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CDs by Bill Frisell, Mavis Staples and Allen Toussaint have been recognized among Downbeat Magazine's Best of the 2000's, published in their January 2010 issue. Bill Frisell has four CDs on the list: Ghost Town (2000), Blues Dream (2001), East/West (2005) and History, Mystery (2008). Also honored are Have A Little Faith (2005) by Mavis Staples and Allen Toussaint's GRAMMY nominated The Bright Mississippi (2009). The list also names two historical releases featuring future Rosebud artists: Stax/Volt Revue Live In Norway 1967 DVD featuring Booker T. & the MGs and Newport Folk Festival: Best of the Blues 1959-1968 Box Set, which features performances by Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, who were both Rosebud artists until their passing. Bill Frisell's East/West was honored with similar praise from the London Times, where was rated #2 on their "Best Jazz Albums of the Noughties" list. Catch Bill, Mavis and Allen live on stage, please see Bill Frisell Tour Dates >> Mavis Staples Tour Dates >> Allen Toussaint Tour Dates >>
We're thrilled to announce that Rosebud Artists received 10 Grammy nominations for this year's awards taking place on January 31, 2010 in Los Angeles. Artists honored with nominations include Mavis Staples' Live: Hope At The Hideout nominated for Best Contemporary Blues Album. Please see the full entry >> Rosebud has been fortunate in that generally our artists score between 4 and 6 Grammy nominations every year but 10 is definitely a new record and we are Thrilled, especially considering the fact that Rosebud artists only released 14 eligible CDs this past year. Congratulations to all the nominees!
Rosebud Artists could be found performing in a wide variety of formats during the 40th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (April 24 - May 3). Mavis Staples also showcased the breadth of her talent with three separate shows for the festival beginning with a moving tribute to Mahalia Jackson on the first day of the festival. This was followed two days later with her own SRO performance at the Gospel Tent and the next morning with a Gospel workshop for the community at Tulane University..... read full story >>
Mavis Staples both opened and closed a night of music to celebrate the 25th anniversary of WTTW-TV's "Chicago Tonight" at the Harris Theater in Chicago, IL on April 17, 2009. Her second set included two songs with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins. According to SmashingPumpkins.com, “Corgan accompanied Staples on a cover of “For What It’s Worth” as well as the Staples Singers’ classic “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” While Corgan’s vocals never overpowered Staples’, it was hardly a surprise, as the soul songstress’ celebratory energy and booming voice overtook almost every element of her performance. Rather, Corgan danced in place and sang along to the classic selections, all the while sporting an impossible to miss grin, clearly relishing the opportunity to perform alongside a true musical legend…Corgan and Staples walked off stage, first hand in hand then arms around each other, displaying an unmistakable musical respect and affinity for each others massively disparate approaches.” You can catch Mavis Staples at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival this weekend or on tour throughout 2009 - see tour dates >>
Rosebud Artists, Mavis Staples, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Staple Singers and the late John Lee Hooker are featured in the recently released 3 CD set Let Freedom Sing! The Music of the Civil Rights Movement. Highlights include the songs "Free At Last" by The Blind Boys of Alabama, "Down In Mississippi" by Mavis Staples, "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)?" by The Staples Singers and "The Motor City Is Burning" by the late John Lee Hooker. The collection documents music important to the civil rights movement, released from 1939 up through today. "You get the heart, the soul, the sentiment and the struggle of a people," says Public Enemy's Chuck D, a consultant on the project, who also wrote the introduction for the liner notes. A companion documentary DVD originally broadcast on PBS will be released June 2, 2009. Please check the song tracks and video clips at: letfreedomsing.us and imeem.com/letfreedomsing
Rosebud Artists captured 5+ Grammy nominations for the upcoming 51st Grammy Awards. Artists were honored in the following categories. Best Contemporary Blues Album - Marcia Ball's Peace, Love and BBQ Best Zydeco Or Cajun Music Album - BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet for Live At The 2008 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival as well as Michael Doucet’s own From Now On Best Traditional Gospel Album - The Blind Boys of Alabama for their Down In New Orleans CD which also features Rosebud artist and New Orleans legend, Allen Toussaint Best Jazz Instrumental Album - Bill Frisell’s History, Mystery. Best Long Form Music Video category, Respect Yourself - The Stax Records Story featuring Mavis Staples and Booker T Jones (and named after The Staple Singers’ hit) also scored a nomination. Our heartiest Congratulations and sincere Best of Luck to all the nominees.
