Iconic soul singer Gladys Knight, celebrated worldwide for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence, has always balanced her illustrious music career with family life. The Grammy-winning artist, who became a mother of three while juggling her demanding career, shares an incredible story of love, dedication, and legacy. Her children—James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III, Kenya Newman, and Shanga Ali Hankerson—have each carved out their own paths in life, influenced by their legendary mother's strength and guidance. Let's dive deeper into the lives of Gladys' three incredible kids and the impact they've had on her world.
Gladys Knight's Firstborn: The Remarkable Life of James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III
Gladys Knight tied the knot with her first husband, James Newman, back in 1960, and their love story began with the arrival of their son, James III, in 1962. Their marriage lasted until 1973, but during that time, Gladys made a conscious decision to step away from her wildly successful music career with the family group, Gladys Knight & The Pips, to focus on raising her young child. As any parent would, she prioritized her son’s well-being and growth, even if it meant stepping back from the spotlight for a while.
When James III was old enough, Gladys returned to the stage, rekindling her passion for music while nurturing a unique bond with her firstborn. Later in life, James III followed in his mother's footsteps by becoming her trusted manager through his company, Newman Management. Together, they navigated the complexities of fame and success, culminating in the launch of Gladys' record label, Many Roads, in 1999—a testament to their shared vision and hard work.
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Tragically, James III passed away on July 10, 1999, in his Las Vegas home due to heart failure, as reported by Variety. He left behind a loving wife, Michelene, and five children—two daughters and three sons. Despite this devastating loss, Gladys fondly remembers her son's influence on her spiritual journey. She credits him and Kenya with encouraging her to join the Church of Latter-Day Saints.
“My son Jimmy and his wife were the first to join the Church after his best friend shared his testimony,” she shared with LDS Living in June 2016. “Then my daughter, Kenya, joined the Church. Watching their lives grow and seeing how my grandchildren were being raised really touched me. It was inspiring to witness the values and principles they instilled in their children.”
Gladys’ Daughter Kenya Maria Newman: A Talented Entrepreneur
Born in 1963 to Gladys and James Newman, Kenya Maria Newman has always been a beacon of creativity and determination. After attending Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, she embarked on a career in marketing but soon discovered her true passion lay elsewhere—in baking. In 1997, Kenya took the entrepreneurial leap, opening her own business, Kenya’s Cakes of the Stars, at Sunset Station, as reported by the Las Vegas Sun.
Despite being the daughter of one of the world's most celebrated singers, Kenya has chosen to lead a relatively private life, steering clear of the limelight. Her dedication to her craft and her family has allowed her to carve out a fulfilling existence away from the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
Gladys’ Youngest Son Shanga Ali Hankerson: A Legacy in Business
Gladys Knight married record producer Barry Hankerson in 1974, and their union resulted in the birth of their youngest son, Shanga Ali Hankerson, in 1976. As an adult, Shanga embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, founding three chain restaurants in Atlanta named Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles. These eateries paid homage to his mother's culinary traditions while establishing his own identity in the food industry.
However, in 2021, Shanga faced legal challenges when he was sentenced to two years in federal prison for failing to remit payroll taxes, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Despite this setback, his entrepreneurial spirit remains undeterred, and he continues to be a vital part of the family legacy.
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