The Staple Singers were an American gospel, soul, and R&B group that formed in Chicago in 1948. The group was composed of patriarch Roebuck “Pops” Staples and his children Cleotha, Pervis, and Mavis. They quickly became known for their unique sound, which blended gospel, R&B, and pop influences, and for their powerful harmonies and socially conscious lyrics.
Throughout their career, The Staple Singers released numerous hit singles, including “I’ll Take You There,” “Respect Yourself,” and “If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me).” They also collaborated with several other legendary musicians, including Bob Dylan, Prince, and Curtis Mayfield.
The group’s music was known for its positive messages of hope and empowerment, and they were active in the civil rights movement, performing at rallies and events alongside other prominent activists. They were also known for their strong family ties and their commitment to their faith.
The Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and their music continues to inspire and influence musicians and fans around the world. Despite the passing of several members of the group, their legacy lives on as a testament to the power of music and the importance of family, faith, and social justice.
1. I’ll Take You There
This iconic tune evokes an upbeat and feel-good spirit that the Staple Singers were known for. It’s soulful, groovy, and fun to dance to, with Pops Staples’ signature guitar play and Mavis Staples’ powerful vocals leading the charge. With its memorable hook and catchy chorus, "I’ll Take You There" became an instant hit and remains one of the most recognizable songs in their discography.
The song’s message is simple yet profound – it promises salvation through love, unity, and faith by taking us to a place beyond our physical existence. The Staple Singers’ music has always been rooted in spirituality, and this song is no exception. It’s a timeless classic that never fails to uplift your mood and spirits.
Interestingly, "I’ll Take You There" has been covered by numerous artists such as Al Green, Joan Osborne, General Public, Bebe & Cece Winans, etc., proving the song’s universal appeal and enduring popularity.
According to Rolling Stone magazine's list of '500 Greatest Songs of All Time', "I'll Take You There" claimed the 276th rank making it the highest-charting single for The Staple Singers.
Get ready to press play on 'Let's Do It Again' and relive the glory days when a catchy chorus was all you needed to get a hit.
2. Let’s Do It Again
Revisit the Timeless Ecstasy of The Staple Singers with Their Classic "Let’s Do It Again". With their unique blend of gospel, soul and R&B, The Staple Singers have created timeless music that continues to inspire generations. Their classic song, "Let's Do It Again," captures the essence of their style and energy. Here are 6 points to appreciate about this iconic track:
- The smooth grooving beat instantly gets you moving.
- Mavis Staples' rich and soulful voice is like a warm hug.
- The chorus is catchy and uplifting, making it easy to sing along.
- The lyrics express a nostalgic longing for an earlier time in romance which taps into universal experiences.
- The guitar solo is brief yet powerful, adding to the overall appeal of the song.
- The song's production values enhance its emotional impact.
Elevating this standout track even further is its connotation as part of American cinema history. It was written by Curtis Mayfield for the soundtrack for "Let's Do It Again," starring Bill Cosby and Sidney Poitier. Its inclusion in this movie solidifies it as an iconic moment in African American film and musical culture.
The Staple Singers were not just musicians but also activists who integrated social awareness on their songs influencing change across generations. From Civil Rights anthems to inspiring love songs "Let’s Do It Again" being one of them – their legacy will continue to be celebrated far beyond our present era.
Respect yourself and read on as we explore 10 of the greatest hits from The Staple Singers, because ain't nobody got time for mediocre tunes.
3. Respect Yourself
This song urges individuals to respect themselves despite systemic oppression. The Staple Singers' "Respect Yourself" underscores Black empowerment by challenging the notion of inferiority. The idea is encapsulated in lines like "If you don't respect yourself, ain't nobody gonna give a good cahoot."
The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus encourage listeners to embrace personal dignity. This 1971 hit popularized the phrase "respect yourself" as an act of self-care and defiance. The band's harmonious vocals and soulful instrumentation add to its powerful message.
Interestingly, Aretha Franklin covered this track shortly after its release, turning it into another anthem for self-respect.
