Author, Midnight Train from Georgia

This week on Ira’s Everything Bagel, Ira sits down with Lady Dhyana Ziegler, author of Midnight Train from Georgia, for an unforgettable conversation.

Lady Dhyana shares an intimate look at the life of her brother-in-law, William Franklin Guest—an original member of the legendary Pips.. She recounts how the group blossomed from their gospel roots in Atlanta, emerging from the close-knit families of Ziegler, Guest, and Knight, to become rock icons as Gladys Knight and the Pips.

From their early days performing locally to making the bold move to New York, Dhyana walks us through the evolution of the group’s sound, their collaboration with Motown’s Berry Gordy, and the masterful choreography lessons from Charles “Cholly” Atkins that turned them into a world-class act.

She dives into the heart of what kept them together for an incredible 37 years—shared faith, deep family bonds, and a whole lot of laughter. William, she says, was not only a gifted performer but also a magnetic storyteller. His voice and spirit live on in the pages of her book, which blends his own words with her heartfelt reflections.

Tune in for a powerful episode filled with soul, history, and the enduring magic of love, music, and storytelling.

Lady Dhyana Ziegler, DCJ, Ph.D., is currently President and CEO of Z/Creators, LLC and Professor Emerita of Florida A&M University, U.S.A.. She has worked in the field of higher education and technology for more than 35 years as a professor and administrator. Dr. Ziegler is the author of four books, more than 60 scholarly publications – including book chapters – and has produced more than 100 videos and other multimedia works. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences. Besides her academic career, Dr. Ziegler is a multimedia writer, digital content producer, and songwriter (to name a few). She serves on several boards and other professional organizations.

Lady Dhyana Ziegler   Website