Shalin Liu Performance Center: Mavis Staples

Description

The famously husky voiced Staples came to prominence in the late 60's, singing lead for her family's band, The Staple Singers. Even before topping the pop charts with massive hits like ''I'll Take You There'' and ''Respect Yourself,'' the Staples had been superstars on the gospel circuit, with leader/guitarist (and dad) Pops Staples touring his children around the country to great acclaim. As the Staples gained in popularity into the 60's, Mavis' powerfully gritty alto became the voice of the Civil Rights movement, the family taking a prominent role in historic rallies and marches (due in part to Pops' close relationship with Martin Luther King, Jr.).