Gladys Knight has been honored with the National Medal of Arts from President Joe Biden. Knight, often known as “The Empress of Soul,” acquired the medal Tuesday night on the White House.
More Details About The National Medal Of Arts
Knight was amongst 22 others who have been honored with the medal at Tuesday’s occasion. This was additionally the primary time President Biden has held the award ceremony since taking workplace, as reported by CNN.
In addition to Knight, President Biden additionally introduced the distinguishment to singer Bruce Springsteen. As properly as actors Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Mindy Kaling, and designer Vera Wang.
As reported by the outlet, the National Medal of the Arts commemorates “artists, art patrons, and groups that have advanced arts in the United States.” Additionally, it’s the “highest American award given to artists, art patrons, and groups that have advanced arts in the United States.”
Bruce Springsteen, Gladys Knight, Mindy Kaling and Vera Wang are amongst a gaggle of creatives, writers, advocates and students who have been honored on the White House with the 2021 National Humanities Medals and the National Medal of Arts https://t.co/2zfkUC9gNN pic.twitter.com/RyYt7Imt4g
— CNN (@CNN) March 21, 2023
Gladys Knight Accepts The National Medal of Arts
The ceremony came about within the East Room on the White House. Biden launched the honors with a quick assertion, as per CNN.
“We’re a nation, a great nation, in large part because of the power of the arts and humanities. That’s stamped into the DNA of America. Today… (we) continue the legacy of awarding two of our nation’s highest honors to 23 extraordinary Americans.”
When Knight’s identify was known as, the entire room erupted in cheer and applause. The 78-year-old then stepped as much as the stage and a speaker additional saluted the singer with an inventory of accolades.
“For her iconic voice as the ‘Empress of Soul,’ Gladys Knight’s exceptional talent influenced musical genres from Rhythm and blues, to Gospel, to Pop. And inspired generations of artists captivated by her soundtrack of a golden age in American music.”
President Biden positioned the medal, adorned with a purple ribbon, across the 78-year-old’s neck and embraced her with a hug. The two then posed for a quick image.
President Biden presents National Medal of Arts to @MsGladysKnight. pic.twitter.com/MEeVpu6VcX
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 21, 2023
Social Media Reacts To Gladys Knight’s Honor
According to Biography.com, Gladys Knight started performing together with her siblings. The group initially known as themselves “The Pips,” then transitioned to the identify “Gladys Knight and the Pips.” The group rose to fame with their primary single, the 1973 monitor, “Midnight Train To Georgia.”
Going solo in 1989, Knight continued to face out with hits like “Licence To Kill,” featured on the ‘James Bond’ soundtrack. She launched her first solo studio album in 1990, known as A Good Woman. Additionally, the undertaking featured fellow greats, Dionne Warwick and Patti Labelle.
Another main milestone was achieved for the singer when she, and The Pips, have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. According to the museum’s official web site, the group “set the standard for longevity and honest-to-God R&B.”
“Gladys Knight has been with the Pips for over forty years, however from the beginning she sang with the knowledge of a girl who has seen all of it. From doo-wop to Motown to Seventies soul ballads, the standard of their work is unimpeachable…
Knight is among the few Hall of Famers who’ve continued to make hits from the ‘60s till the current day.
The key to this success is Gladys Knight’s voice, one of many extra exceptional devices of the rock, soul, and R&B eras.”
Congratulations to Gladys Knight for her exceptional profession and for persevering with to obtain her flowers!