Three Rosebud artists were featured in Rolling Stone's special on the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" in their November 27, 2009 issue. Mavis Staples was chosen as #56. The late and legendary Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker were also recognized at #53 and #81 respectively. Both were Rosebud artists until the end of their careers. The tribute to Muddy Waters was written by former Rosebud artist Ben Harper ("His voice really pierced me in a way that wouldn't let go"). The tribute to John Lee Hooker was written by Bonnie Raitt ("I was just swept away by the power of his voice") in a nearly full page prelude to the article in the magazine's opening pages. The article also quotes Bob Dylan as saying of Mavis Staples's singing, "That just made my hair stand up, listening to that." Also featured in the issue is a tribute to Otis Redding (#8) written by Rosebud artist Booker T. Jones. Booker, with The MGs performed on Otis Redding's biggest hits while at Stax Records. Catch Mavis Staples on tour this winter >>
Mavis Staples will release her first live solo CD Live: Hope At The Hideout on election day - November 4, 2008. The album was recorded in Mavis’ hometown of Chicago last June at The Hideout, Chi-Town’s renowned stronghold of alt country and purist rock and roll. The audience who packed the sold-out club were blessed with a riveting musical statement as Mavis, backed by her fiery three-piece band and three backup singers, put on a rousing musical tour de force captured live for the rest of us. It’s also fitting that Mavis' record will come out the same day that one of the most momentous elections in U.S history will be decided. Mavis’ dedication to social justice and freedom spans over 40 years of modern history as her voice became a living soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's with The Staple Singers, and in 2007 she won an Americana Music Association "Spirit of Americana" Free Speech Award created to honor artists who have incited discussion and worked against the status quo through their music and their actions. To download a free track from the CD (“We Shall Not Be Moved”), as well as read more about Live: Hope At The Hideout please go to: http://www.anti.com/artists/view/44 To see Mavis Staples on tour, please see tour dates >>
The annual Rhythms Magazine Readers Poll named Mavis Staples’ Ry Cooder produced, We'll Never Turn Back as Album of the Year and John Hammond’s Push Comes To Shove as International Blues Album of the Year. This is Staples’ first Rhythms Magazine Readers Poll Award and Hammond’s third, having also been honored in the same category for 2005’s In Your Arms Again and for Blues Album of the Year with 2003’s Ready For Love. Both Mavis Staples and John Hammond will be touring worldwide throughout 2008. - see tour dates >>
On February 5, Blue Note Records will release My Blueberry Nights, music from the new film by director Wong Kar Wai (2046, Happy Together, In The Mood For Love). Mavis Staples’ driving rendition of “Eyes On The Prize”, produced by Ry Cooder, is featured on the soundtrack, along with songs from Norah Jones, Cat Power, Otis Redding and Ruth Brown. My Blueberry Nights is the first-ever English film by the acclaimed Hong Kong director and stars Norah Jones in her acting debut for this romantic drama set as an American road movie. In addition to Jones, the cast features Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman and David Strathairn. My Blueberry Nights is set for nationwide release on February 13, 2008. Mavis Staples will be touring heavily worldwide throughout 2008. - see tour dates >>
Rosebud artists Bettye LaVette and Mavis Staples scored spots in the top 35 of Village Voice's annual "Pazz & Jop Poll" for LaVette’s Scene Of The Crime and Staples’ We'll Never Turn Back. The annual poll combines ballots from 577 critics’ Top 10 lists to acknowledge the best albums of 2007. Additional Rosebud artists whose CDs were honored were Bill Frisell (for his work with Floratone and with Paul Motian and Joe Lovano) Loudon Wainwright III, Meshell Ndegeocello, Ruthie Foster, Pieta Brown, Ann Savoy and the late Muddy Waters. Compilations that featured Rosebud artists were Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur (Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars), Goin Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino (Allen Toussaint, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Trombone Shorty and Marcia Ball) and Song Of America (The Blind Boys of Alabama and Bettye LaVette). See the full list of albums at: Village Voice's annual "Pazz & Jop Poll" >>
Amazon.com has released their annual picks for Best Music of the Year and Rosebud artists Bettye LaVette, Mavis Staples, John Hammond, Loudon Wainwright III and Bill Frisell are among those honored. Bettye LaVette's The Scene of the Crime was recognized as the #2 CD of the year in the R&B category, while Mavis Staples' We'll Never Turn Back (produced by Ry Cooder) was selected as the #5 CD of the year in the Gospel category. Mavis also makes an appearance with her family The Staple Singers on the #3 R&B CD of the Year The Stax 50th Anniversary Collection, which also features songs by Rosebud artist Booker T. Jones (of Booker T. & the MG's). Loudon Wainwright III's Strange Weirdos: Music From and Inspired by the Film Knocked Up was named the fifth Best Soundtrack of the year. And John Hammond's Push Comes To Shove and Richard Thompson's Sweet Warrior (Rosebud is booking Richard's 1000 Years Of Popular Music tour) made the Top Ten lists in the Blues and Folk categories, respectively. Bill Frisell's studio project Floratone (featuring Lee Townsend, Matt Chamberlain and Tucker Martine) was named the #5 Jazz CD of the year. Congratulations to all. To purchase the CDs and help support Music In Schools Today at no extra cost, please click here. Amazon.com: Best Music of the Year 2007 >>
The North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance (Folk Alliance) will honor gospel/soul legend Mavis Staples with a 2008 Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Award (LAAward). The award is given annually to those individuals or organizations who have inspired others, achieved definitive leadership in their field and contributed to the advancement of the performing folk arts. Also being honored with a 2008 LAAward is the late old-time fiddler/banjo player Tommy Jarrell, as well as Rounder Records. The awards will be presented at the Folk Awards Show Feb. 20, 2008 in Memphis, TN.
