Empress of Soul Gladys Knight’s New Dance Single Far More Than “Just A Little”

By Elizabeth Darwen.

Seven-time Grammy Award-winning icon and legend Gladys Knight wants to carry fans away as she announces the release of her dance single, "Just a Little". The upbeat jam, produced by Grammy Award-winning producer, Symbolyc "S1" One (Kanye West, Beyonce, Jay-Z), and written/vocal produced by R&B crooner and Knight protégé, Avehre, was released on Friday, September 25th, 2015. "Just a Little" is the first mainstream dance record from Knight in nearly 20 years. The song serves as the lead single from her 12th solo studio album, slated to be released in 2016.

Knight is no stranger to the dance floor. Viewers saw as she hit the floor on the 14th season of the popular show Dancing With The Stars. Songs such as "Taste of Bitter Love" and "It's Better than a Good Time" are considered dance/disco essentials. Flash forward to 2015, and Knight partnered with S1, who is known for hits such as Kanye West's "Power" and Beyonce's "Best Thing I Never Had", to craft her upcoming LP. By celebrating and highlighting music of the past, present, and future, Knight has called the sound the #G70Series. The G70 Series is in celebration of the last 70 years of music and culture. The G70 Series is a blend of gospel, soul, funk, and sonically refreshing sounds that are nostalgic yet forward-thinking. "Just a Little" features live instrumentation, horns, and percussion while Knight's voice coos listeners into dancer's paradise.

"It don't matter who you are / Love can carry you away / Just keep shining you're a star / Golden like a Summer day," sings Knight on the infectious pre-chorus. Bassist Nigel Rivers, who's played for the likes of John Legend and Erykah Badu, assists on the up tempo groove.

"S1 and I have been cooking up something that we believe will go down in history," exclaims singer-songwriter Avehre. "This album will feature some of the biggest names in musical history; both past and present. It's an honor to be a part of the future working on this album."
"We just wanted to have fun," says Knight. "Most of the singles I've released prior to 'Just a Little' were ballads. I wanted something new. Something that we could dance to."

If "Just a Little" is a taste of what is to come from Knight's LP, it's no surprise that listeners will be asking for a second helping Knight plans to release the video for the single as well. In addition to the LP to drop in 2016, Knight is also the newest ambassador for VH1's "Save the Music" Foundation. The foundation, established in 1997, is a nonprofit organization devoted to restoring musical programs and raise public awareness about the importance of music and a child's education.
For all "Empress of Soul" news please follow Gladys Knight via social media at: @MsGladysKnight (Twitter, Instagram, Periscope), www.facebook.com/msgladysknight and www.GladysKnight.com.