Photos by Andy Argyrakis

With or without the Pips, Gladys Knight has bravely boarded the “Midnight Train To Georgia” for exactly 50 years, and even at 79-years-old, she’s still right on track as an incomparable vocalist and entertainer.

In fact, the Hard Rock Live Northwest Indiana added another legend to its ever growing list when “The Empress Of Soul” brought an elegant evening celebrating the anniversary of that classic, plus so many more made famous on the mighty Motown label through solo stardom. 

Backed by a six-piece band, three background singers and a starry backdrop, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer/recent Kennedy Center Honoree confidently strolled out in high heels and her radiant smile to the “Taste Of Bitter Love,” but rest assured, there was no one on earth capable of making such a sour subject sound so sweet.

It continued to be the case as she got down to “The Nitty Gritty” meets The Jacksons’ “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground)” throughout the 75-minute overview, which also abounded with the R&B bounce of “Love Overboard,” alongside the beautiful ballads “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me” and “If I Were Your Woman.”

There were some surprises as well, such as 1991’s gentle gem “In This Life,” “The Makings Of You” from 1974’s “Claudine” soundtrack and the chart-topping “Save The Overtime (For Me),” wrapped ever so effectively around Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much.”

Though “I Heard It To The Grapevine” was recorded numerous times, including smash singles by Marvin Gaye and Creedence Clearwater Revival, Knight reminded everyone why she was the ultimate originator.

Towards the tail end, the headliner slayed “Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye),” though thankfully, stuck around a little longer for Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” plus a stirring gospel medley started by Donnie McClurkin’s “Stand” and featuring the supporting singers.

Knight naturally pulled out of the Gary station with “Midnight Train,” rolling full steam ahead towards her next destination, but not before making sure the Hard Rock had a chance to savor every second of another home run.

For additional information on Gladys Knight, visit GladysKnight.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana include Static-X and Sevendust (Oct. 19); Aaron Lewis (Oct. 27-28); Grand Funk Railroad and Foghat (Nov. 2); In This Moment and Ice Nine Kills (Nov. 3); Dwight Yoakam (Nov. 4); Jay Leno (Nov. 11); Blue October (Nov. 30); Brian McKnight (Dec. 2); Meshuggah (Dec. 5); Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular Birthday Edition (Jan. 6) and Tim Allen (Jan. 27). For additional details, visit HardRockCasinoNorthernIndiana.com.

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