Mavis Staples’ Emotional History [INTERVIEW]

One of America's greatest music critics, Greg Kot, takes us deep into the fascinating and inspiring life of one of our nation's most important singers, Mavis Staples. I'll Take You There: Mavis Staples, the Staples Singers, and the Music that Shaped the Civil Rights Era is a book that chronicles the amazing story of a gospel-soul singing family that went from the turbulent South to the turbulent North and on to worldwide fame.

In this inspiring and authorized biography of Mavis Staples, acclaimed music journalist and author Greg Kot has written an engrossing history of this extraordinary woman and family and how their music became the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Era.

The Staples family and their gospel-infused music was a direct source of inspiration to Martin Luther King, Jr., as they performed beside him at rallies in churches and auditoriums, essentially serving as his opening act.

Mr. Kot's brilliant skills recreate a true to life story of Mavis Staples - her songs, faith, family and her ability to overcome poverty and racism to fashion a rich legacy in popular music! Greg Kot gets credit for 'taking us there' in this revelatory biography. Enjoy our radio chat.