Introduction
When we speak of timeless voices and enduring elegance in soul music, few names resonate as deeply as Gladys Knight & The Pips. Often celebrated as the “Empress of Soul,” Gladys Knight—backed by the seamless harmonies and crisp choreography of The Pips—crafted a legacy built on emotional honesty, masterful storytelling, and genre-defining performances. Their 1973 release, “Let Us Entertain You,” is a shining example of their extraordinary ability to blend showmanship with substance, delivering not just a song, but an invitation into their soulful world.
Background
Originally composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim for the musical Gypsy, “Let Us Entertain You” has taken on many forms over the years. But in the hands of Gladys Knight & The Pips, the song becomes something far more intimate and evocative. What was once a Broadway standard is transformed into a warm, sultry performance that teeters between playful invitation and dignified command. This isn’t just entertainment—it’s a declaration of purpose from seasoned artists who know exactly what they’re capable of.
The arrangement here is slick and confident, with lush instrumentation and rhythm that nods to the Motown roots of the group while embracing a more polished, almost cabaret-like sensibility. The real magic, however, lies in Gladys Knight’s delivery. Her voice—rich, textured, and full of soul—brings a sincerity to the lyrics that few could match. She sings not only to please, but to connect, to uplift, and to command attention without ever demanding it.
The Pips, as always, are more than just backup singers. Their vocal interjections and trademark choreography provide rhythm, harmony, and a sense of theatrical flair. In this particular track, they echo and elevate Knight’s lead, creating a layered, immersive performance that feels like a dialogue with the audience.
What’s truly striking about “Let Us Entertain You” is its duality. On one level, it’s light-hearted and accessible—a performance piece meant to please. But on another, it’s a subtle testament to the hard-earned professionalism and dignity of African American performers who, like Knight and The Pips, carved out space in a music industry that didn’t always welcome them with open arms.
Listening to this track today is a reminder of the golden era of soul, when performers didn’t just sing—they entertained, in the deepest and most meaningful sense of the word. Gladys Knight & The Pips didn’t merely deliver songs; they offered experiences, full of heart, nuance, and unmistakable class.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Let us entertain you
Let us make you smile
Let us do a few tricks
Some up and new tricks
We’re very versatileAnd if your real good
Can make you feel good
We want you to spend some timeLet us entertain you
And we’ll have a real good time
We’ll have a real good time