Yvonne Staples dead: The Staple Singers member dies aged 80
She rose to fame as a part of the family band
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Yvonne Staples of soul trio The Staple Singers has died.
The baritone powerhouse passed away at the age of 80 at home in South Shore, the Chicago Sun Times reports.
Yvonne's cause of death has not yet been revealed.
The Staple Singers included Yvonne, alongside her sisters Mavis and Cleotha and their father Pops Staples.
Staples helped the group rise to the top of the music charts and get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
Yvonne was known for contributing to hits "Respect Yourself," "I'll Take You There" and "Heavy Makes You Happy."
Born to Pops and Oceola Staples in Chicago, Yvonne began singing with Mavis and brother Pervis at church in the 1940s.
The Staple Singers formed in 1945, but Yvonne didn't join the family group until her brother was drafted into the military in 1970.
During their career, The Staple Singers made over 30 records and found their greatest chart hits in the early 1970s.
In a 1972 documentary of a Los Angeles concert called "Wattstax" - also known as "Black Woodstock" - their performance stood out.
The Staple Singers received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 and the recording academy declared that they "left an imprint of soulful voices, righteous conviction and danceable message music across the decades."
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Pops Staples passed away in 2000, while Yvonne's sister Cleotha died after a 12-year battle with Alzheimer's in 2013.
Mavis Staples is the only surviving member of the group.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments