The Staple Singers were an American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group fro… Read Full Bio ↴The Staple Singers were an American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group from Chicago who signed their first professional contract in 1952. Roebuck "Pops" Staples (1914–2000), the patriarch of the family, formed the group with his children Cleotha (1934–2013), Pervis (1935-2021), Yvonne (1937-2018), and Mavis (b. 1939). They are best-remembered for their 1970s hits "Respect Yourself", "I'll Take You There", "If You're Ready (Come Go with Me)", and "Let's Do It Again". In 1999 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2005 the group was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The family began appearing in Chicago-area churches in 1948, and signed their first professional contract in 1952. They signed with United Records, then Vee-Jay, Riverside, Epic and, eventually, the black-owned indie Stax Records label where they hit their most fertile commercial peak.

In 1967, on Columbia subsidiary Epic, the Staple Singers first began moving into mainstream pop markets with "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" and "For What It's Worth" (written by Stephen Stills). In 1968, the Staple Singers signed to Stax and released two albums recorded with Steve Cropper of Booker T & the MG's fame - Soul Folk in Action and We'll Get Over. By 1970, Al Bell had become producer, and the family began recording at the famed Muscle Shoals studio, moving in a more funk and soul direction. The first Stax hit was "Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)". In 1972, the group had a No. 1 hit in the United States with "I'll Take You There." Their 1972 recording on Stax of "Respect Yourself," written by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice, was number 2 on the R&B charts and a Top 40 pop hit as well. The song's theme of self-empowerment had universal appeal, released in the period immediately following the intense American civil rights movement of the 1960s. During this Stax period they appeared at a 1972 summer concert at the LA Memorial Coliseum attended by 100,000 people and documented in the 1973 film and soundtrack album Wattstax.

The Staple Singers then signed to Curtom, Curtis Mayfield's imprint, and released the soundtrack to a comedy film co-starring Bill Cosby called "Let's Do It Again". The soundtrack was produced by Mayfield; and the title song was a huge hit in 1975. After this, however, they were not able to regain their commercial momentum, releasing occasional minor hits, and moving from label to label including Warner Brothers and 20th Century before returning to Epic in the mid 80s. Lead singer Mavis Staples began a fruitful solo career in earnest that continues to this day and involves live performing with her sister Yvonne Staples. The other daughters in the group who did not pursue solo careers were Pervis Staples, and Cleotha Staples.

In 1994, the family made this final recording of a duet with Mary Stuart (reprising their Last Watz style backing on a cover of "The Weight" by The Band), somewhat re-establishing an audience.

Pops Staples died in December 2000.

Cleotha Staples died in Chicago on February 21, 2013.

Yvonne Staples died in April 2018 and Pervis Staples in May 2021.

Long Walk To D.C.
The Staple Singers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

its a long walk to dc but i got my walking shoes on

Overall Meaning

The Staple Singers' song "Long Walk to D.C." speaks to the Civil Rights Movement and the individuals who contributed to it. It reminds us of the walking and marching done by activists to Washington D.C. in order to make their demands heard by the government. They understood that their journey was long and grueling, but they were determined to keep walking, regardless of the obstacles that may come their way. The line "I got my walking shoes on" emphasizes the importance of being fully committed to the cause, and how vital it is to stand up for what you believe in.

Moreover, while the song is focused on the journey down to the nation's capital, the message rings true for all times: that every journey begins with one small step. The song's lyrics are a testament to the strength and resilience that is required to push for change and to stand up for the rights of others. And even when it seems like the journey is too long, the song reminds us that it’s important to keep pressing on.

Overall, The Staple Singers' "Long Walk to D.C." is a song about the fight for civil rights and the endurance, commitment, and sacrifices it takes to make a change. It also reminds us that the struggle for civil rights is ongoing and that it requires the power of the collective to make a difference.

Line by Line Meaning

it's a long walk to dc
This is a tough journey to Washington, D.C.

but I got my walking shoes on
Even though it's tough, I am prepared for it.

Writer(s): Homer Banks, Marvell Thomas

Contributed by Vivian H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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