The Staple Singers Christmas album, The 25th Day of December, will be available once again this holiday season on Riverside Records through Concord Music Group. Reissued for the first time since its release in 1962, The 25th Day of December includes 12 holiday classics and traditional spirituals as well as an original by Pops Staples entitled "There Was A Star." Rosebud represented The Staple Singers and Pops Staples for the final portion of their careers and still represents Mavis Staples, who will continue touring extensively worldwide in support of her current CD, We'll Never Turn Back.
PBS will broadcast Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story as part of its Great Performances series Wednesday, August 1. The program, narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, details the history of the legendary Memphis soul label, with appearances from Rosebud artists Booker T. Jones and Mavis Staples as well as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Wilson Pickett and more. Booker T. & The MG's served as the house band for Stax, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary and relaunch this year. A web companion to Respect Yourself will launch July 25 at PBS Great Performance website. Please check local television listings for airtimes. Watch preview of "Respect Yourself" on YouTube,
Songs by Meshell Ndegeocello, Booker T. Jones, and The Staple Singers are featured in the film Talk To Me, the true life story of Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr., an ex-con who became one of Washington DC's most recognizable radio personalities in the 1960s. In a time of vibrant soul music and exploding social consciousness, Petey found a way to "tell it like it is." The soundtrack CD features Booker T. & the MGs' "Hip Hug-Her" and Meshell Ndegeocello's cover of Eugene McDaniels' jazz-soul protest song, "Compared to What," originally made famous by Les McCann and (charter Rosebud artist) Eddie Harris. Ndegeocello worked with the film's composer Terence Blanchard on "Compared to What," which is the only newly recorded song in the film. Talk To Me stars Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martin Sheen, Taraji P. Henson, Mike Epps and Cedric the Entertainer and is set for nationwide release on July 27, 2007.
Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will declare Juneteenth "Mavis Staples Day" in recognition of the Chicago singer’s legendary career and lifelong dedication to civil rights. Staples will accept the honor at a press conference in Chicago June 19, where she will also perform selections from her latest album, We’ll Never Turn Back. "For decades, Mavis Staples has been singing her heart out, using her extraordinary gift to bear witness to racial inequality and injustice," Quinn said. "As we commemorate Juneteenth, it is most appropriate to honor Ms. Staples for her courageous participation in the civil rights movement and for her continuing artistry, which inspires new generations to love music and freedom." CONGRATULATIONS MAVIS! Mavis Staples Day announcement >>
Mavis Staples has several national television performances upcoming to support the release of her new CD We'll Never Turn Back including the Tonight Show with Jay Leno (April 25), The Tavis Smiley Show (April 26) the Late Show with David Letterman (May 16), The Today Show and NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams (both airing the week of June 4). Mavis can also be seen on tour throughout 2007 including performances at Bonnaroo, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, High Sierra Music Festival and more - see tour dates>>
Mavis Staples will be featured at the 38th NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles at the Shrine Auditorium which air live on Friday, March 2 (8:00 p.m. Live ET/tape-delayed PT) on FOX-TV. The NAACP Image Awards honor projects and individuals that promote diversity in the arts in television, recording, literature and motion pictures. The awards this year will be hosted by LL Cool J and 2007 honorees include Bill Cosby, Bono and Soledad O’Brien. Mavis will be performing the song, "On My Way", from her forthcoming Anti Records CD, We'll Never Turn Back. The new CD is produced by Ry Cooder (who plays on the entire CD) and is set for release on April 24, 2007. More info is available at NAACP Image Awards site.
