Mavis Staples

I was listening to a local university radio station one afternoon and the show playing two songs featuring Mavis Staples inspired me to write about her.



The first song I heard was The Weight. As I heard the song for the first time, I was unsure if it was Mavis covering The Band’s legendary song solo or a Staples Singers song. The host stated it was a family affair.



I'll Take You There is easily the most important Staples Singers song where hip hop is concerned.



Let's Do It Again is also prime Staples Singers. However, If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) is unforgettable for me for sentimental reasons.



There is an incredible cover version of Buffalo Springfield's For What It's Worth by The Staples Singers. To my knowledge, it was recorded before they were signed to Stax/Volt. 

I have yet to listen to any of her early solo albums.  They have not crossed my music purchasing path either.  I would buy them even without having heard a song from either of them because I know I would be hearing tracks upon tracks featuring one of soul's music's legends. 

My current interest in Mavis Staples comes at a convenient time.

July marks her birthday month and I learned of a new album featuring a cover of Funkadelic's classic Can You Get To That. Check it out as well as her early recordings.