Reprinted from http://jazzwax.com
I've always loved the Staple Singers' Respect Yourself. Released in 1971, the message song has a gentle urgency, with an undulating groove and lyrics that urge all Americans to behave in a more civilized and dignified manner. Best of all, the Staples pulled this off without sounding preachy. Of particular note is how Mavis Staples sings her part, with an articulation that's half church, half street. The overall arrangement is perfect, particularly the rhythm track by the Swampers, the legendary house quartet at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.
In my "Anatomy of a Song" column in this week's Wall Street Journal, I interview Mavis (above) and Stax executive and the song's producer Al Bell (below) about how Respect Yourself was conceived, arranged and recorded, providing the story behind the song's earthy evolution (go here).
Here's Pops, Mavis and Cleotha at Wattstax in August 1972...
Here are the Staples on Soul Train...
How great was Mavis early on? Pretty great. Here's easily one of my favorite versions of A House Is Not a Home off of Mavis's 1970 album, Only for the Lonely...
Used with permission by Marc Myers
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