Soul/gospel legend Mavis Staples recently completed work on her new CD We'll Never Turn Back produced by Ry Cooder and set for release April 24, 2007 on Anti- Records. Ry also plays on the record which features backing from the original Freedom Singers, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and others. The CD started off as an homage to a period in which everyday citizens exhibited incredible bravery and, in the process, wrought incredible changes to American society. It ended up being a deeply personal account of Mavis' life from childhood days, through the Civil Rights era and on up to her current anger and indignation over the fact that many Americans are still treated as second class citizens. We'll Never Turn Back combines raw, emotional, contemporized versions of some of the freedom songs that provided the soundtrack to the civil rights movement of the 1950s/60s, along with other traditional songs, and new originals written by Mavis and Ry. To read the full press release, click here>>
Rosebud Artists scored 14 nominations this year for the Blues Music Awards, formerly known as the W.C. Handy Awards. Charlie Musselwhite is nominated for 5 awards, including Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Traditional Blues Album of the Year (Delta Hardware), Song of the Year ("Church is Out") and his perennial nomination for Best Instrumentalist- Harmonica. Bettye LaVette is honored with two nominations for Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year (her fourth year in a row), as well as a nod for the top honor of the evening - B.B. King Entertainer of the Year. Marcia Ball also earned two nominations for the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year (4th consecutive nomination) and Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year. Duke Robillard received a nomination for Best Instrumentalist - Guitar and his saxophone player, Doug James, receives one as well for Best Instrumentalist - Horn. Mavis Staples is nominated for the fourth year in a row for Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year. Former Rosebud artist, the late Ruth Brown is nominated for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year and the late John Lee Hooker's just released box set, Hooker (on Shout! Factory), has been nominated for Historical Album of the Year. Rosebud owner/founder, Mike Kappus, coordinated 16 of the original featured recordings in the package. The Blues Music Awards ceremony and concert will be held May 10, 2007 at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis. For more information, please go to Blues Music Awards Information >>
Mavis Staples is featured on Aaron Neville's "Bring It On Home - The Soul Classics," just released on Burgundy Records. The new album is a collection of 13 of Aaron's favorite soul songs. A former Rosebud artist as a member of The Neville Brothers, Aaron recruited current Rosebud artist Mavis Staples to join him on the classic track "Respect Yourself." Other guests on the album include Art Neville, David Sanborn, Chaka Khan and Chris Botti.
Rosebud artists, the late Muddy Waters and The Staple Singers are featured on Mojo Magazine's "The Roots of Bob Dylan". The CD, included with the September 2006 issue, is a compilation of music that helped shape Dylan's "world view and his music." The album features "Rollin Stone" by Muddy Waters (which also inspired the name of the legendary rock group). Also included is The Staple Singers, "Uncloudy Day", which Bob also played on his radio show recently. Bob Dylan has connections to other Rosebud artists as well including the late John Lee Hooker who Dylan opened for in his New York City debut and whose friendship lasted for decades after. John Hammond and Bob were also good friends going all the way back to the days prior to John's father signing Bob to his first record deal with Columbia. And Mavis Staples and Bob, also long time friends, were nominated for a Grammy in 2003 for their duet "Gotta Change My Way of Thinking." Other collaborations by Rosebud artists on stage or record include work with Bob and Rosebud artists Booker T. Jones, David Lindley and Duke Robillard.
Mavis Staples is one of just eleven artists to be awarded the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship this year by The National Endowment for the Arts. The award is the country's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. Awardees are chosen for their artistic excellence, cultural authenticity and contributions to their field. The Fellowship Award Ceremonies will be held in Washington D.C. in September 2006 and include a banquet at the Library of Congress, an awards presentation on Capitol Hill, and a concert at the Strathmore Center in Bethesda, MD. Mavis joins prior Heritage fellows such as B.B. King, Doc Watson and Rosebud artists including her father Roebuck 'Pops' Staples, Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil, The Blind Boys of Alabama and the late John Lee Hooker. This year also marks the first time that a daughter and father will have been honored individually with a fellowship.
The Blues Foundation announced their annual Blues Music Awards (formerly the W.C. Handy Awards) last night and, once again, Rosebud artists were well represented. Marica Ball was honored with her third award in as many years when she was named Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year. Mavis Staples was honored as Soul/Blues Female Artist of the year for the second year in a row. Charlie Musselwhite picked up the award for Best Instrumentalist-Harmonica for the 13th time in his career, bringing his total Blues Foundation awards to 19. The awards ceremony also featured Blues Music Award nominee and Rosebud artist Tommy Castro who performed along with Kim Wilson and Elvin Bishop. The Blues Music Awards are the highest honor in the blues world, an event often touted as the Grammys of the Blues. Thank you to the Blues Foundation, all the fans and congratulations to all the artists for another great year of keeping the blues alive.
Rosebud artists Bettye LaVette, Mavis Staples, and Booker T. Jones are featured on the new Starbucks compilation CD, I'll Take You There - Voices in Classic Soul. Mavis Staples kicks off the CD singing lead on The Staple Singers' hit recording and title track, "I'll Take You There. "Bettye LaVette is featured on her 1965 recording of "Let Me Down Easy" while Booker T. Jones leads Booker T and the MGs on one of their best known hits, "Time is Tight." Other soul legends featured on the CD include Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, and many more.
