WELCOME TO MY LIBRARY: It’s time to go back and finish this book on The Staple Singers. This group was such a big influence on what I did with The Staquelettes, which Tracy Ferrara is translating into horn arrangements.
The fact that so many everyday people aren’t really that aware nor all that hip to Mavis Staples and Taj Mahal, is further proof that cream does not really rise to the top. Unless we agree that cream is just mediocre white washed filler that in small amounts helps some folks swallow the absolute TRUTH.
Most people can’t take 200 proof kind of truth, so we add little extra cream. That’s OK. You’re selling dreams.
But you want to raise the roof? Well it doesn’t get much more real and relevant even today, than those twin MLK inspired anthems ‘Long Walk to DC’ and ‘Freedom’s Highway’.
Freedom’s Highway:
Long Walk to DC:
This is a group led by Poppa Staples, a proud father that told Martin Luther King,
“If you can preach it, my family can sing it.”
…and they did. Sorry Beach Boys, this is America’s family band. And unlike the Beach Boys they fought off evil. The Beach Boys covered Charles Manson, performed him on national television, and nearly got him a record deal. The fall out of that feat of foolishness killed the buzz of the sixties with a bucket of blood. Family band? Maybe the Manson Family Band.
But The Staples Singers did something much more remarkable. Something any family can enjoy.
They brought The Holy Spirit to pop radio and found a way to preach a Gospel so universal they took us all there. I am still there.
There is a reason why Dylan proposed to Mavis when they were both barely more than teens.
There is a reason why The Staples Singers covered his tunes, back when he was singing about Civil Rights, living Dr. King’s dream.
There is a reason why their song ‘When Will We Be Paid’ hits even harder today.
There is a reason why I have to finish this book. Because we need to cherish great things.
Popularity is fickle, But Truth, which a key in ingredient in greatness will always reveal who has The Goods.
Blowin in The Wind:
Masters of War:
Hard Rain is Gonna Fall:
Davin’s new song has been released and is fast becoming a dancehall hit. Listen here on Reggaeville: DAVIN MICHAEL STEDMAN & ANTHONY RED ROSE – FREE YOUR MIND FEAT. SLY & ROBBIE WITH LENKY MARSDEN
– Musician and writer Davin Michael Stedman has many ventures, such as the AMAZING blog, 100milesofmusic.com, and is one of the driving forces behind the Staxx Brothers. He has just returned from weeks of networking and reporting from Kingston, Jamaica. Next stop, Lagos, Nigeria.
