When it comes to soul music, few names resonate as powerfully as Gladys Knight. The legendary singer, renowned for her incredible voice and commanding stage presence, has not only left an indelible mark on the music industry but also built a beautiful family life. A mother of three, Knight skillfully balanced her career and family. She shares two children, James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III and Kenya Newman, with her first husband, James Newman. Her youngest son, Shanga Ali Hankerson, was born to her second husband, Barry Hankerson. Let’s dive into the lives of these remarkable individuals and the legacy they’ve built alongside their iconic mother.
Remembering James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III: The Eldest Son
Gladys Knight's journey into motherhood began in 1962 when she married her first husband, James Newman. Two years later, they welcomed their first child, James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III. This marked the start of a chapter where Knight temporarily stepped back from her thriving career with the family music group, Gladys Knight & The Pips, to focus on raising her son. Her dedication to family life was evident as she prioritized her child’s upbringing during those formative years.
When Jimmy was old enough, Knight returned to the spotlight, rekindling her music career. However, her bond with her eldest son only deepened over time. Jimmy played a pivotal role in his mother’s professional life, becoming her manager through his company, Newman Management. He was instrumental in helping Gladys launch her own record label, Many Roads, in 1999. Tragically, Jimmy passed away in his Las Vegas home at the age of 37 due to heart failure. Despite this devastating loss, his legacy lives on through his wife, Michelene, and their five children.
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Before his untimely death, Jimmy and his sister, Kenya, played a significant role in influencing their mother's spiritual journey. Knight credits Jimmy for introducing her to the Church of Jesus Christ 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 revealed in a 2016 interview with LDS Living. "Watching their lives grow and seeing how my grandchildren were being raised truly inspired me to join as well."
Kenya Maria Newman: The Middle Child
Kenya Maria Newman, Gladys Knight’s second child, was born in 1963. Raised by both parents, Kenya attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas before embarking on her own journey. She initially pursued a career in marketing but soon discovered her true passion lay in baking. In 1997, Kenya took a leap of faith and opened her own bakery, Kenya’s Cakes of the Stars, at Sunset Station, as reported by the Las Vegas Sun.
Despite being the daughter of one of the most celebrated singers in the world, Kenya has chosen to remain largely out of the spotlight. She prefers living a private life with her husband, Jimmy Jackson, focusing on her business and family. Her decision to carve out her own path outside the entertainment industry speaks volumes about her independence and determination.
Shanga Ali Hankerson: The Youngest Son
Gladys Knight's youngest son, Shanga Ali Hankerson, was born in 1976 to her second husband, Barry Hankerson, a renowned record producer. Shanga followed in his mother's entrepreneurial footsteps, opening three Gladys Knight’s Chicken & Waffles restaurants in Atlanta. These establishments became popular destinations, blending his mother’s culinary flair with his own business acumen.
Unfortunately, Shanga faced legal challenges in 2021 when he was sentenced to two years in federal prison for failing to remit payroll taxes, as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Despite these setbacks, his contributions to Atlanta’s food scene remain noteworthy, showcasing the family’s enduring spirit and resilience.