Starz InBlack will present the world premiere of the soulful blues concert "Blues Divas" during Black History Month on Sunday, Feb 5 at 9 pm et/pt. The film features musical performances by Rosebud artists, Bettye LaVette and Mavis Staples, as well as performances by Deborah Coleman, Irma Thomas, Odetta, Ann Peebles, Denise LaSalle and Renee Austin. The performers are also interviewed in the film by Oscar-winning actor and blues lover Morgan Freeman. "Blues Divas" was directed by noted music documentarian Robert Mugge ("Last of the Mississippi Jukes") and captures the soulful, passionate performances of these talented singers over a three-day weekend at Ground Zero in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the heartland of the blues. Catch Bettye LaVette and Mavis Staples on tour throughout 2006. See tour dates >>
Rosebud Artists scored 13 nominations for the Blues Music Awards, formerly known as the W.C. Handy Awards. Marcia Ball is tied for most nominated artist overall this year with four nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, and Piano Player of the Year. Tommy Castro makes his first appearance in the Blues Music Awards with nominations for both Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year for his album Soul Shaker. Bettye LaVette was honored with a nomination for Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year for the third year in a row, as well as a nod for Soul Blues Album of the Year for her album I've Got My Own Hell to Raise. Last year's big winners Mavis Staples and Charlie Musselwhite were nominated again for Soul Blues Female Artist of the Year and Instrumentalist - Harmonica, respectively. John Hammond's album, In Your Arms Again, was awarded a nomination for Best Acoustic Album of the Year. Robert Cray's song "Twenty" was honored with a nomination for Song of the Year and the late Muddy Waters rounds out the Rosebud Agency honors with a nomination for Historical Album of the Year for the Album Hoochie Coochie Man: The Complete Chess Recordings, Volume 2, 1952 - 1958.
Albums by Rosebud Artists Bill Frisell, Mavis Staples and Bettye LaVette were named in Downbeat Magazine's Best CDs of 2005 list. Bill Frisell, who was also named best guitarist in Downbeat's Readers and Critics Polls, was honored for both East/West and Unspeakable. Mavis Staples made the list with her album Have a Little Faith. Bettye LaVette was honored for her .album I've Got My Own Hell to Raise. Rosebud Artists Charlie Musselwhite and Mavis Staples Honored in Downbeat's Reader's Poll Rosebud artists Charlie Musselwhite and Mavis Staples both ranked among the top 5 vote getters in the Best Blues Album category in the Downbeat Reader's Poll (December 2005 issue). Charlie Musselwhite's album Sanctuary and Mavis Staples' Have A Little Faith were not only reader's favorites but both were honored in the same category in Downbeat's recent Critic's Poll. Charlie and Mavis were also the big winners in this year's W.C. Handy Blues awards.
Rosebud artists John Hammond, Booker T. Jones, Pop Staples and Muddy Waters are given their due on Mojo Magazine's CD, "The Roots of Hendrix: 15 Tracks That Inspired the Legend". The CD, which is included with the December issue, is a collection of music that helped shape one of the world’s most influential guitar players. The CD features "So Many Roads, So Many Trains" by John Hammond, "It’s Your Thing" from Booker T. and the M.G.s, "What’d I Say" by Steve Cropper, Pop Staples & Albert King, and Muddy Waters’ "Hoochie Coochie Man." Notes on the CD reference John Hammond's advice to Jimi after they became friends playing together in the East Village.
Duke Robillard and Mavis Staples have each been nominated in the category of International Artist of the Year in the 2005 Maple Blues Awards. Duke Robillard has dominated the category in recent years winning the award each year from 2001 through 2003. The awards are presented by The Toronto Blues Society. Online voting begins November 15th with winners to be announced January 16, 2006. For more information on the awards and voting, please visit Maple Blues Awards website.
Mavis Staples is featured on the All Star collaboration CD I Believe To My Soul available now at traditional retail stores and Starbucks Company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada. The project developed by songwriter, musician and producer Joe Henry brings together some of the greatest living artists of soul - Mavis Staples, Ann Peebles, Billy Preston, Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint – to create the CD. Mavis performs Curtis Mayfield’s gospel anthem "Keep on Pushing" and the Leadbelly standard "You Must Have That True Religion." She also appears with Billy Preston on "That’s Enough," a gospel song they both know from childhood. Catch Mavis Staples on tour throughout 2005 and an upcoming Spring 2006 tour with Taj Mahal - see tour dates.
Mavis Staples is featured in two upcoming PBS specials. In a newly filmed installment of the series "Soundstage," Mavis Staples shares the stage with Joss Stone. The two each give rousing solo performances and then finish off the show by joining forces for a duet of The Staple Singers' hit, "I’ll Take you There." Mavis is also featured in the new Martin Scorcese documentary, "No Direction Home", which chronicles the career of Bob Dylan from 1961-1966.
Mavis Staples and Charlie Musselwhite were both honored with awards in the July/August issue of Living Blues Magazine. Mavis Staples garnered awards for both Blues Artist of the Year (Female) and Comeback Artist of the Year in the Living Blues Critic's Poll. Charlie Musselwhite was named Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica) for the second year in a row in the Living Blues Reader's Poll."
Bill Frisell was voted Best Guitarist in the annual critics poll in the current issue (Aug 2005) of Downbeat magazine. Bill also ranks in several other categories including Best Jazz Artist, Best Composer, Best Arranger, Best Electric Group and Best Jazz Album for his 2005 Grammy winning CD Unspeakable. Individual musicians from Bill's various touring bands were also recognized as Jenny Scheinman was voted top Rising Star Violin and Sam Yahel was voted top Rising Star Organ. Brian Blade was also acknowledged in both the Best Drums and Rising Star Drums categories with Ron Miles ranking in Rising Star Trumpet. Rosebud artists Mavis Staples, Bettye LaVette, Charlie Musselwhite, The Blind Boys of Alabama and Duke Robillard also ranked among the best blues artists. Mavis Staples and Bettye LaVette were recognized in the Best Blues Artist and Rising Star Blues Artist categories, respectively. The Best Blues Album category acknowledged Charlie Musselwhite (Sanctuary), Mavis Staples (Have A Little Faith), Ben Harper and The Blind Boys of Alabama (There Will Be A Light) and Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl (The Duke Meets The Earl).
