Gladys Knight Celebrates Patti LaBelle's 75th Birthday with Photos & a Sweet Note

Gladys Knight paid tribute to her "friend and sister" Patti LaBelle who turned 75 just days ahead of her. Her emotional tribute included an album featuring their special friendship through the years.

They’ve been friends in the industry for decades, they even share the same age and more recently, turned 75 just days apart. These two have a lot to celebrate and Gladys Knight revealed why.

“My dear friend and sister, I’m so happy to have been blessed to do life with you!"

Gladys Knight took to her Instagram to pay tribute to her iconic “friend and sister” Patti LaBelle as she turned diamond on May 24. She shared images of their times together both on stage and off, and it was an emotional trip down memory lane.

Their closeness was evident, often photographed cheek-to-cheek with beaming smiles. It was clear there was no envy or competition between them, just support for each other’s greatness.

“Happy birthday to the best to ever do it!” Gladys writes to caption the album. “My dear friend and sister, I’m so happy to have been blessed to do life with you! I love you @mspattilabelle!”

Gladys and Patti both share an outstanding career in music. They charted different tracks but would often cross paths due to their affinity to soul .

Days later Gladys would turn 75 as well. What could be more special than hitting diamond together? On her end, the “Midnight Train to Georgia” hitmaker celebrated with her friends and family a week ahead of her birthday which falls on May 28. She shared images from that celebration which included a lovely dance number with her husband, William McDowell.

Gladys and Patti both share an outstanding career in music. They charted different tracks but would often cross paths due to their affinity to soul.

GODMOTHER OF SOUL

Patti began her career in the early 60s as the lead singer of Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles which was renamed to Labelle a decade later. They famously released the hit, “Lady Marmalade” with Patti, as the lead singer, providing exceptional vocals. Soon, she would go solo and eventually sell over 50 million albums in her over five-decade career. She earned two Grammys, including her induction to its Hall of Fame and recognition as one of Rolling Stone’s 100 greatest vocalists. Known as the “Godmother of Soul,” Patti also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

EMPRESS OF SOUL

Meanwhile, Gladys kicked off her career during the 60s singing with her siblings and cousins under their group name, Gladys Knight and the Pips. When she went solo, she earned eleven number one R&B singles, six number one R&B albums, and seven Grammy Awards. Her singles, “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “That’s What Friends are For” with Dione Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John were number one in Billboard’s Hot 100. She is also a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer along with The Pips. She’s known in the industry as the “Empress of Soul.”

Earlier this year, Gladys proved her star still shines when she kicked off the Super Bowl in Atlanta with her amazing rendition of the National Anthem. She impressed with her vocal prowess. Her age only proved she’s better in time.

Gladys and Patti are two women who deserve a birthday salute. To them, we greet them a happy 75th and a lifetime more of well-deserved blessings.