Gladys Knight & The Pips, “The Makings of You” | COVERS

In the 1^st edition of COVERS (2023), Gladys Knight & The Pips delivers a compelling rendition of “The Makings Of You,” originally performed by Curtis Mayfield.

Ah, it’s time to get cozy and totally cover up! In COVERS, we highlight a musician or band covering songs by another musician (likely a popular musician). COVERS separates itself from a related column, Head 2 Head 🗣️ only highlighting the musician who covers, as opposed to the original/most famous performer. COVERS is open to both established musicians and musicians who may not be as well-known. In the 1^st edition of COVERS (2023), 🎙 Gladys Knight & The Pips delivers a compelling rendition of 🎵 “The Makings of You”, originally/famously performed by 🎙 Curtis Mayfield.

“Add a little sugar, honeysuckle and a great big expression of happiness / Boy, you couldn’t miss with a dozen roses…” When you are able to make a distinct cover of an incredible song, you are batting a thousand ⚾️. 🎙 Gladys Knight & The Pips had the herculean task of covering the 🎙 Curtis Mayfield gem, 🎵 “The Makings of You”.  The legendary soul collective passes with flying colors providing contrast from the original.  Their rendition appears on a brief soundtrack, 💿 Claudine, in which they perform all seven songs.  Notably, Mayfield produces their 1974 recording.  The strings, the robust bass line – the overall aesthetic!

As always, 🎙 Gladys Knight’s lead vocals are rich, robust, and soulful to the n^th degree.  Her tone is utterly splendid, bringing new life to the lyrics on this abbreviated take. “It’s been a miracle for what you’ve done / Please stay right by my side two can be one,” she sings marvelously, adding, “The righteous way to go / Little one would know or believe if I told them so.” Running under two-and-a-half minutes in duration, Gladys Knight & The Pips provide a sufficient amount of warm, gushy, and picturesque 70s soul, sigh.

🎙 Gladys Knight & The Pips • 💿 Claudine • 🏷 BMG Music Special Projects LLC • 🗓 1974

Gladys Knight & The Pips: Covers No. 1 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner /The Musical Hype; BMG Music Special Projects LLC; Paul Brennan from Pixabay; Pexels; Sdf Rahbar on Unsplash]