BY MELISSA RUGGIERI

Gladys Knight has called on her faith to cope with the death of band member William Guest.

“God in His infinite love and wisdom has a purpose and plan for each of our lives when we come to this earth and when we return home to Him,” Knight posted on her Instagram page.

Guest died last week at 74 of congestive heart failure.

Guest was one of the original Pips, the soul group formed in 1953 with Atlanta-native Knight, her brother Merald “Bubba” Knight, sister Brenda and the Guest cousins, William and Eleanor.

“We have lost many along the way; Edward Patton, Eleanor Guest, and now William Guest,” Knight said.

Knight performed at Chastain Park Amphitheatre last summer and was joined by Bubba for a cover of the Bruno Mars/Mark Ronson hit, "Uptown Funk."

Follow the AJC Music Scene on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Sisters Jen and Molly Kamrath are shown inside their Kiss and Tale bookstore on Thursday, October 9, 2025, in Decatur. The new bookstore opened on September 6, offering a selection of romance titles and other genres. They enjoy the sense of community and diversity that Decatur offers. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Featured

(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero | Sources: Hyosub Shin for the AJC, Unsplash)

Credit: Philip Robibero / AJC