ATX Digital Photography

Nokoa The Observer
by Michael Lewis

Gladys Knight, at the age of 81, made a triumphant return to the Paramount Theatre in Austin on March 1, 2026. With a radiant smile, she opened the concert with "Taste of Bitter Love," a track from her 1980 album, About Love. The evening continued with an impressive lineup of 16 additional songs, delighting fans, especially those who cherished the 1974 film Claudine, as she performed two tracks from its Curtis Mayfield-written soundtrack: "Happy Home" and "On and On."

A memorable moment occurred when the audience joined in singing "That's What Friends Are For" alongside Knight and her backup singers. As she began "Midnight Train to Georgia," it became apparent that the concert was nearing its conclusion, a realization confirmed by the enthusiastic applause that followed her performance. Throughout the night, fans expressed their admiration, with shouts of "I love you, Gladys," to which she graciously responded, “I love you too.”

Reflecting on her illustrious career that began with her family group, Gladys Knight and the Pips, in the 1960s, the concert was a testament to her enduring legacy. A 33-year-old attendee shared her appreciation for Knight, crediting her love for the artist to her 65-year-old mother, who accompanied her to the show. If you missed this captivating performance, make it a priority to experience Gladys Knight ("Empress of Soul") live; it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

© 2026 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

Gladys Knight is performing at the Paramount Theatre in Austin on Sunday, March 1, at 7 PM!

The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last sixty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time GRAMMY Award winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance.

All told, Knight has recorded more than 38 albums over the years, including four solo albums: “Good Woman” (1991); “Just for You” (1994); the inspirational “Many Different Roads” (1999); and “At Last” (2001). “At Last” showed the world that she still has what it takes to record a hit album, employing the talents of contemporary producers like Randy Jackson.

© 2026 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved

The march honoring Dr. Martin Luther King commenced at the Texas State Capitol in Austin on Monday, January 19, 2026.

This event marked the first march from either the Capitol or the University of Texas on Martin Luther King Jr. Day since 2024, as the previous two events were called off due to inclement winter weather.

I've included a video showcasing the 2024 MLK Day march from the University of Texas at Austin to the Texas State Capitol, along with footage of participants gathered at the Texas State Capitol the MLK Day march from the University of Texas at Austin to the Texas State Capitol in 2024, along with footage of the participants gathered at the Texas State Capitol in that same year.

© 2026 Michael Lewis Global Photography, All Rights Reserved