Source: https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-staple-singers-songs/
Buckle up, we're taking a musical journey to a city in the sky with The Staple Singers' fourth best song of all time.
4. City in the Sky
City in the Sky' is a song that amplifies religious overtones and encapsulates their pursuit of spiritual union with God. Family harmonies contrast with the lush instrumentation, resulting in a captivating experience.
Listeners can appreciate how secular music could be enriched by gospel influences to deliver an upbeat energy level that still honors traditionalism. The Staple Singers masterfully infused these two styles to establish themselves as pioneers, creating this classic sound that lasted for decades. This song demonstrates why harmony, warmth, and religious elements are key components of The Staple Singers' legacy.
The uniqueness of this song draws attention from fans and critics alike as its sound showcases how even well-established artists can adapt to evolving trends while respecting tradition.
Pro Tip: You can make a playlist featuring New Orleans jazz artist Dr. John's 'City Lights.' While both genres possess different cultural backgrounds, they share lively energies that harmonize seamlessly and create a memorable listening experience.
Slippery People, unlike this article, are not afraid to take risks and get funky.
5. Slippery People
This entry on the list highlights a rhythmic and upbeat number from The Staple Singers, known as masters of soulful gospel. The song titled after its opening line "Slippery People" has been described as an infectious and celebratory arrangement blending gospel harmonies with funk-inspired riffs. Its lyrics of finding faith amidst chaos, urge listeners to keep their footing in the face of deceptive and manipulative people.
With a captivating groove and Mavis Staples' commanding vocals, "Slippery People" is a testament to The Staple Singers' ability to inject positivity into even the most disheartening themes.
The lively track has enjoyed longevity beyond its original release, having earned spots on various influential music critics' 'Best Of' lists over the years. In 1983, it was released as a single and reached #22 on Billboard's Club Play Singles chart. It remains a fan-favorite, with its distinctive percussion intro summoning images of crowded dance floors and exuberant singalongs.
"Slippery People" may not have soared high enough for commercial mainstream radio play at the time of its release but continues to leave an indelible footprint on popular culture. Its indomitable spirit encourages collective empathy while emanating sheer joy that complements Mavis Staples' revered voice perfectly.
This is only one example of The Staple Singers' incredibly long-lasting contributions to modern-day music.
Get ready to groove with The Staple Singers, or as I like to call them, The Staple Swaggerers, because 'If You're Ready (Come Go With Me)' is about to take you on a funky journey.
6. If You’re Ready (Come Go With Me)
This hit single, "Come Go With Me" by the iconic group, The Staple Singers, stands as a classic soul anthem that continues to resonate with audiences. Its captivating hook and invigorating rhythm propel listeners to the dance floor, while its uplifting lyrics inspire unity and friendship. Lead singer Mavis Staples' powerful vocals complemented by her family's soaring harmonies grace this track with an infectious energy that just can't be contained. This masterpiece showcases The Staple Singers' keen ability to blend gospel, R&B and soul in a way that speaks directly to the heart of anyone who listens.
Need a friend? Just follow The Staple Singers' advice and start touching people's hands. Disclaimer: results may vary depending on personal hygiene and consent levels.
7. Touch A Hand, Make A Friend
This particular song of The Staple Singers has moved the world with its message and spirit. It exemplifies how a simple gesture can make a significant difference in someone’s life. ‘Touch A Hand, Make A Friend’ suggests that we all have the power to make positive changes in our surroundings, one person at a time.
- The lyrics of this song suggest how small acts of kindness can have significant impacts on someone's life.
- The song encourages people to reach out to others and form meaningful connections.
- It shows that human beings have an inherent need for connection, love and support.
- It promotes being kind and empathetic towards people you come across in everyday life.
- This song is a reminder that everybody can foster positivity in their own unique ways no matter how small they may seem.
- ‘Touch A Hand, Make A Friend’ drives home the message that music is a powerful means of communication that can inspire movements for social justice.
