Garth Brooks Delivers Soulful Tribute to Gladys Knight's 'Midnight Train to Georgia'

The country star's cover of the 1973 classic at the Kennedy Center Honors showcased his versatility.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:39pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of luxurious, high-contrast textures like glittering sequins and plush velvet, evoking the glamour and elegance of a red carpet event.Garth Brooks' soulful tribute to Gladys Knight's 'Midnight Train to Georgia' at the Kennedy Center Honors celebrated the enduring legacy of the 'Empress of Soul.'Houston Today

Garth Brooks surprised fans with a powerful rendition of Gladys Knight's signature song 'Midnight Train to Georgia' during the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors. The country superstar's soulful take on the 1973 hit earned widespread praise for his ability to seamlessly blend country and R&B styles.

Why it matters

Brooks' tribute highlighted his versatility as a performer and the lasting impact of Knight's iconic recording. The performance celebrated the 'Empress of Soul's' legacy while introducing her signature song to a new generation of listeners.

The details

Originally written by Jim Weatherly as 'Midnight Train to Houston,' the song was changed to 'Midnight Train to Georgia' before Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded their version, which became the group's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. At the 2022 Kennedy Center Honors, producers tapped Brooks to perform the classic in tribute to Knight, showcasing his ability to step outside his country roots and deliver a heartfelt, soulful interpretation of the song.

  • The Kennedy Center Honors took place in 2022.
  • Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded 'Midnight Train to Georgia' in 1973.

The players

Garth Brooks

A country music superstar known for his energetic live performances and crossover appeal.

Gladys Knight

The 'Empress of Soul' and lead singer of Gladys Knight and the Pips, known for her powerful vocals and timeless hits like 'Midnight Train to Georgia.'

Jim Weatherly

The songwriter who originally wrote 'Midnight Train to Houston,' which was later changed to 'Midnight Train to Georgia' before Gladys Knight and the Pips recorded their version.

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The takeaway

Garth Brooks' soulful cover of 'Midnight Train to Georgia' at the Kennedy Center Honors demonstrated his versatility as an artist and celebrated the enduring legacy of Gladys Knight's iconic recording. The performance introduced the classic song to a new generation of listeners while honoring the 'Empress of Soul' in a meaningful way.