It was an unforgettable evening this past Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama, as four legendary voices graced the stage for a celebration of soul, resilience, and sisterhood. The Queens Tour—featuring the iconic Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills—delivered a breathtaking showcase of vocal mastery, electrifying energy, and genuine love for the craft and for each other.
Kicking off the evening was the Empress of Soul herself, Gladys Knight. With timeless grace and a voice that seems untouched by time, she took the audience on a journey through her classics, including “If I Were Your Woman,” “Neither One of Us,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.” Each note was met with resounding applause, as the crowd sang along to every lyric, turning the arena into a massive choir. Knight’s performance was nothing short of a masterclass in soul, proving once again why she remains one of music’s most enduring icons.
Next to command the stage was the incomparable Stephanie Mills, who burst forth with an infectious energy that had the crowd on its feet. Mills brought life to her upbeat hits like “Something in the Way (You Make Me Feel)” and “(You’re Puttin’) a Rush on Me,” before slowing things down with soul-stirring ballads like “Home” and “I Feel Good All Over.” In a special moment that showcased her generous spirit, Mills introduced her incredible backup singers, even stepping aside to let them shine on “I’ve Learned to Respect the Power of Love.” Among them was her son, Jason, whose soaring high tenor captivated the audience and left a lasting impression.
After a brief intermission, the grand dame of soul, Miss Patti LaBelle, made her entrance, adorned in glamour and dripping with charisma. LaBelle’s performance was a dynamic display of vocal acrobatics and stunning costume changes, delivering fan favorites such as “You Are My Friend,” “If Only You Knew,” “New Attitude,” and “On My Own.” Ever the entertainer, LaBelle opened her set with a bit of humor, proclaiming, “Child, I’m tired.” But with a wink and a smile, she quickly added, “But not too tired to do my job,” proceeding to electrify the stage for the next 45 minutes. Her vocal power and stage presence were simply unmatched, a testament to her legacy and unwavering artistry.
Closing out the evening was the one and only Chaka Khan, whose entrance was met with thunderous applause. Launching straight into “Do You Love What You Feel,” she seamlessly transitioned to the soulful ballad “Through the Fire,” sending waves of nostalgia through the crowd. She wrapped up her set with the timeless anthem “I’m Every Woman,” which had the entire arena on its feet, dancing and singing along in a celebration of unity and empowerment.
In anticipation of the tour, Stephanie Mills expressed the significance of this historic event, saying, “It’s very exciting, and I think this will never happen again. Patti is in her 80s and Gladys is in her 80s, and Chaka and I—we’re the youngest. I’m the baby of the group at 68 years old. But it’s all just so wonderful, Black women all coming together and bringing R&B back and showing the love and respect we have for each other.” Mills added, “I bowed down to Patti and Gladys and Chaka because they came before me. They paved the way for me to exist.”
Chaka Khan shared her excitement as well, stating, “Sharing the stage with my amazing sisters is an absolute honor. Music is about connection, and this is a celebration of the joy, power, and love that it brings to us all.” Patti LaBelle echoed the sentiment, saying, “I am so excited to join these icons, who I call sisters, on this tour! It is truly something special!”
Gladys Knight, reflecting on the tour’s significance, remarked, “I’m thrilled to be touring with the best sisters a woman could be blessed with. We will come together in support of one another and in harmony at a time when love is most needed.”
As the night concluded and the lights dimmed, the audience lingered, singing Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”, in unison, on the way out as it played over the speakers. There was a palpable sense of unity and joy—a collective recognition that this was a moment in music history, a fleeting chance to witness four living legends sharing their musical artistry that made them who they are. It was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of legacy, sisterhood, and the timeless magic of music.
