Midnight Train from Georgia chronicles the incredible rise of Gladys Knight and the Pips from their origins singing in a small Atlanta church to their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. When two families’ destinies intertwine at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, they discover the extraordinary musical talents of their children. Young cousins William Guest, Eleanor Guest, Gladys Knight, Brenda Knight, and Bubba Knight unite their heavenly vocals to form The Pips gospel choir.We follow William Guest from his formative years in Atlanta, where his love of music is kindled by evenings listening to his family perform rhythmic gospel songs on their porch. The Pips’ journey takes them from these humble back-porch jam sessions to struggle and sacrifice on the road to stardom. With faith, fortitude and William’s grandmother’s lessons to guide them, the group overcomes adversity through the transcendent power of their music.Midnight Train from Georgia is an inspiring tale about the bonds of family, church and music. It’s a story of poverty to fortune, innocence to experience, and childhood friendship growing into Hall of Fame synergy. Their sweet harmonies touched millions over decades, but it all started with kids finding their voices in a small Georgia choir.

Lady Dhyana Ziegler, DCJ, Ph.D., is currently President and CEO of Z/Creators, LLC and Professor Emerita of Florida A&M University, U.S.A. . She has worked in the field of higher education and technology for more than 35 years as a professor and administrator. Dr. Ziegler is the author of four books, more than 60 scholarly publications - including book chapters - and has produced more than 100 videos and other multimedia works. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences. Besides her academic career, Dr. Ziegler is a multimedia writer, digital content producer, and songwriter (to name a few). She serves on several boards and other professional organisations.

Customer Reviews

5.0

2 reviews

Peter

Midnight Train From Georgia is a beautifully detailed chronicle of Gladys Knight and the Pips, tracing their journey from small-town church choirs to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Dhyana Ziegler captures the essence of their early years with remarkable sensitivity, highlighting not just talent, but the formative experiences, family bonds, and faith that shaped their music. The book excels at portraying the intertwined lives of the young singers the Guests and the Knights illustrating how shared passion and determination can transform raw talent into legendary artistry. Ziegler’s attention to the sensory details of church performances, back-porch jam sessions, and early touring struggles creates an immersive reading experience that feels both intimate and inspiring. I particularly appreciated how the narrative balances personal growth with musical history. The book doesn’t shy away from hardship poverty, long hours on the road, and the sacrifices required for success are presented honestly but these challenges are framed alongside moments of joy, camaraderie, and creative triumph. It’s this balance that makes the story so compelling. Midnight Train From Georgia is ultimately a celebration of resilience, talent, and the transformative power of music. For anyone interested in gospel, soul, or the history of one of America’s most iconic groups, this book is an inspiring, heartfelt journey from childhood dreams to Hall of Fame glory.
Book Life Reviews

It’s not the name that makes the group, the group makes the name.” Insights like that power this Ziegler’s Midnight Train from Georgia, a loving tribute and vital cultural history that shares the story of William “Bae Bro” Guest, a key member of Gladys Knight and the Pips from the group’s inception, in the 1950s, as simply the Pips. The book is largely a transcription of interviews with Guest in the last years of his life, with on-point commentary from ZIegler about the group’s unique power—“a signature of class, style, great harmonic vocals, and polished performances.” Guest was the source of many hits and the Pips’ sharpest dance moves. The feeling is warm and congenial as Guest shares stories of a young group teetering on the edge of stardom, trying to balance personal lives and professional ambitions, all with vivid memories of mid-century Atlanta and Motown-era Detroit, great performers like Jackie Wilson, Sam Cooke, and BB King (who gave the Pips prime performance slots at concerts because they weren’t “show spoilers”), shifting styles from gospel to disco, and show-business triumphs and setbacks. The history, covering both the art and business of music, will fascinate fans. Once formed, Gladys Knight and the Pips knew they needed a record label to offer distributions and a route to get their songs on radio. Their first recording came under the auspices of testing audio equipment in the club owned by Clifford Hunter, where the band had a regular gig. To their surprise, Hunter pressed records without so much as telling the band. “No one was making money,” Guest laments, but that “started the fire that jump-started our career.” Duplicitous record labels are a recurring theme—the group would sue Motown for unpaid royalties—as Guest bears personal witness to personnel changes, health and legal troubles, dangerous road encounters, the thrill of the group’s 1970s successes, and above all the joy and challenges of creation and commerce with family. Love of music, God, and family shines throughout.