From a press release: Pervis Staples, a co-founding member of the legendary gospel group, the Staple Singers, passed away suddenly on May 6, 2021 at his home in Dolton, Illinois, according to Adam Ayers, a member of Mavis Staples’ 525 Worldwide Music management team. He was 85 years old. Beginning [...]
(l. to r.) Yvonne, Pervis and Mavis record at Chicago's Universal Studios, early 1960s. Photo: Ted Williams By Bob Marovich Bill Carpenter, co-founder of Capital Entertainment in Washington, DC, and a longtime friend of and spokesperson for the Staples Family, informed JGM of the passing of Yvonne Staples. [...]
Various Artists Jesus Rocked the Jukebox Craft Records / Concord Music Group (2017) http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/albums/jesus-rocked-jukebox-small-group-black-gospel-1951-1965/ By Bob Marovich In addition to its estimable contributions to the religious, social, and political life of African Americans, the church has also been an effective music training school. Untold numbers of men and women have [...]
The Eagle Rock Gospel Singers Hammer and Nail: A Tribute to the Staple Singers (release date: June 17, 2016) www.ergospelsingers.com By Bob Marovich Imagine female harmonies containing the thunderous power of the Mamas and the Papas' Cass Elliott and Michelle Phillips, and a rock band--all covering Staple Singers classics, and you [...]
Mavis! Produced and Directed by Jessica Edwards www.mavisfilm.com Airs Monday, February 29, 8:00 p.m. CT (HBO) By Bob Marovich - Journal of Gospel Music Mavis!, the first full-length film to chronicle the life and artistry of Mavis Staples and the Staple Singers, is one of the most entertaining, moving, and informative [...]
Swan Silvertones Amen, Amen, Amen: The Essential Collection Rock Beat Records /Archives Alive www.rockbeatrecords.com By Bob Marovich Few will dispute that the Swan Silvertones are among the finest gospel quartets to gather around microphones. From the Reverend Claude Jeter’s haunting falsetto to the Reverend Robert Crenshaw’s explosive improvisations, the Swans [...]
JGM learned from Anthony Heilbut today that Willie James McPhatter, gospel singer-songwriter and accompanist, has died. Originally from Buffalo, New York, McPhatter--the cousin of Clyde McPhatter of the world-famous vocal groups the Dominoes and Drifters--had worked with a number of gospel groups by 1954 when Alex Bradford ("Too Close to [...]
