James Newman III is the late son of American singer, songwriter, and actress Gladys Maria Knight. James’ mother Gladys has two of her songs, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Midnight Train to Georgia” inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “historical, artistic and significant” value. She has established herself as one of the most successful entertainers.

James Newman III: Bio Summary

Who Is Gladys Knight’s Son, James Newman III?

James “Jimmy” Gaston Newman III was welcomed into the world on August 13, 1962, at McLendon Hospital in Atlanta. He is the son of Gladys Maria Knight also known as the “Empress of Soul” and her first husband James “Jimmy” Newman. His mother is a singer, songwriter, and actress and his father was an Atlanta musician.

James Newman III’s mother was 16 years old when she first got pregnant and married his father. His mother Gladys Knight had a miscarriage. James Newman became a drug addict and abandoned the family. At the time Gladys was just 20 years old. After James Newman III was born, his mother retired from the road to raise him while the Pips toured on their own.

James III’s sister Kenya Maria Newman was born in November 1963. Gladys later returned to recording with the Pips to provide for her children. James Newman III’s parents who married in 1960, got divorced in 1973. His father died a few years later. On his mother’s side, he is the grandson of Merald Woodlow Knight Sr., a postal worker, and Sarah Elizabeth (née Woods).

Details of his grandparents from his father’s side are unknown. James Newman III was named after his father James “Jimmy” Newman. James III was the stepson of record producer, music label owner, and manager Barry Hankerson (his mother’s second husband), and politician and motivational speaker Les Brown (his mother’s third husband). He has a half-brother Shanga Ali Hankerson.

James III is the stepson of William McDowell. William is his mother’s fourth and current husband. They have been married since 2001. James III was a football star at Bishop Gorman High School. He is said to have graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in the year 1980. He played varsity football in his sophomore, junior, and senior years.

James III earned a spot on the Nevada All-State football team as a defensive back. He was reportedly the smallest on the team but was respected for his dedication. He was a member of the school’s award-winning performing group “Harmony Express.” He attended and graduated from the University of San Diego with a bachelor of science degree in business and accounting.

ALSO, READ: Shanga Hankerson: Inside The Life Of Gladys Knight’s Son

James III pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He was a record executive and entertainment manager. He used to be the road manager for Gladys Knight and the Pips. He came up with his management company, called Newman Management Inc. He managed his mother Gladys’ career through his Newman Management Inc.

James III was the manager for other artists including Carl Strong, Byron Allen, Bebe Winans, and Tamar Braxton. He and his mother launched the record label, Many Roads and its first release was his mother’s inspirational album “Many Different Roads.” He was appointed vice president of West Coast operations for Blackground/Virgin Records.

James Newman III had a great relationship with his mother Gladys Knight. James who was part of the priesthood baptized his mother and she became a Latter-day Saint. “I feel so blessed because my son held the priesthood and was able to baptize me,” Gladys said. “It is such a precious thing to me. I was overjoyed.”

Gladys has credited James III and his sister Kenya for encouraging her to join the Church of Latter-Day Saints. “I raised my children to seek the Lord. We had been searching for the best of the Lord, the most of the Lord,” Gladys recalls. “My son Jimmy and his wife were the first to join the Church, after his best friend shared his testimony.”

“Then my daughter, Kenya, joined the Church. I watched their lives grow, and to see how my grandchildren were being raised and what they knew really impressed me.”

James Newman III Was A Family Man

James Newman III had his own family. He was a husband and a father. He was married to his wife Michelene/Micheline Newman and was a father to five. He was the father of three sons, Rishawn Newman, Stefan Newman, and Sterling Newman, and two daughters, Nastasia Newman and Gabrielle Newman. He and his family lived in Las Vegas and enjoyed living a private life away from publicity.

What Happened To Gladys Knight’s Son?

James Newman III died from heart failure on July 10, 1999, at age 36. He was found dead at his home in Las Vegas. His mother Gladys Knight reportedly had to cancel four shows after she found out about her son’s death. “We are devastated by the tragic loss of Jimmy,” Gladys said in a statement. “He was a very special person and his absence in our family will be greatly felt.”

ALSO, READ: Kenya Newman: Everything About Gladys Knight’s Daughter

“For years he had been our champion and the bedrock of this family through the example of his works and faith. We will always be grateful for his love and for introducing us to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

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