Mavis Staples

About

Born July 10, 1939, Mavis Staples is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist. She rose to fame as a member of the Staple Singers, her family's band, and is the last surviving member of the group. With the Staple Singers, she recorded hit singles including "I'll Take You There" and "Let's Do It Again." Staples launched her solo career in 1969 with her self-titled debut album and has since collaborated with renowned artists such as Aretha Franklin, Prince, Arcade Fire, Ry Cooder, David Byrne, and Bob Dylan. Her eighth studio album, You Are Not Alone, released in 2010, earned critical acclaim and became her first solo album to reach number one on a Billboard chart. This album also earned her first Grammy Award.