Singer. Founding member of the 1970s music ensemble The Staples Singers. Her father Roebuck 'Pops' Staples initiated what was to become a lengthy association with singing in 1931 as a member of a local gospel group in Mississippi. After moving his family to Chicago five years later, he continued to perform while teaching his children Cleotha, Mavis, Pervis and Yvonne a love and appreciation for music. As their act became more polished they found themselves singing in church choirs and appearing on radio programs throughout the Midwestern part of the United States. They were rewarded with a contract from the Chicago-based Vee Jay label and yielded the early hits "This Could Be The Last Time" (1955) and "Uncloudy" (1959). During the 1970s, the Staples Singers secured their place in music history with the commercial hits "Respect Yourself" (1971), which earned platinum status, "I'll Take You There" (1972, topping the Pop-Charts), "If You're Ready (Come With Me)" (1973, receiving gold status) and the Curtis Mayfield penned "Let's Do It Again" (1975, achieving a number one placing on the Pop-Charts) from the film of the same title which starred Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. The Staples Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. Cleotha had battled Alzheimer's disease for several years before succumbing to complications.
Singer. Founding member of the 1970s music ensemble The Staples Singers. Her father Roebuck 'Pops' Staples initiated what was to become a lengthy association with singing in 1931 as a member of a local gospel group in Mississippi. After moving his family to Chicago five years later, he continued to perform while teaching his children Cleotha, Mavis, Pervis and Yvonne a love and appreciation for music. As their act became more polished they found themselves singing in church choirs and appearing on radio programs throughout the Midwestern part of the United States. They were rewarded with a contract from the Chicago-based Vee Jay label and yielded the early hits "This Could Be The Last Time" (1955) and "Uncloudy" (1959). During the 1970s, the Staples Singers secured their place in music history with the commercial hits "Respect Yourself" (1971), which earned platinum status, "I'll Take You There" (1972, topping the Pop-Charts), "If You're Ready (Come With Me)" (1973, receiving gold status) and the Curtis Mayfield penned "Let's Do It Again" (1975, achieving a number one placing on the Pop-Charts) from the film of the same title which starred Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. The Staples Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999. Cleotha had battled Alzheimer's disease for several years before succumbing to complications.
Bio by: C.S.
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