Saints Unified Voices directed by Sister Knight

Last night, Thursday, March 19th, I had the opportunity to travel to Cherry Hill, NJ to one of our churches Stake Centers (same as Diocese) with other members of my church to hear Gladys Knight and the Saints United Voices. Yes, Gladys Knight is Mormon.

I was amused as she turned a traditionally conservative mood into a toe-tapping, hand-clapping celebration praising Jesus Christ through music. The fireside had nearly 1200 in attendance and half being visitors of other faiths. She encourages them to take home and read the Book of Mormon. Mostly, though they leave with changed perceptions and attitudes after feeling our love, her music, the testimonies, and the Lord's Spirit.

They sang songs from the energetic gospel classic Pass Me Not to the inspirational duet Did You Know? and the from the sentimental Hawaiian song Iesu Me Kanaka Waiwai to the familiar LDS Hymn Come Come Ye Saints with African drums. Her album One Voice has uplifting musical insight into the ways people of all faiths and cultures praise the Lord through music.

Except for a few, the choir comprised of 100 culturally diverse voices, the LDS members had never sung gospel music. They weren't accustomed to singing without sheet music. Given only the words to the hymns typed in paragraph form, she taught them to sing by how the music feels. that had mostly never sung.

Her journey began when she was a little raised with deep spiritual grounding by her mother, who instilled in her a firm faith and trust in God. Now a wife, mother of three, and a grandmother of 11. She pronounced that "nothing has affected my life as much as the joy I feel as a result of finally finding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Without a doubt, this is the best thing that has ever happened to me!" Since joining the church, Gladys aspires to have what she views as one of the best church callings: Ward Choir Director. Of course, she hasn't been called to do that yet, but instead is using her gift to help bring others to peace and love through music.