Mohegan Sun—-Continuing her remarkable legacy, Gladys Knight remains one of the most iconic figures in music history. On Saturday night, the legendary “Empress of Soul” graced the stage at the Mohegan Sun, opening the show for the legendary O’Jays and captivating the audience with her powerhouse performance.
Knight, alongside her exceptional band, delivered a mesmerizing set that blended her timeless hits with tributes to greats like the late Marvin Gaye. Fans were thrilled by her renditions of “I Want You,” “Love Overboard,” and “Nitty Gritty Dance and Shout,” dancing and singing along from their seats. Slowing the tempo, she effortlessly serenaded the crowd with heartfelt classics like “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” and “In This Life,” all while sharing life lessons and emphasizing the importance of family. Her radiant smile and warm presence added a personal touch to her performance.
She then brought the energy back with soulful renditions of “Make Yours a Happy Home,” “The Makings of You,” and “Imagination,” showcasing her signature velvety contralto voice. Delving into the complexities of love, the seven-time Grammy winner touched hearts with stirring performances of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” as well as timeless ballads like “Neither One of Us” and “The Way We Were/Try to Remember.”
The evening culminated in a show-stopping finale featuring the iconic “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “On and On,” reaffirming her enduring passion for music. Just like fine wine, Gladys Knight continues to prove she only gets better with time.
Following Knight’s unforgettable set, The O’Jays took the stage, delivering a performance that highlighted their incredible six-decade legacy in R&B and soul. Formed in 1958 in Canton, Ohio, the group—originally comprised of Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles—rose to fame with their soulful sound and socially conscious lyrics. While the lineup has evolved over the years, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams remain the heart of the group.
The O’Jays performed a string of their most beloved hits, including “I Love Music,” “Use Ta Be My Girl,” and “Livin’ for the Weekend.” They also performed crowd-pleasers like “For the Love of Money” and “Used to Be My Girl.”
The night closed with the electrifying “Love Train,” leaving the audience in awe of the group’s enduring talent and timeless music. With multiple accolades, including Grammy Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, as well as a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, The O’Jays continue to redefine what it means to be legends in the industry.
