(December 19, 2025) She is a living musical legend in every sense, and, for this writer’s money, the greatest female vocalist of my lifetime. She is the incomparable Gladys Knight, and at age 81, she is thankfully still an important part of the lives of her millions of fans.
Last year, Gladys released a rousing Gospel-tinged number “Joy of Christmas” with Christian music artist Javen. But now, in a pleasant 2025 surprise, Miss Gladys has just released a beautiful new, acoustic version of “Joy of Christmas,” a gentle song of gratitude that fits her like a glove.
There’s a joy at Christmas, And the world awaits
That joy of Christmas, That joy of faith
To all who may wonder under lights by the tree
That joy of Christmas is for you and me
The song, written by Knight with Brandon Smith and Knight’s husband, William McDowell, is a surprise late addition to a strong year of holiday releases, and the first single issued under Knight’s own Empress of Soul label. This is a smile-inducing coda to a very musical season of thankfulness and praise. Check it out below.
By Chris Rizik
