Gladys Knight - Before Me

Her Pips have peaked, but the veteran Knight soldiers on with songs associated with her musical heroines. Produced by Tommy LiPuma (Diana Krall) and Phil Ramone (Ray Charles), this classy collection features the former Motown vocalist applying her elegant pipes to Lena Horne’s “Stormy Weather,” Dinah Washington’s “This Bitter Earth” and Mahalia Jackson’s “Come Sunday.” Although Knight never met Billie Holiday, her soulful takes on “The Man I Love” and “God Bless the Child” do even Lady Day proud.

June 6