Gladys Knight was born on May 28, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia, USA as Gladys Maria Knight. She is an actress, known for American Juniors (2003), Mic Check Live: Gladys Knight Rockumentary (2011) and The Gladys Knight & the Pips Show (1975).She has been married to William McDowell since April 12, 2001.She was previously married to Les Brown, Barry Hankerson and James Newman.he is an actress, known for American Juniors (2003), Mic Check Live: Gladys Knight Rockumentary (2011) and The Gladys Knight & the Pips Show (1975). She has been married to William McDowell since April 12, 2001.