Mavis Staples: What is Africa to Me?

Mavis Staples

Download Mavis Staples: What is Africa to Me? (9:26)

Mavis Staples is an American rhythm and blues and gospel singer and civil rights activist who recorded with The Staple Singers, her family’s band.

Staples began her career with her family group in 1950. Initially singing locally at churches and appearing on a weekly radio show, the Staples’ scored a hit in 1956 with Uncloudy Day. By the mid-1960’s The Staple Singers, inspired by their father’s close friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., became the spiritual and musical voices of the civil rights movement.