Mavis Staples Day Proclaimed in Chicago In an especially unique honor, the City of Chicago presented Mavis Staples with a proclamation declaring Sunday, June 12 “Mavis Staples Day” throughout Chicago. Later that evening, Mavis headlined the annual Chicago Blues Festival. This honor comes on the heels of her multi-award winning night at the W.C. Handy Awards for which Mavis won all three of her nominations, including "Blues Album of the Year" (for her acclaimed release "Have A Little Faith"), "Soul/Blues Album of the Year" and "Soul/Blues Artist, Female". And, of course, all of this comes in the wake of Mavis and her family winning a Lifetime Achievement Grammy at this year's Grammy awards where Mavis also performed. Be sure to catch Mavis Staples on tour throughout 2005 -- see tour dates >>.
The Blues Foundation announced the recipients of the 2005 W.C. Handy Blues Awards last night (May 5, 2005) in Memphis and Rosebud artists Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite and Marcia Ball received a total of eight awards. Mavis Staples and Charlie Musselwhite were the big winners of the night tying for the most awards for any artist with three awards each. Mavis won all three of her nominations, including "Blues Album of the Year" (for her acclaimed release "Have A Little Faith"), "Soul/Blues Album of the Year" and "Soul/Blues Artist, Female". A related fourth award went to the album's title track "Have A Little Faith", which picked up "Blues Song of the Year", a songwriters award for Jim Tullio and Jim Weider. Mavis' wins come on the heels of a Grammy-bestowed Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of The Staple Singers. Charlie Musselwhite took home three new awards as well to add to a Handy collection that now numbers 18. Charlie won for "Best Contemporary Blues Album" ("Sanctuary"), "Best Contemporary Male Blues Artist" and "Best Instrumentalist-Harmonica" (his 12th win in the category). Marcia Ball, "Contemporary Blues Album of the Year" winner in 2004, took home the Handy for "Best Instrumentalist-Keyboards". The Handys are the highest honor in the blues world, an event often touted as the Grammys of the Blues. Thank you to the Blues Foundation, all the fans and congratulations to all the artists for another great year of keeping the blues alive.
Mavis Staples has been nominated for four Living Blues Awards including "Best Blues Album", "Blues Artist of the Year (Female)", "Most Outstanding Blues Singer" and "Best Live Performer". Mavis has been nominated in every category for which she is able to qualify and her four nominations are the most among any artist. Charlie Musselwhite has been nominated for three awards as well including "Best Blues Album", "Blues Artist of the Year (Male)" and "Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica)". Nominations were taken from a polling of Living Blues critics and ballots can be found in the March/April 2005 issue of Living Blues magazine. Both Mavis and Charlie will be on tour throughout 2005 -- see tour dates >>.
Mavis Staples has just been confirmed to perform on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Valentine's Day, Monday, February 14, 2005. Mavis can also be seen performing on the Grammys telecast on Sunday, February 13 with Kanye West, The Blind Boys of Alabama and John Legend. Performing in front of a national television audience on back to back nights is a rare opportunity for any artist and is a credit to Mavis' incredible talent and continued relevance in contemporary music. Mavis will be performing around the globe throughout 2005 - see tour dates.
Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama will perform on the 47th annual Grammy Awards telecast at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 13. Performing with Mavis and the Blind Boys will be multiple-nominee Kanye West and R&B newcomer John Legend. Staples, as a member of The Staple Singers, is also being honored this year with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance for her collaboration with Dr. John on the song "Lay My Burden Down," from Dr. John’s "N’awlinz Dis Dat Or D’udda," and is the featured artist performing "Hard Times Come Again No More" from the album "Beautiful Dreamer - The Songs of Stephen Foster" which has been nominated for Best Traditional Folk Album. The Blind Boys Of Alabama are nominated for both Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for their collaboration with Ben Harper on "There Will Be a Light" and for Best Gospel Performance for the title track from that album. Catch Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama on tour throughout 2005 -- see tour dates.
