Gladys Knight to open concert series on Nov. 10 – CityView

By Evie Weisblat | Local government reporter

Music legend Gladys Knight, the “Empress of Soul,” will perform at the Crown Complex in Fayetteville on Nov. 10 in the first show of Fayetteville’s 88th annual Community Concerts series.

Josh Turner, accompanied by guest Jared Harder, will play the second show of the series on Dec. 2.

Tickets for both concerts will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the Crown Complex box office and on Ticketmaster.com.  

Community Concerts was launched in 1935 and is Fayetteville’s oldest arts organization, according to its website. The nonprofit entity is run by volunteers with a stated goal of bringing “the finest in top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville.” 

CityView is a partner in promoting the series.

Community Concerts also manages the Fayetteville Performing Arts Hall of Fame, which was created in 2008 to distinguish the achievements of local artists. In addition, the organization offers music scholarships, local artist showcases and free concert opportunities. 

“The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest,” a Community Concerts release said. “Very few singers over the last 50 years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed No. 1 hits in pop, gospel, R&B and adult contemporary.”    

The Georgia-born Knight’s musical journey began at age 4 in a Georgia church, leading to her winning the grand prize on “Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour.” Her mother, Elizabeth Knight, then formed the group The Pips, which evolved into Gladys Knight & the Pips with a classic lineup established by the early 1960s. Their harmonies and hits such as “Every Beat of My Heart,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Midnight Train to Georgia” propelled them to pop/R&B vocal ensemble stardom in the 1960s-1980s, including collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and others. 

Knight’s solo albums including “Good Woman,” “Just for You,” and “At Last” showcased her enduring talent. Recognition followed, including a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. Her autobiography, “Between Each Line of Pain and Glory,” delved into her journey. In 2004, she earned the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards.

Turner, known for his resonant bass voice, has sold more than 6.5 million records and amassed 4.8 billion global streams, establishing himself as a hitmaker on country radio. Songs such as “Long Black Train” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance?” have yielded five No. 1 singles, including the music video for “Your Man,” surpassing 100 million views. 

Marking the 15th anniversary of his double platinum-selling album, Turner released “Your Man Deluxe Edition” along with a mini-documentary. The viral resurgence of “Would You Go With Me?” on TikTok boosted its streaming, landing it on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 and multiple international charts. Turner, a native of South Carolina, secured three GMA Dove nominations, winning his first award in 2021 for “I Saw the Light.” He has earned six Inspirational Country Music Awards and Grammy and Country Music Association nominations. 

Additional artists in the line-up will be announced soon.

The Crown Complex Theater is at 1960 Coliseum Drive in Fayetteville. The box office is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Evey Weisblat can be reached at eweisblat@cityviewnc.com.

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