ABC World News Now: Gladys Knight Performs at Beacon Theater

The legendary Gladys Knight took a trip to New York last week to host a night of celebration for National Train Day. She sat down with our own Rob Nelson to talk about what the event meant to her, the children she's helping, and her latest hit single, "Dream."

Gladys Knight on Planes, Trains and Waffles

For the last 59 years, Gladys Knight has followed the same routine: get onstage and sing. No warm ups, no hesitation. Thursday night was no different. The Grammy-winning “Empress of Soul” performed a special one-night-only concert at the Beacon Theatre in celebration of National Train Day. The concert entitled “Rockin’ the Railway” represents Knight’s partnership with Amtrak benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Riding trains runs deep in Knight’s family. Growing up in Georgia, Knight rode the train to and from gigs as well as around the country after she garnered attention on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour. Her grandfather worked as a porter attending to sleeping cars, which is how her mother learned of their existence and part of what led Knight to record “Midnight Train to Georgia.” It also cultivated a fear of flying in her mother. “The trains were also just a way for us to get ready. We weren’t in the flying mode,” Knight said. Outfitted head to toe in form-fitting black clothes, Knight sat in an air-conditioned room on the second floor of the Beacon Hotel yesterday afternoon. She’d already added her fake eyelashes, which seemed more of a second skin than a hindrance, and was wrapped in a black oversize scarf. “That’s one of my main nemesis, a cold room. It just makes my vocal chords just close up,” Knight said, a little anxious. “I don’t get nervous but I think when you’ve lost that oomph, that little thing that keeps you alert, it’s time to get out.” With nearly a half dozen solo albums, Knight is ramping up the release for her next one which will include the song “The Dream,” produced by Randy Jackson. In addition to her album Knight has booked a multi-month show in Las Vegas, opened up a chicken and waffles restaurant in Atlanta and created an African jewelry line.

City all aboard for train celebration

When National Train Day ceremonies commence Saturday afternoon, Longview will celebrate more than the day itself — the three-hour event of live music, storytelling and activities will also give patrons a chance to touch, visit and tour the Longview AMTRAK Passenger Rail Station, which is due for its largest renovation since its construction in 1939.

Amtrak promotes a national day to honor rail travel

With depots across the country, Los Angeles Union Station will host events for National Train Day on Saturday. The station will display model trains, archived photos of railroad history and demonstrations of dining car cuisine.

Portland celebrates National Train Day

Thousands of people turned out to celebrate National Train Day in Portland Saturday. With sky-high gas prices, transportation officials have said trains might be among the country’s most energy-efficient options in the future. Trains helped build the country and their history was celebrated at Portland’s Union Station. It was a rare chance to see Portland’s historic trains. But soon they'll be on display for everyone to enjoy, at a new museum across the street from The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Even downpours didn't dampen the interest in national treasures that were brought out of storage for National Train Day. “I love these old trains,” enthusiast Steve Tillotson said. The Daylight 4449 carried passengers at more than 100 mph between Los Angeles and San Francisco in the 1940s. It’s one of the historic trains that will be featured at the new rail museum. “We’ll be right there next to OMSI, with a million plus visitors a year,” said Oregon Rail Heritage Museum Volunteer Arlene Sheldrake. “And we think we can add to that experience for them down there.” The Oregon Rail Heritage Foundation has purchased the property and made the plans. The groundbreaking is expected sometime this summer. “I think it's really great,” Tillotson said. “I'm really looking forward to seeing it. Soon!” Trains helped build the western United States and transportation experts are again looking to trains for the future. “We are using trains and mass transit more,” said engineer Mark Kramer. “And I think as we build the infrastructure it's the way to go.”

Go to page: 1 2 3 10