The patriarch of the Staple Singers, Staples died on December 19, 2000 in his home in Dolton, Illinois. He was 85. In 1999, Staples' group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Before that, the octogenarian won the "best contemporary blues" Grammy for his album Father Father after a 60-year career ranging from roots gospel to rhythm & blues, folk, pop, as well as traditional blues. His previous album, Peace to the Neighborhood, was also Grammy-nominated.
Ry Cooder and Jackson Browne have been on his albums and Talking Head David Byrne made "Pops" the Voodoo Doctor in True Stories. He also appeared onstage in Goodman Theatre's 1990 production of The Gospel at Colunus.
Pops received "The Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Mississippi Arts Commission. The patriarch had also been honored with the National Heritage Fellowship Award by first lady Hillary Clinton at the White house.
Born in 1914 in Winona, Mississippi, Staples grew up listening to a capella singing in church, and as a teenager, he became interested in the blues. He joined a group called the Golden Trumpets, and then moved to Chicago in 1936. After performing with the Trumpet Jubilees, he began performing with his children, including his son Pervis, and his daughters Mavis & Cleotha.
For more information, visit their website: http://www.rosebudus.com/staple/
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