Mavis Staples

 

2015 has seen the loss of Ben E. King. Percy Sledge and BB King…just three of the giants from the era of sixties soul, r‘n’b and gospel. It will be a truly unique chance then, on Wednesday 1 July, to still be able to watch another true soul/gospel legend from that era, when Mavis Staples walks on stage at the Cambridge Corn Exchange in one of just three UK concerts.

 

Now in her seventies, this incredible singer has been performing both solo, and in earlier years with The Staples Singers, for over 50 years. Her Stax-era hits spoke for a growing black social consciousness and tracks include classics like If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me) and The Weight along with numerous other soul and gospel classics. More recently Mavis Staples took the award for best Americana album at the 2011 Grammy Awards for her album You Are Not Alone, produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. It was an emotional first Grammy for the Chicago-based artist in a 50 plus-year career winning against Rosanne Cash, Willie Nelson, Los Lobos and Robert Plant.

 

She has just released Your Good Fortune, a new four-song EP produced by the acclaimed young cross-genre soul explorer Son Little. 

 

“I’m always excited to do new songs,” Mavis says. “And this young man wrote two just for me. Seemed like we were a team made in heaven. He writes from his heart; he’s a great singer who sings from his heart, and he reached my heart.  I’m so glad we got to work together. The whole experience right down to the finished product was just extraordinary.”