Mavis Staples in Ojai

Mavis Staples is an American gospel and soul singer, born in Chicago in 1939, who first became known through her family group, The Staple Singers. Her voice is central to the group’s recordings of “I’ll Take You There” and “Respect Yourself,” while her solo catalogue includes the albums You Are Not Alone and One True Vine. In 1972, Mavis Staples performed at Wattstax as a member of The Staple Singers. A 2008 concert at the Hideout became the live album Live: Hope at the Hideout, and in 2016 she opened a run of US concerts for Bob Dylan. Newport Folk Festival has welcomed her back beyond her home city. She has also travelled to England to perform at Glastonbury Festival.