Since she started singing with her family, The Staple Singers, in 1950, Staples has never stopped touring. Roebuck “Pops” Staples, the family patriarch, played guitar, along with Mavis and Cleotha, Yvonne, and Pervis.
The group’s spirit-filled gospel hymns, which they sang in churches in their native Chicago, called for decency and equality. Songs with timeless messages like “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There” are hits.
Staples still speaks up at events that promote justice even if the group has disbanded.
Is Mavis Staples still singing?
Mavis Staples has performed on stages all over the world for more than 70 years, which is difficult to believe. The recognizable raspy voice conveys the words we need to hear, whether it is gospel, R&B, or blues.
The Barns at Wolf Trap will host Staples from February 21–23 for a show that should appeal to audiences of all ages.
With The Staple Singers, Staples was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and received the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors.
The charismatic artist, who will age 83 in July, has realized that it is her life’s purpose to talk and sing for freedom and peace. She continues to enlist new members in her cause despite being a civil rights legend.
