Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images
Yvonne Staples, a singer and manager of the Staples Singers, has passed away at the age of 80 years old. Staples died on April 10 in her Chicago home, according to the Associated Press.
The artist had a powerful voice and was the strategic businesswoman behind the family singing group that won a Grammy in 2005, and was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999.
Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
The soul songstress is not the first notable artist we’ve lost this year. Just four months into 2018, Sean Combs‘ protégé Craig Mack passed away, along with Oh Happy Day composer Edwin Hawkins, and legendary jazz trumpeter, Hugh Maskela.
“She [Yvonne Staples] was very no nonsense but at the same time had a heart of gold. But when it came to business she was very strict. If this is what the contract said, this is what you better do,” said Bill Carpenter, a family friend, to the news outlet.
The family R&B group included her two sisters, Mavis Staples and Cleotha Staples, along with their father, Pops Staples. Their best known hits include “I’ll Take You There” and “Respect Yourself.” Check out their performances of both songs below!
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Staples family at this time.
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