If You Don't Know Me By Now
    -Love Don't Love Nobody
    -End of the Road
Before Me Medley:
    -The Man I Love
    -Stormy Weather
    -Someone To Watch Over Me
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Neither One of Us
Bubba Knight Segment:
    -Yesterday (Duet w/Gladys)
    -Love & Happiness
    -Funky Good Time
    -Dance To The Music
    -Love & Happiness (Reprise)
Midnight Train To Georgia