Honors Pour In For Mavis Staples, New CD, Staple Singers
Grammys to Honor Staple Singers with Lifetime Achievement Award
5 Rosebud Artists Honored With 12 W.C. Handy Blues Awards Nominations
The W.C. Handy Awards will take place on May 5, 2005 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN. For more information go to blues.org >>
Rosebud Agency Artists Receive / Collaborators in 8 Grammy Nominations
The Grammy Awards will be held on February 15, 2005. more info at Grammy.com >>
Mavis Staples in Rolling Stone and on WBEZ's Eight Forty-Eight
Listen WBEZ Eight Forty-Eight interview >>
Mavis Staples to appear on NPR's Tavis Smiley Show and NBC-TV's Conan O'Brien
Mavis Staples Set to Release First Solo CD in 10 Years & More
"Have A Little Faith" at amazon.com >>
Mavis Staples to Perform At Democratic National Convention
Rosebud Agency Artists Score Grammy Nominations in Pop, Blues and Gospel Categories
Also, Jay McShann's "Going To Kansas City" (featuring Rosebud artist and previous McShann producer, Duke Robillard, on guitar) was nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album. Deceased long-time Rosebud Agency artists Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Willie Dixon are featured in "The American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1966, Volume 1" which was nominated for Best Long Form Music Video. Also nominated in this same category is Muddy Waters who is, of course, the focus of "Muddy Waters, Can't Be Satisfied". A number of artists featured on the Earthjustice benefit CD "Where We Live - Stand For What You Stand On" compiled by Rosebud founder, Mike Kappus, were also among the nominees. Earthjustice contributors Ry Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Waits, Willie Nelson, Norah Jones, and Bob Dylan were all nominated in a variety of categories. The Grammys will be awarded February 8 in Los Angeles.
Mavis Staples and Booker T. Jones on PBS Special August 9
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YearOfTheBlues.com: Salute To The Blues Photo Gallary >>
Mavis Staples Featured on Johnny Cash Blues Tribute Album
"Johnny's Blues: A Tribute To Johnny Cash" at Amazon.com >> • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • The Blind Boys of Alabama and Mavis Staples Included Among Mojo Magazine's Top Ten Essential Gospel Albums
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Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers (ticket purchase available) >> • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • Mavis Staples and Bob Dylan Duet on Rolling Stone's Hot List
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"Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan" at Amazon.com >> Rosebud Artists Featured In Radio City "Salute To The Blues" Concert
YearOfTheBlues.org: Salute to the Blues >> • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • •
Mavis Staples has been selected to receive the 2003 Chicago African American History Makers Award. The ceremony will take place on February 15 at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago. The award salutes African American Chicagoans who have made outstanding contributions to society through their professions and civic responsibilities. Honorees are also inducted into the Museum’s "Chicago History Makers Gallery of Greats". Mavis Staples To Perform at Illinois Governor-Elect Inaugural Ceremony Mavis Staples will perform "The National Anthem" and "America The Beautiful" at the Inaugural Ceremony for Illinois Governor-Elect Rod R. Blagojevich. Democratic Governor-Elect Blagojevich succeeds 25 years of Republican leadership in Illinois. The ceremony will be held at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield, IL on January 13, 2003. • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • •
Booker T & The MGs and Mavis Staples are featured in a 2 page spread on Stax Records in the November Music issue of Vanity Fair magazine. International events highlighted for November include Loudon Wainwright’s November 30 performance in Skokie, IL.
Mavis Staples can be heard singing lead on the Staple Singers’ "I’ll Take You There", which closes the current hit film "Barber Shop". John Hammond’s "Get Behind The Mule" is also in the film "The Last Castle" starring Robert Redford and James Gandolfini. • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •#149;• •nbsp;• •#149; • • •
Mavis Staples received a standing ovation for her performance of Chuck Berry’s “Livin’ In the USA” as she capped BMI’s 50th Annual Pop Music Awards black-tie dinner honoring Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Little Richard on May 14, 2002, in Beverly Hills. Other performers included George Thorogood, Jonny Lang and Ivan Neville. Mavis Staples will be touring through the end of the year with both her “Tribute to Mahalia Jackson” and with The Staple Swingers performing the hits of The Staple Singers.
Mavis Staples was named one of the phenomenal women of the year at Chicago's Expo for Today's Black Woman on April 5. Mavis represented the entertainment category. Previous honorees include Cicely Tyson, Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou.
Bonnie Raitt celebrated her second encore at the Chicago Theatre April 4 by bringing Mavis Staples to the stage to join her in singing the Staple Singers hit, "I'll Take You There" . Bonnie is a dear friend of the Staples family and co-produced and sang on a track on Pops Staples' Peace To The Neighborhood CD.
The April 12th issue of Entertainment Weekly reported that Mavis Staples has recorded a rare duet with Bob Dylan for an upcoming spiritual tribute album. Both parties were reluctant to divulge details so we’ll follow their xample. The feature was accompanied by a caricature of Bob and Mavis holding hands. Watch for Mavis to add a number of dates this summer performing her gospel show, ‘A Tribute to Mahalia Jackson.’
