Gladys Knight Stuns With Performance Of “We Shall Be Free,” Honoring Garth Brooks At 2021 Kennedy Center Honors

Gladys Knight paid homage to country icon Garth Brooks during the 43rd Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, June 6. The…

Andrew Wendowski

| Posted on

June 6, 2021

9:18 pm

Gladys Knight and Garth Brooks; Photo Courtesy of CBS Screenshot

Gladys Knight paid homage to country icon Garth Brooks during the 43rd Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, June 6.

The Empress of Soul truly put her signature vocals on full display with a performance of Brooks’ “We Shall Be Free,” a song that was released in August 1992 as the first single from Brooks’ album, The Chase. Knight put a unique gospel spin on the popular country track, which Brooks and the rest of the audience thoroughly enjoyed.

Brooks was seen with his right hand raised in praise towards the iconic gospel singer, as if he was in church.

“I like that song,” Knight told Brooks as she exited the stage.

Kelly Clarkson, Jimmie Allen and James Taylor also gave tribute performances to Brooks during the event.

The 43rd Kennedy Center Honors celebrated honorees Garth Brooks, Joan Baez, Dick Van Dyke, Debbie Allen & Midori and featured tribute performances from Sturgill Simpson, Rhiannon Giddens, Emmylou Harris, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kelly Clarkson, James Taylor, Jimmie Allen, Derek Hough, Laura Osnes, Aaron Tveit, Pentatonix, Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, Adele Anthony, Hilary Hahn, Randall Goosby and Midori’s Orchestra Residencies Program.

Additionally, the 2-hour awards ceremony included a star-studded list of presenters, including Jackson Browne, Phoebe Bridgers, Tom Morello, Bradley Cooper, Jason Aldean, John Travolta, Wayne Gretzky, Julie Andrews, Bryan Cranston, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Chita Rivera, Steve Martin, Gustavo Dudamel, John Lithgow, and Bette Midler.

Hosted by Gloria Estefan, the 2021 Kennedy Center Honors aired on Sunday, June 6 at 8/7c, exclusively on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Written by

Andrew Wendowski

Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a self-taught entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.