Review: Gladys Knight Shines at Louisville Palace: A Night of Soulful Nostalgia

On November 16, 2025, the legendary Gladys Knight graced the stage of the historic Louisville Palace theater in Louisville, Kentucky, delivering a performance that reminded fans why she’s called the Empress of Soul. At 81 years old, Knight proved age is just a number, captivating the audience with her timeless voice and elegant presence. This solo show marked a departure from her classic Gladys Knight and the Pips era, featuring no Pips but instead three fabulous female backup singers who added rich harmonies to her iconic sound. The short one-hour set was packed with energy, and though a chair was brought out for her, she didn’t sit once—standing tall, all smiles, and fully engaged with the crowd.

A Brief Look at Gladys Knight’s Storied Career

Gladys Knight’s journey in music began early. Born on May 28, 1944, in Atlanta, Georgia, she started singing gospel at age four and won a talent show at eight. Forming Gladys Knight & the Pips with her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight and cousins William Guest and Edward Patten, the group signed with Brunswick Records in 1957. Their breakthrough came in 1960 with “Every Beat of My Heart.” At Motown from 1966, they scored hits like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” in 1967, “If I Were Your Woman” in 1970, and the Grammy-winning “Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)” in 1972.

Switching to Buddah Records in 1973 brought even greater success, including the chart-topping, Grammy-winning “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination,” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.” The Pips retired in 1988 after their final Grammy for “Love Overboard.” Knight’s solo career flourished, with seven Grammys total (four solo, three with the Pips). Her biggest hits, like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and the 1985 collaboration “That’s What Friends Are For” with Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John, remain staples. In recent years, she’s continued touring, including UK dates in 2024 and arena shows in 2025, blending nostalgia with her enduring vocal power.

The Opener: Eric Kimbrough’s Bold Start

The evening kicked off with local comedian Eric Kimbrough, a Louisville native known for his stand-up, activism, and motivational speaking. His set touched on sensitive topics, including the Louisville riots from a few years back, which drew boos from the crowd as he managed to insult just about everyone in the theater. But Kimbrough kept his composure, quipping, “Twenty years ago, I got 3 minutes at an open mic. Tonight, I’m at the Palace, and I didn’t pay to get in.” He explained it was all in good fun, just prepping the audience for Gladys, and invited folks to meet him in the lobby afterward for photos. While the material wasn’t for everyone—I didn’t love it myself—his resilience and charm won me over.

The Venue: Historic Charm at Louisville Palace

The Louisville Palace, located in the city’s theater district on Fourth Street, added to the night’s magic. This atmospheric theater, designed by John Eberson, opened as a movie house on September 1, 1928, with a Spanish Baroque style featuring ornate ceilings, murals, and starry skies. It closed in the 1970s but was restored and reopened as a concert venue. With a seating capacity of 2,800, it’s a beloved landmark that has hosted countless legends, making it the perfect intimate setting for Knight’s soulful evening.

The Band and Backup

Knight was accompanied by a tight ensemble that kept the grooves flowing. Though specific names for this tour aren’t widely detailed, her band typically includes seasoned musicians. Based on recent performances:

• Gladys Knight – Lead vocals
• Alexis Hoover – Backup vocals
• Tamara Walker – Backup vocals
• Vonciele Faggett – Backup vocals
• Bass player
• Guitarist
• Percussionist
• Drummer
• Two keyboard players

The three female backup singers brought fabulous energy, harmonizing elegantly and complementing Knight’s classy vibe.

The Verified Setlist

The setlist, verified from fan reports on setlist.fm, focused on her biggest hits and soul classics, clocking in at a concise but powerful hour:

1. Taste of Bitter Love
2. The Nitty Gritty / Shake Your Body Down to the Ground
3. Make Yours a Happy Home
4. Every Beat of My Heart
5. Love Overboard
6. Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
7. Oh! What a Love I’ve Found
8. If I Were Your Woman
9. I’ve Got to Use My Imagination
10. Save the Overtime (For Me)
11. Help Me Make It Through the Night (Jessi Colter cover)
12. I Heard It Through the Grapevine (extended)
13. Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)
14. Stand
15. That’s What Friends Are For
16. On and On
17. Midnight Train to Georgia

From the funky opener to the emotional closer, every song hit home, with extended jams on favorites like “Grapevine” keeping things fresh and exciting.

Final Thoughts

This was a celebration of soul music’s enduring spirit. Gladys Knight, elegant and classy as ever, delivered pure joy in a short but sweet show. Fans left buzzing, reminded of her legacy and why her hits still resonate. If you get the chance, catch her live; it’s a ride on the midnight train you won’t forget.

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