(September 2022) Episode 434 is the STAPLE SINGERS and MAVIS STAPLES. This family (patriarch “Pops” plus four siblings, including Mavis) is proof that blues, gospel and soul all share the same DNA. They began as a gospel group, but with a restrained, down to earth feel in contrast to normal gospel fare, grounded in Pops’ Mississippi blues guitar. They transitioned into soul and later funk. Mavis, already an accomplished solo artist, has had a revival in her golden years, with her best albums coming in the last decade.
Favorite Staple Singers album: Freedom Highway
Favorite Mavis album: One True Vine
Favorite Staple Singers song: John Brown
Favorite Mavis song: Can You Get To That
Compared to expectations: ↑
Recommendation: try the mid-60s albums for some good soul and sweet harmonies
Opus Project 