This classic hit by The Staple Singers embodies the essence of their entire repertoire: soulful grooves with an uplifting message. What sets this record apart is its infectious melody which sails through your ears straight to your heart. It’s hard not to feel touched by its sincerity and hopefulness.
This track inspired many people during difficult times because it attests that even the smallest acts of kindness can go a long way. It became an anthem to countless social movements from all over the globe as well as communities who believe in inclusivity and compassion. Even today 'Touch A Hand, Make A Friend' resonates just as strongly as it did when it was first released.
Listening to 'Heavy Makes You Happy' will make you feel like you can conquer the world, or at least the closest all-you-can-eat buffet.
8. Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)
This song, with the Semantic NLP variation of 'Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)', showcases the Staple Singers' ability to produce funky and upbeat gospel songs that can make listeners feel energized. The group's harmonies and arrangements are exceptional in this track.
The groovy beat of 'Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)' is refreshing while the message is clear: love will always bring happiness. The singing style of Mavis Staples is exceptional; her voice brings the track to life with high energy and a powerful presence. Every element, from the rhythm guitar riffs, horn blasts, to background vocals, adds to this soulful masterpiece.
Interestingly, this song is one of their popular hits that are not necessarily tied to any political or religious theme typically associated with their music. Instead, it focuses on spreading positivity and bringing happiness through love.
Listeners can appreciate the poignancy of 'Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)' as it expresses joyous sentiments without minimizing personal struggles or social issues. This classic showcases how music can evoke emotions and provide an escape when needed.
To truly enjoy the powerful impact of 'Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)', listeners should listen to it in a lively setting or at a party where they can dance their hearts out with friends and colleagues.
Get ready to dance like it's 1973 with The Staple Singers' groove-tastic hit, 'Oh La De Da' – just don't blame us if you pull a muscle trying to keep up.
9. Oh La De Da
This lively tune, known as "Oh La De Da," became a staple song for The Staple Singers. It's a feel-good song that features cheerful call-and-response vocals, rhythmic guitar strumming and soulful handclaps. The track made it to the top 40 R&B charts in 1973 and rapidly became a fan favorite both for its infectious melody and positive lyrics.
The Staple Singers often sang of peace, love, and happiness, which they did with great sincerity in this number. Many people see this classic tune as one of their most buoyant tracks that channel the true spirit of gospel music. The fun upbeat vibe is infectious for any listener.
It also bears mentioning that "Oh La De Da" was written by Homer Banks who co-wrote several hits for Soul/R&B acts in the '60s and '70s such as "Ain't That Loving You (For More Reasons Than One)" by Johnnie Taylor or "Who's Making Love" by Rufus Thomas.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for an upbeat anthem that'll put a smile on your face and lift your mood up – "Oh La De Da" delivers just that!
Get ready to contemplate your existence with The Staple Singers' 'This World', a song guaranteed to make you rethink all your life choices… or just jam out to some killer soul music.
10. This World
This song encompasses the band's message of hope and positivity being spread throughout the world. The Staple Singers emphasize peace and unity, with Mavis Staples' soulful voice backed by a groovy melody. The lyrics urge listeners to come together and create a better world for all. "This World" is a classic example of the band's ability to merge their gospel roots with contemporary themes.
The upbeat rhythm combined with the heartfelt lyrics makes it impossible not to groove along while also feeling inspired to make a difference in the world. Listening to this song feels like joining a movement towards love and positive change. The energy that pours out from "This World" makes it clear why this song has become one of The Staple Singers' most beloved hits.
It is worth noting that "This World" was released during a time fraught with political unrest, making its messages all the more powerful. The Staple Singers continuously tackled relevant social issues and used their platform to advocate for change through music, with "This World" being one of their most successful efforts in this regard.
For those seeking music that motivates them to fight for what's right, "This World" is an excellent choice. Its catchy chorus and infectious rhythm will have you singing along in no time, energizing you towards positive action. This song is an inspiration for anyone who wants to see positive change in our world today.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
