Staple Singers' Cleotha Staples Passes

GOSPELflava received word of the passing of Cleotha Staples, founding member of the the legendary Staple Singers at the age of 78 in Chicago following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Staples was the first child born to the union of Roebuck Pops  and Oceola Staples in Drew, Mississippi.  The Staples relocated to Chicago in 1936 and shortly thereafter extended their family with the births of  Pervis, Yvonne, Mavis and Cynthia .  Pops would entertain the children after work by teaching them gospel songs as he played his guitar.  His sister so enjoyed the music made by the family that she invited them to sing at her church one Sunday.  Thus, the Staple Singers was born.

The Staple Singers delivered gospel classics including Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Pray On My Child, Help Me Jesus, Uncloudy Day and others.  The family crossed from gospel into soul music recording for the Stax record label and had a run of top 40 hits including the million seller I’ll Take You There.

The Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1999 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.