Roebuck "Pops" Staples

Birthday: Dec 28, 1915

Bio: Inspired to use his unique gift as a talented songwriter in support of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s battle for civil rights, Staples Singers founder and father Roebuck "Pops" Staples abandoned the reliable stockyards of Chicago for a challenging career that would ultimately see him the patriarch of some of the most memorable soul hits of the 1970s. Developing his… More Bio: Inspired to use his unique gift as a talented songwriter in support of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s battle for civil rights, Staples Singers founder and father Roebuck "Pops" Staples abandoned the reliable stockyards of Chicago for a challenging career that would ultimately see him the patriarch of some of the most memorable soul hits of the 1970s. Developing his musical talents in singing and guitar, the Winona, MA, native successfully transformed the Staple Singers from gospel group to soulful serenaders, penning such catchy and positive tunes as "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There." As much in tune with creating catchy music as he was with his desire for harmony among people, Staples won a Grammy for his 1994 album Father Father (which he released at the remarkable age of 80), as well as winning a coveted spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in the year 2000. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi