Grammy Winner William Guest Has Died; Recording Academy Releases Statement

BroadwayWorld has learned the sad news that William Guest died on December 24, 2015. The Gladys Knight and the Pips singer passed away of congestive heart failure in Detroit, Michigan, his home for fifty years. He was 74.

William Franklin Guest (July 2, 1941 - December 24, 2015) was an American R&B/soul singer, best known as a member of Gladys Knight & the Pips. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, he was Gladys Knight's cousin. Guest, along with the group, was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Following his stint with The Pips, he and fellow Pip Edward Patten formed Patten and Guest Productions, and following Patten's death in 2005, he continued to manage artists though the Crew Entertainment company he formed with members of Patten's family.

Recording Academy CEO Neil Portnow released a statement expressing the academy's condolences and sorrow over the loss.

William Guest was a much beloved music creator and performer. A GRAMMY winner for his work with Gladys Knight and the Pips, he remained an integral part of the group until 1989. In addition to his musical talents, William was also an accomplished businessman, having started a production company as well as serving as CEO of Crew Records. Our creative community has lost a truly gifted and cherished artist and our sincerest condolences go out to William's family, friends, and all of those who had the pleasure of working with him.