The Pips, more widely known as Gladys Knight & the Pips, were an American R&B/soul vocal group from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1952, the group featured lead singer Gladys Knight and backup singers Merald "Bubba" Knight, William Guest, and Edward Patten. They are known for their distinctive fusion of gospel and R&B, with hit songs such as "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me". The Pips' unique sound, characterized by Knight's powerful, emotive vocals and the group's tight harmonies, made a significant impact on the landscape of soul music, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.