Artist of the Week: Mavis Staples

Born: July 10, 1939

 

What makes Mavis Staples so special for me is the passion that she has for music and performing.  The 2013 Grammy’s just proved that without a doubt. She was so into what she was doing that she continued even after the rest of the band had stopped playing. Her style of performing transports her into the music – she feels it, she lives it.

My first introduction to Mavis Staples was in 1994 with the release of Rhythm, Country and Blues. Marty Stuart and The Staples Singers performed “The Weight” on that album.  That is the song I will always associate with Ms. Staples. It is what she performed at the Grammys and my first time hearing her sing 19 years ago.

Ms. Staples career has spanned decades, with her performing as part of the The Staple Singers and as a solo artist. The Staple Singers released nine albums between 1971 and 1984. As a solo artist she has released thirteen albums, the most recent in 2010. As a member of the Staples Singers she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For more information about Ms. Staples and what her schedule is, please check out her web site at MavisStaples.com.

Here are a few of my favorite Mavis Staples/The Staples Singers tracks (Rhapsody links included):

“The Weight” (Marty Stuart & The Staples Singers) from Rhythm, Country and Blues – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/various-artists/album/rhythm-country-and-blues/track/the-weight

“I’ll Take You There” (The Staples Singers) from The Best of The Staples Singers – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/the-staple-singers/album/the-best-of-the-staple-singers-stax/track/ill-take-you-there

“Respect Yourself” (The Staples Singers) from Greatest Hits – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/the-staple-singers/album/greatest-hits/track/respect-yourself

 

“Let’s Do It Again” (The Staples Singers) from Let’s Do It Again – Greatest Hits – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/the-staple-singers/album/lets-do-it-again—greatest-hits/track/lets-do-it-again

 

“This Little Light” (Mavis Staples) from Live: Hope At The Hideout – http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/mavis-staples/album/live-hope-at-the-hideout/track/this-little-light

Here are some video clips from YouTube:

“I’ll Take You There” – http://youtu.be/l64Bte5ygvM

“Touch A Hand, Make A Friend” (The Staples Singers) – http://youtu.be/MwAZ-xmuc74

“Respect Yourself” (The Staples Singers) – http://youtu.be/oab4ZCfTbOI

Here’s a link to see the 2013 Grammy’s tribute to Levon Helm – http://deadspin.com/5983262/heres-the-balls+out-levon-helm-grammy-awards-memorial-tribute-performance-of-the-weight?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Source: MavisStaples.com, Wikipedia, Rhapsody and YouTube.