Life is made up of many special moments, and Motown legend Gladys Knight made this year’s Mother Day special to many who attended the Mothers Day Festival, which marked its 10th Mothers Day weekend in Atlantic City at Boardwalk Hall Arena. Along with Knight, this year’s headliners included the festival’s headliners included R&B stars Maxwell and Joe, along with Vivian Green and Stokely (of Mint Condition fame), plus The Whispers and The Dramatics.

The festival, reportedly the largest annual Mother’s Day Music Festival gathering in the U.S., is produced by Platinum Productions and Big Bloc Entertainment. Bill Ingram and Walt Reeder Jr. serve as the event’s Executive Producers.

The 73-year-old Knight garnered much social media attention back in April, when she shared her new look with the world. People speculated that the singer had undergone a facelift or some other form of cosmetic surgery. Knight addressed the rumors on Instagram, sharing that she credits daily exercise and healthy eating for her radiant and youthful appearance – and an excellent glam squad. She also shared that her husband William helps her select her fashion looks.

Knight looked absolutely gorgeous as she stepped out onto the Boardwalk Hall stage in a red ensemble. As she worked through her set, Knight shared her thoughts on the importance of family and letting your loved ones know that you love them. Knight joked that she’s not good at social media and text messages, and doesn’t even understand what LOL means, because she can’t hear anyone laughing. Knight recalled that when her sister texted her recently she encouraged her to pick up the phone and call, because family is important and it’s always a blessing when you can make quality time for family.

Along with “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” (which Gladys Knight & the Pips recording as well as Motown label mate Marvin Gaye in 1967 and 1968 respectively), “Make Yours a Happy Home” (from the soundtrack of the 1974 movie “Claudine”), Knight performed a moving rendition of “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me.

Knight has four Grammy Awards to her credit, including “BEST R&B PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCAL” for “Love Overboard”; “BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A DUO OR GROUP WITH VOCAL” for “That’s What Friends Are For”; “BEST POP VOCAL PERFORMANCE BY A DUO, GROUP OR CHORUS” for “Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)”; and “BEST R&B VOCAL PERFORMANCE BY A DUO, GROUP OR CHORUS” for “Midnight Train To Georgia.”

Revered as a legend in the music industry, a pioneer and an extraordinary entertainer, Knight moved many with her performance. During his performance, Maxwell, who took to the stage following Knight, admitted that he was a little nervous, attributing the jitters to having Gladys Knight in the house. The evening was a wonderful celebration of life, love, motherhood and family.