Gladys Knight & The Pips – Midnight Train To Georgia 1973

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gladys Knight & The Pips – Midnight Train To Georgia: Story, Meaning & Legacy 

 

 

 

 

 Buddah Records 1973 – BDA 383

 

 notes:

Few songs capture heartbreak and loyalty quite like “Midnight Train To Georgia.” 
Released in 1973 by Gladys Knight & the Pips, this timeless hit remains one 
of the most powerful ballads in soul music history.
“Midnight Train To Georgia” was written by Jim Weatherly, originally 
titled “Midnight Plane to Houston.” The song evolved when Gladys Knight 
suggested changing the setting to Georgia, 
giving it a more soulful and relatable feel.
“Midnight Train To Georgia” remains a defining track of the soul era, 
influencing generations of artists and appearing in films, 
TV shows, and playlists worldwide.
It also cemented Gladys Knight as the “Empress of Soul.”
Midnight Train to Georgia" is a song most famously performed 
by Gladys Knight & the Pips, their second release after departing 
Motown Records for Buddah Records.

credits:

Gladys Knight – lead vocals
Merald "Bubba" Knight – backing vocals
William Guest – backing vocals
Edward Patten – backing vocals
Session Musicians (Studio Band)
The track was recorded with top-tier New York session musicians 
(often associated with Buddah Records sessions). While not every 
credit is consistently documented, the core contributors include:
Paul Griffin – piano / electric piano
Eric Weissberg – guitar
Steve Gadd (commonly linked to sessions of the era) – drums
Gordon Edwards (associated session player) – bass
Recording location: Studio    Venture Sound, Somerville, New Jersey

Original coupling, with B-side consisting of instrumental version of A-side.
Original B-side later withdrawn and replaced by "Window Raising Granny."

tracklist:

A        Midnight Train To Georgia
Co-producer – Gladys Knight And The Pips
Engineer – Ed Stasium
Producer, Arranged By, Conductor – Tony Camillo
Written-By – J. Weatherly*
3:55
B        Midnight Train To Georgia (instrumental)
Producer – E. Patten*, T. Camillo*, W. Guest*
Written-By – M. Knight*, E. Patten*, G. Knight*, W. Guest*
3:43

 

 

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