The Staple Singers were more than a family band—they were a powerful voice in gospel, soul, and civil rights-era music. Blending faith, funk, and political consciousness, they rose from humble church roots to dominate the pop and R&B charts in the 1970s. Their messages of peace, dignity, and unity remain as relevant today as they were during the height of the civil rights movement.
| Artist Name | The Staple Singers |
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| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Years Active | 1948–1994 |
| Genres | Gospel, Soul, Funk, R&B |
| Members | Pops Staples, Mavis Staples, Cleotha Staples, Pervis Staples, Yvonne Staples |
| Major Labels | Vee-Jay, Epic, Stax, Curtom, Warner Bros., Private I |
| Notable Hits | “I’ll Take You There”, “Respect Yourself”, “Let’s Do It Again”, “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” |
| Awards | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1999), Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame |
| Legacy Member | Mavis Staples (solo career active) |
Origins: A Family of Faith and Talent
Roebuck “Pops” Staples was born in 1914 in Winona, Mississippi. He grew up steeped in Delta blues and gospel traditions, eventually relocating to Chicago in the 1930s with his wife Oceola and their children.
Pops, already experienced with guitar and vocals, began teaching his children to harmonize. He had four kids:
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Cleotha (b. 1934 – d. 2013)
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Pervis (b. 1935 – d. 2021)
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Yvonne (b. 1936 – d. 2018)
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Mavis (b. 1939 – still active)
By 1948, Pops began performing with Cleotha, Pervis, and Mavis at their local church. What started as informal performances soon evolved into The Staple Singers.
Going Professional: The Early Gospel Years
In 1952, the group turned professional. Their sound was simple and soulful—rooted in gospel and blues, with Pops’ bluesy guitar driving the arrangements.
Record Labels in the 1950s and Early ’60s:
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United Records
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Vee-Jay Records
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Checker Records
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Riverside Records
Songs from this period stayed firmly in the gospel tradition. They gained respect in the gospel world but had not yet crossed over into secular music.
Embracing Folk and Protest Music
In the early 1960s, The Staple Singers expanded their sound and subject matter. They began including social justice themes in their music, reflecting the civil rights movement that was gaining momentum across America.
In 1967, they signed with Epic Records and released tracks like:
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“Why (Am I Treated So Bad)” – a civil rights anthem written by Pops
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“For What It’s Worth” – a soulful cover of the Buffalo Springfield anti-war classic
These songs hinted at a new direction: blending their gospel foundation with protest and pop elements.
A New Chapter with Stax Records
In 1968, the group signed with Stax Records in Memphis. Two years later, Pervis Staples left the group to manage the family’s music business. Yvonne Staples returned to take his place, forming the lineup most recognized today: Pops, Mavis, Cleotha, and Yvonne.
Al Bell, a key Stax figure, became their producer and helped sharpen their crossover appeal.
First R&B Hits and Building Momentum
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The Staples began to chart with a mix of uplifting, socially conscious, and groove-heavy tracks. Highlights include:
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“Love Is Plentiful” (1971) – #31 R&B
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“Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom-Boom)” – #27 Pop, #6 R&B
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“You’ve Got to Earn It” – modest chart entry, but a fan favorite
These early hits paved the way for their breakthrough moment.
Breakthrough: Chart-Topping Success
Between 1971 and 1975, The Staple Singers became chart regulars. Their music combined gospel messages with a funky, Southern soul sound.
Major Hits:
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“Respect Yourself” (1971) – #12 Pop, #2 R&B
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“I’ll Take You There” (1972) – #1 Pop and R&B
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“This World” (1972) – #38 Pop, #6 R&B
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“Oh La De Da” (1973) – #33 Pop, #4 R&B
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“Be What You Are” (1973) – #66 Pop, #18 R&B
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“Touch a Hand, Make a Friend” (1973) – #23 Pop, #3 R&B
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“If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)” (1973) – #9 Pop, #1 R&B
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“City in the Sky” (1974) – minor hit
Their 1972 album Be Altitude: Respect Yourself became one of the most iconic soul albums of the decade.
New Label, Same Success: “Let’s Do It Again”
When Stax Records folded in 1975, the group moved to Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom label.
That same year, they released “Let’s Do It Again”—a sultry, romantic single written and produced by Mayfield.
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Reached #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts
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The soundtrack album Let’s Do It Again topped the R&B Albums Chart and reached #20 on the Billboard 200
It became their second pop chart-topper and final major crossover hit.
Later Career and Changing Times
In the late 1970s, the Staple Singers signed with Warner Bros. Records and released albums like:
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Pass It On (1976)
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Family Tree (1976)
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Unlock Your Mind (1978)
Their final charting pop hit was “New Orleans” in 1976, which reached #70 on the Hot 100.
After a few quiet years, they returned in 1984 with the album Turning Point on the Private I label, which included a cover of the Talking Heads’ “Slippery People.”
Though chart success waned, they remained popular on the concert circuit.
Collaborations and New Audiences
In 1994, the Staples appeared on the acclaimed compilation Rhythm, Country & Blues. Teaming up with country star Marty Stuart, they covered “The Weight” by The Band.
This collaboration introduced them to a younger audience and reaffirmed their legacy in American roots music.
Losses and Legacy
Passing of Key Members:
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Pops Staples died in 2000 from complications after a fall. He was 85.
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Cleotha Staples passed in 2013 after battling Alzheimer’s for a decade.
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Yvonne Staples died in 2018 at age 80.
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Pervis Staples passed away in 2021.
Continued Influence
Mavis Staples remains a vital performer. Her solo career has thrived with help from collaborators like:
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Prince
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Jeff Tweedy (Wilco)
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Ben Harper
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Bon Iver
She continues to release new albums, win Grammy Awards, and perform worldwide—carrying on the family’s message of hope and justice.
Honors and Recognition
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Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999
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Named to the Grammy Hall of Fame
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Awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
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Subject of the 2015 documentary Mavis!
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Frequently cited as civil rights icons for their message-driven music
Their influence spans gospel, soul, pop, and Americana.
Final Thoughts
The Staple Singers bridged generations and genres. From church choirs to civil rights marches to global pop charts, they carried a message of love, empowerment, and spiritual strength. Their music inspired change, uplifted communities, and left a lasting imprint on American music history.
They weren’t just a family—they were a movement.