My introduction to the Staple Singers actually came a few years after their biggest hit--they collaborated with the Band on their classic song "The Weight" for Martin Scorsese's The Last Walt\z. It's an unforgettable performance, with Mavis Staples taking the second stanza and Pops Staples the third, with the rest of the family providing backing vocals throughout. Hate to overstate the case, but the two groups' performance borders on being a religious experience--it's that powerful.
Pops Staples moved from Mississippi to Chicago (can't imagine why a black man would want to get out of Mississippi...) after he got married and worked in steel mills and meat packing plants until 1952 when he and his children signed their first professional contract and began performing as the Staple Singers (for whatever reason, though their last name is Staples, the band's named features Staple in the singular). They started out primarily as a gospel group, but by the mid-sixties had progressed into R & B and soul. They were well known for being active in the civil rights movement and many of their songs reflected their activism. Over the course of their forty-two year career, they released 17 albums (two of which were in the top twenty on the Billboard 200), and had two #1 singles. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2018. Sadly, Pops Staples and sisters Yvonne and Cleotha have departed this vale, though brother Pervis and sister Mavis still remain with us. Mavis still performs regularly, and though 79, still sings like an angel...
Released in 1972 on their biggest selling album, Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, "I'll Take You There" would go on to become the Staple Singers first #1 (with a bullet!) single on the Billboard Hot 100. Their second #1, "Let's Do It Again" in 1975 would mark the end of their commercial success--still, they had a nice run for about ten years and were able to perform until the end of their days because of it.
Driven by a wicked bass line and some pulsating drumming, "I'll Take You There" is more magic soul from the 70's. Combining elements of soul, R & B, gospel, and the blues, The Staple Singers take the song to an otherworldly plateau. Though some feel the song is speaking of heaven, others believe the Staples are taking us to a place in this world, once we move past all the racism and hate and achieve true equality for all. Regardless, while they were recording this one the Gods of Music reached down and blessed Mavis Staples voice because her vocals really do take us there--and with plenty of help from the family's backing vocals. It's a striking back and forth, and a testament to the power of music to both address social issues and provide the background music for the struggle and the strugglers.
Rap Sheet: "I know a place/Ain't nobody cryin'/Ain't nobody worried/Ain't no smilin' faces/Mmm, no no/Lyin' to the races..."
Enjoy:
Fuck Donald Trump,
emaycee
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