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Bill Frisell, Mavis Staples, Allen Toussaint CDs Recognized Among Best of the 2000's by Downbeat Magazine - Frisell #2 Jazz CD of the Decade Per London Times
10 Grammy Nominations for Rosebud Artists! 
Rosebud Artists Everywhere At New Orleans Jazz Fest
Mavis Staples, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Staple Singers and The Late John Lee Hooker Featured On Civil Rights Box Set
Rosebud Artists Score 5+ Grammy Nominations
Three Rosebud Artists Among Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Singers of All Time"
Mavis Staples New CD Live: Hope at the Hideout Out November 4
Mavis Staples and John Hammond Honored With Top Album Awards In Australia's Rhythms Magazine 2007 Readers Poll
Mavis Staples' "Eyes on the Prize" Featured In Soundtrack For Wong Kar Wai's My Blueberry Nights
Bettye LaVette, Mavis Staples And More Rosebud Artists Recognized In Village Voice Pazz & Jop Poll
Rosebud Artists Honored on Amazon's Best Music of 2007"
Folk Alliance Honors Mavis Staples
Staple Singers 1962 Christmas Album Reissued
Booker T. Jones, Mavis Staples Featured On PBS' Great Performances
Film Talk To Me Features Songs By Rosebud Artists Meshell Ndegeocello, Booker T. Jones & The Staple Singers
Illinois Lt. Governor Declares Mavis Staples Day
Mavis Staples On Jay Leno, David Letterman, Today Show & More
Mavis Staples Featured On Televised NAACP Image Awards / New CD
Mavis Staples to Release New CD Produced by Ry Cooder in April 2007
Rosebud Artists Score Combined 14 Blues Music Award Nominations
Mavis Staples featured on Aaron Neville's new album "Bring It On Home - The Soul Classics"
Muddy Waters and The Staple Singers Featured on Mojo's "The Roots of Bob Dylan"
Mavis Staples receives 2006 NEA National Heritage Fellowship
Rosebud Artists Triumph At Blues Music Awards
Rosebud Artists Bettye LaVette, Mavis Staples and Booker T. Jones featured on Starbucks compilation CD, "I'll Take You There - Voices in Classic Soul"
Starz InBlack to Present the World Premiere of "Blues Divas" Featuring Bettye LaVette and Mavis Staples
Rosebud Artists Score Combined 13 Blues Music Award nominations• - Marcia Ball, Tommy Castro, Bettye LaVette, Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite, John Hammond, Robert Cray and Muddy Waters Named
Bill Frisell, Mavis Staples and Bettye LaVette Named Among Best CDs of 2005 by Downbeat Magazine
John Hammond, Booker T. Jones, Pop Staples and Muddy Waters Featured On Mojo Magazine CD of Hendrix Influences
Duke Robillard and Mavis Staples Nominated In Canada's Maple Blues Awards
Mavis Staples Featured on All Star Collaboration CD "I Believe To My Soul"
Mavis Staples Featured in Soundstage Appearance with Joss Stone and in Martin Scorcese’s Bob Dylan Documentary
Mavis Staples and Charlie Musselwhite Win Living Blues Awards
Bill Frisell and other Rosebud Artists Honored in Downbeat Critics Poll
Rosebud Artists Win Big at 2005 W.C. Handy Awards
Mavis Staples and Charlie Musselwhite Lead Living Blues Award Nominations
Mavis Staples On Jay Leno February 14!
Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama to Perform at Grammys
The honors keep pouring in for Mavis Staples' Alligator debut, 
The current issue of 
Mavis Staples, whose new Alligator Records CD 
Fresh off her performance at the Democratic National Convention Mavis Staples is set to release her first solo CD in 10 years, 
Mavis Staples will sing "America The Beautiful" to open the prime time session of the 
Once again this year, Rosebud artists have been nominated for 
Mavis Staples and 
Mavis Staples is featured on the upcoming Northern Blues CD 
Mavis Staples has been invited to tour with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers on their 2003 US summer tour! The tour starts June 26 in Sioux Falls and runs through August 26 in New Orleans. In addition to the Petty tour, Mavis will be performing at various music festivals and fine art centers throughout 2003. - 
Rolling Stone editors selected Mavis Staples & Bob Dylan's "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking" for their Hot List in the May 1, 2003 issue. The Hot List is Rolling Stone editors' favorite albums, singles and videos featured in each issue. Rolling Stone noted "Dylan and the gospel queen duet and trade jokes on a front-porch remake of the 1979 track" and called the song "the highlight of the new Gotta Serve Somebody Dylan gospel tribute". Look for Mavis performing at festivals across the country in 2003 - 
Mavis Staples and Bob Dylan are featured singing a duet entitled "Gonna Change My Way of Thinking" to be included on the forthcoming CD, 
Rosebud artists Robert Cray, Mavis Staples, 
Rosebuds Booker T. & The MGs, Mavis Staples, and Loudon Wainwright III featured in Vanity Fair Music Issue
Staples / Hammond Songs In the Films "Barber Shop" and "The Last Castle"
Mavis Staples Caps BMI Tribute to Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley and Little Richard
Mavis Staples Named Phenomenal Woman Of The Year
Mavis Staples Joins Bonnie Raitt At Chicago Theatre
Mavis Staples/Bob Dylan duet noted in Entertainment Weekly