Early Life and Family Background
The Staple Singers were a pioneering American gospel, soul, and R&B group formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1948. The family patriarch, Roebuck “Pops” Staples (December 28, 1914 – December 19, 2000), was born in Winona, Mississippi. A self-taught guitarist, Pops was influenced by the rich Delta blues tradition and gospel music.
Their rendition of “Uncloudy Day” became a significant influence on artists like Bob Dylan, who described it as “the most mysterious thing I’d ever heard” .
In 1968, the group signed with Stax Records, transitioning to a more contemporary sound that blended gospel with soul and R&B. Their first major hit with Stax was “Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom-Boom)” in 1971. The following year, “Respect Yourself,” written by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice, peaked at number two on the Billboard R&B chart and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Both hits sold over one million copies and were awarded gold discs by the Recording Industry Association of America .
In 1972, “I’ll Take You There,” produced by Al Bell, topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The song sold over two million copies and remains one of the best-selling gospel songs of all time .
Later Years and Legacy
After Stax Records’ bankruptcy in 1975, the Staples signed with Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom Records. Their collaboration resulted in the hit single “Let’s Do It Again” in 1975, which became their second number-one pop hit in the U.S. In 1976, they performed “The Weight” with The Band at the concert film The Last Waltz.
The group continued to release music into the 1980s and 1990s, with notable tracks like their cover of Talking Heads’ “Slippery People” in 1984. In 1994, they re-recorded “The Weight” with country artist Marty Stuart for the compilation Rhythm, Country and Blues. The song “Respect Yourself” was featured in Spike Lee’s 1994 film Crooklyn .
In 1999, the Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2005. In 2017, they were inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame, and in 2018, they were honored with induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame .
Family and Personal Life
The Staples were a close-knit family, with each member contributing to the group’s success. Pops Staples was known for his distinctive guitar playing and deep voice, while Mavis Staples became the group’s lead vocalist, known for her powerful and emotive singing. Cleotha, Pervis, and Yvonne also played vital roles in the group’s harmonies and performances.
Pops Staples passed away on December 19, 2000, at the age of 85. Cleotha Staples died on February 21, 2013, at 78, after suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for over a decade. Yvonne Staples died on April 10, 2018, at the age of 80. Pervis Staples died on May 6, 2021, at the age of 85, leaving Mavis as the band’s last surviving member .
Discography Highlights
- Freedom Highway (1965): A live album recorded during the civil rights movement, featuring the title track inspired by the Selma to Montgomery march.
- Be Altitude: Respect Yourself (1972): Included the hits “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There,” showcasing their fusion of gospel and soul.
- Let’s Do It Again (1975): A collaboration with Curtis Mayfield, featuring the title track that became a number-one hit.1
- Turning Point (1984): Featured a cover of Talking Heads’ “Slippery People,” reaching the Top 5 on the Dance chart.
Cultural Impact and Influence
The Staple Singers were instrumental in bridging the gap between gospel and secular music, bringing messages of faith, unity, and social justice to a broader audience. Their music resonated with the civil rights movement, and songs like “Why (Am I Treated So Bad)” were reportedly among Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorites .
Their performances at venues like The Fillmore East and West, alongside acts such as The Grateful Dead and Santana, introduced their music to the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
