Mavis Staples

Saturday, August 13, 2011 | AT&T Main Stage | 4pm

Mavis Staples began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches and appearing on a weekly radio show, they recorded their first hit in 1956 entitled “Uncloudy Day.” 

With her family, Mavis first became known for performing "message" songs like "Long Walk to D.C." and "When Will We Be Paid? during the civil rights movement of the 60s and 70s. Along the way they racked up 8 appearances in the Top 40 including the hit “I’ll Take You There” in 1972. She later released two albums under the guidance of Prince in 1989 and 1993, and a tribute to Mahalia Jackson in 1996. She also worked with John Scofield on a tribute to Ray Charles and an album focused on gospel songs of the civil rights movement produced by Ry Cooder. Additionally, she’s recorded with the likes of Bob Dylan, Nona Hendryx, George Jones, Natalie Merchant, Los Lobos, Dr. John, and Johnny Paycheck.  Her voice has also been sampled by Salt’n’Pepa, Ice Cube, and Ludacris.

Having taken on projects as diverse as the theme song from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to a Johnny Cash tribute, in addition to nurturing her roots in gospel, it’s clear that Mavis Staples doesn’t fit neatly into a tidy category. Only her distinctive voice can truly define her.

Mavis Staples is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, and a National Heritage Fellowship Award recipient. VH1 named her one of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll, and Rolling Stone listed her as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. Her most recent album, released in 2010 is called You Are Not Alone, and garnered Mavis her first (long overdue), Grammy.
 

mavisstaples.com
myspace.com/mavisstaplesmusic

Photo Credit: Chris Strong