Storm Clouds, Smash-Ups, and a Smash Hit: The Wild Beginnings of Gladys Knight & the Pips at Motown
When Gladys Knight & the Pips arrived at Motown in the spring of 1966, success did not come overnight. The Atlanta quartet—Gladys, her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight, and cousins Edward Patten and William Guest—were chosen to pose at a General Motors factory outside Detroit for the cover of their first Motown album, fittingly titled Just Arrived. Dressed sharp and confident, they stood among brand-new cars, ready to signal a fresh start. But the photo shoot became legendary for the wrong reason: Motown art director Harry Webber, attempting to move a rail truck himself, crashed it into a low overpass, tearing the roofs off several new Cadillacs.
Introduction
While the accident nearly derailed Webber’s career, the group’s journey pressed on. Their debut Soul single “Just Walk In My Shoes” failed to chart in the U.S., and “Take Me In Your Arms And Love Me” also missed domestically—though it reached the U.K. Top 20. Touring relentlessly with Motown stars like the Four Tops, Jr. Walker & the All Stars, the Temptations, Martha & the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, and Jimmy Ruffin, they built momentum through performances including the Motortown Revue’s 1966 Christmas shows at Detroit’s Fox Theater.
By August 1967, everything changed. “Everybody Needs Love” broke into the Billboard R&B Top 3 and crossed into the Pop Top 40. Their album of the same name followed, showcasing their polished harmonies and dynamic stage presence. Then came the breakthrough that sealed their place in soul history: “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” By year’s end, it had become their biggest hit yet—proof that no derailment, literal or otherwise, could stop Gladys Knight & the Pips. 🎵❤️
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Ooh your ex is back in townWhat you gonna do when she comes aroundAnd she starts going through her act?Will she make you to you change your act?Will your love for me remain intactOr will you run to her? (run to her)Baby, my love is on the lineBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change itBe strong and leave the past behindBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change it, don’t you change itOoh you say your love is trueWhatcha gonna say when she looks at you?Will the seconds in your headMake you take back the thing you said?Will you give me real despairOr will you stay with me? (stay with me)Baby, my love is on the lineBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change itBe strong and leave the past behindBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change it, don’t you change itI will exit and take a bowBut I don’t want to lose you nowSo I’m thinking someway, somehowBaby, you’ll stay with meBaby, my love is on the lineBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change itBe strong and leave the past behindBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change it, don’t change itYou know she’s not the staying kindBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change itYou know my love is genuineBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change itBaby, my love is on the lineBaby, don’t change your mindDon’t change it