Music Legend Gladys Knight Weds William McDowell

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 24 - PRNewswire Interactive News Release

MCA Records recording artist Gladys Knight was wed to Mr. William McDowell on April 12 at 5pm at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California. The intimate ceremony was attended by eighty family members and close friends, all of whom donned white or cream-colored clothing for the seaside nuptials. Gladys' son Shanga gave her away, and the couple recited special vows they had each written. The ceremony was followed by a reception where the menu included Caesar salad, rack of lamb, sea bass, and apple tarts with caramel ice cream, as well as traditional wedding cake and a sparkling cider toast to the bride and groom.

Gladys and William first met about 10 years ago at La Costa, one of Gladys' favorite spa/resorts (located near San Diego, California). They went to a 4th of July party, and became fast friends, keeping in touch over the years. In January of this year, Gladys and several girlfriends met at La Costa to plan a friend's wedding, and Gladys saw William again. William asked Gladys to join him for a movie, and they had a great time. He then asked her on a second date, and they went to a beautiful private beach, where they gazed at the stars and talked about life. Since then, the couple has been inseparable, and they vowed to remain chaste before their marriage.

Because Gladys is touring throughout the summer with the Broadway revue "Smokey Joe's Cafe," the couple decided to get married on April 12, a rare day off for Gladys, rather than waiting until the tour's conclusion in September. This wedding date also allowed the family's many children to attend the ceremony, as they were out of school for spring break and Easter weekend.

Gladys and William haven't yet celebrated with a proper honeymoon. After the ceremony, the family returned to Las Vegas (Gladys' "hometown"), where they celebrated Easter with the family traditions of an egg hunt for Gladys' 11 grandchildren and a big family dinner. Since the wedding, Gladys and William have spent cherished moments together, between Gladys' "Smokey Joe's Cafe" performances.

William McDowell is vice president of the Harris Group, a corporate consulting firm based in San Diego, California. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, McDowell is a graduate of the Geological Institute of America.

"At Last," Gladys Knight's first mainstream pop/R&B album in six years, was released to critical acclaim in February.