Gladys Knight Weds

By Stephen M. Silverman

08/29/1997 at 12:00 AM EDT

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Gladys Knight ("Midnight Train to Georgia," which she sang with the Pips), 56, is a new bride. The singer married corporate consultant William McDowell, age undisclosed, on April 12, her record label, MCA Records, has announced. Her son, Shanga, gave her away in a seaside ceremony attended by 80 relatives and friends. The bride and groom reportedly met about 10 years ago but only began dating in January.