Iconic Soul and Gospel singer Mavis Staples is soon to be making a rare appearance in the North East of England.
Mavis Staples incredible career started out when she sang with family at her first paying gig at Holy Trinity Baptist Church in 1948. Since that time, Staples has transitioned from the gospel circuit to radio and eventually even to stadium shows.
Of course, The Staple Singers timeless classic “I’ll Take You There”, which was released via Stax Records in 1972, spent a total of 15 weeks in the charts as well as reaching Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Throughout her illustrious career, Mavis Staples has shared the stage with Bob Dylan, Booker T., Ray Charles, and The Band, to name but a few.
Now at the age of 78 and her eighth decade as a performing singer Mavis Staples releases her powerful new album If All I Was Was Black. This being a record that has been regarded by many as the legendary vocalist’s best solo album in decades. Staples latest offering features ten poignant songs about the present state of America.
For her latest offering Staples reunited once again with producer and Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy for an album of entirely original compositions. This being the pair’s third collaboration in recent times; with their first record together You Are Not Alone resulting in a Grammy Award and their second One True Vine receiving a Grammy Nomination. When these two creative forces combine it’s fair to say that magic happens.
Mavis Staples started 2018 on the road with Nobel prize winner Bob Dylan, with select European dates following throughout the summer. Staples will be making a welcome return to Tyneside for an eagerly anticipated show at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle on Friday 13th July. American singer, songwriter and guitarist Benjamin Booker will be a special guest at the show with tickets for this incredible evening of music on sale now.
Mavis Staples
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