By Paul Milliken, Good Day Atlanta feature reporter - bio
ATLANTA -
It's one of the unofficial anthems of the state Georgia, and a song impossible not to sing along to. Midnight Train to Georgia was a number one hit for Gladys Knight and the Pips.
A new book called Midnight Train from Georgia: A Pip's Journey chronicles the life of one Atlanta man who made musical history -- former Pip William Guest. Guest has enough stories to fill a dozen books. He says with so many young people entering the entertainment business, it was finally time to put pen to paper and share a few lessons.
More than 50 years later, Guest still remembers the hit song. With his three cousins, he made music history.
"When I won a Grammy for the first time, I was happy in front of all the people, thank you and all the stuff. When I got home, I jumped up and YOW," recalled Guest.
The train ride to the top was a long one. Gladys Knight and the Pips worked a decade before they ever scored a major, nationwide hit. Guest says they used that time to learn from their idols.
"They taught us, they showed us things. They said when you get to this part of the song, when there's a space there, don't just stand there! Make 'em look," Guest said.
He says that showmanship is missing from other artists in today's music world.
He penned the book with sister-in-law Dhyana Ziegler.
"He wanted to tell somebody who's young about this business, and about his life and share his life," said Ziegler. "It looks glamorous, but it is hard work."
Guest is still working hard, and recording in his home studio. He doesn't do it for fame or money, but because as a singer it's just what he does.
"A lot of people sing and get in groups because that's popular, because it helps them make a living and stuff like that. But a true entertainer, it's from the heart, whether you make a dime or not," said Guest.
If you ever wondered what the name Pip means, guest says the group members had a cousin nick-named Pip who used to drive them around to engagements. So, they called themselves Pips in honor of him.
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