Mavis Staples

Born in Chicago, Staples made her professional debut at age 10 with her legendary family band, The Staple Singers, singing on a succession of timeless songs that became chart topping hits as well as indelible anthems of the Civil Rights Movement. Her unforgettable performances on a string of classics including “Uncloudy Day,” “Some Truth To Tell,” “Freedom Highway,” “Respect Yourself,” “Why Am I Treated So Bad,” “I’ll Take You There,” and “Let’s Do It Again” have all become intrinsic parts of the American cultural fabric.

Staples has recorded 18 albums as a solo artist and led a career that includes a staggering number of highlights, from performing at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration and marching with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to collaborating with Bob Dylan, Prince, The Band, Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, and countless others. Her new ANTI Records release, Carry Me Home, is a previously unreleased collaboration with the late Levon Helm of The Band, recorded in 2012. Staples received the SFJAZZ Lifetime Achievement Award at SFJAZZ Gala 2020.