THE Empress of Soul - Gladys Knight, who headlined the BBC Proms in the Park this weekend has announced eight UK dates for summer including a visit to Dorset.

Gladys will be at the Bournemouth International Centre at 7.30pm on Saturday, June 29.

She is known for her collection of classic hits such as Midnight Train To Georgia (which remains one of the most famous Motown records to date and was honoured as one of The Greatest Songs Of All Time by Rolling Stone Magazine); Help Me Make It Through The Night; Licence To Kill (the official theme song to the James Bond film); The Way We Were; Baby Don’t Change Your Mind and You’re The Best Thing (that ever happened to me) plus her critically acclaimed latest album Where My Heart Belongs.

Gladys began her music career in the 1950s when she performed alongside her brother, sister and cousins in The Pips.

1959 saw the group take on a new name, Gladys Knight and The Pips, and they secured their first big hit in America with a cover version of Every Beat of My Heart.

They received international recognition when they signed up to the world famous Motown record label.

The award-winning singer, author, restaurateur and spokeswoman has recorded more than 40 albums and enjoyed number one hits in the pop, gospel, R&B and contemporary charts.

Gladys Knight has been honoured with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame; a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has dozens of TV, film and theatre credits.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 9am