American music magazine Rolling Stone called her the most underestimated diva of the last century. No understatement, because since the 1950s, Mavis Staples has been one of the world's best gospel and blues singers. The 71-year-old vocalist began her long career in The Staple Singers, together with her father and sisters. The family group scored top hits with songs like I'll Take You There and Respect Yourself. Staples went solo in the late sixties, though that didn't mark the end of her musical collaborations. She has worked with such artists as Ray Charles, Dr. John, Alison Krauss, Prince and Bob Dylan, among others. Although the American with her beautiful, deep voice was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award back in 2005, it was only this spring that she won her first Grammy for the album You Are Not Alone produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy.
