The Staples Jr. Singers

Biography

The Staples Jr. Singers are a family gospel-soul group from Aberdeen, Mississippi, founded in the late 1960s by the Brown siblings—Edward, Annie, and R.C.—when they were still teenagers. Raised in a family of ten children, the Browns began performing together in 1971, inspired by the era’s gospel and soul movements and the social changes sweeping the American South. Their parents, seeking community and solace in the church during a time of ongoing racial tension, encouraged their children’s musical pursuits, which soon became a source of hope and expression for the family and their community.

The group quickly became a fixture on the Southern gospel circuit, performing at schools, churches, and community events, often playing multiple shows in a single day. Their sound—rooted in gospel but infused with the funk and soul grooves of the 1970s—drew comparisons to their idols, The Staple Singers, and earned them the nickname 'Staples Jr. Singers' from local audiences. In 1975, they recorded their debut album, 'When Do We Get Paid,' a raw and heartfelt collection that reflected both their musical influences and the social realities of their upbringing. After decades of performing and a long hiatus from recording, the group returned to the studio in 2023 to record their second album, 'Searching,' marking a new chapter for the Browns, who now perform with younger generations of their family.

The Staples Jr. Singers’ music is celebrated for its blend of classic soul, gospel, and R&B, with lyrics that address themes of faith, perseverance, and social justice. Their legacy endures not only through their recordings but also through their ongoing performances and the continued involvement of their children and grandchildren, ensuring that their unique sound and message resonate with new audiences.

Fun Facts

• The Staples Jr. Singers were not related to The Staple Singers, despite their name; the moniker was given to them by local fans due to their similar sound and youthful energy.
• Their debut album, 'When Do We Get Paid,' was recorded when the siblings were still teenagers and has become a sought-after collector’s item among soul and gospel enthusiasts.
• After a nearly 50-year hiatus from recording, the group reunited in 2023 to record their second album, 'Searching,' with three generations of Browns participating in the sessions.
• During the 1970s, the group would often perform up to three shows a day, traveling across the South in their family van, sometimes immediately after church services.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Staple Singers - Primary musical inspiration; the Jr. Singers named themselves after this iconic gospel-soul group, whose crossover sound and social consciousness deeply influenced their style. (General inspiration, especially the soul-gospel fusion of the 1970s) [1970s]
• Brown family matriarch (mother) - Introduced the siblings to gospel music, exposing them to a wide range of groups and styles from an early age. (Family gospel repertoire and early performances) [1960s–1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Edward Brown - Founding member, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist; continues to perform and record with the group. (When Do We Get Paid, Searching) [1971–present]
• R.C. Brown - Founding member, vocalist, guitarist; continues to perform and record with the group. (When Do We Get Paid, Searching) [1971–present]
• Annie Brown Caldwell - Founding member and lead vocalist; continues to perform and record with the group. (When Do We Get Paid, Searching) [1971–present]
• Troy Brown - Edward's son, backing vocalist in recent recordings and live performances. (Searching) [2023–present]
• Gary Brown - R.C.'s son, bassist in recent recordings and live performances. (Searching) [2023–present]
• Jaylin Brown - R.C.'s grandson, drummer in recent recordings and live performances. (Searching) [2023–present]
• Ahmed Abdullahi Gallab - Producer of the 2023 album 'Searching.' (Searching) [2023]
• Albert DiFiore - Engineer for the 2023 album 'Searching.' (Searching) [2023]

Artists Influenced

• Regional gospel and soul musicians - Inspired by the Staples Jr. Singers’ blend of gospel and soul, as well as their perseverance and family-based approach. (Live performances and community influence in the Southern gospel circuit) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I'll Take You There
2. Respect Yourself
3. The Weight (Soul Folk In Action)
4. The Last Waltz Suite: The Weight (feat. The Staples) (The Last Waltz (Deluxe Version))
5. Let's Do It Again (Let's Do It Again Original Sound Track)
6. If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) (Be What You Are (Reissue))
7. Let's Do It Again (Faith And Grace: A Family Journey 1953-1976)
8. I'll Take You There (Be Altitude: Respect Yourself [Stax Remasters])
9. I'll Take You There
10. Respect Yourself (Be Altitude: Respect Yourself [Stax Remasters])

External Links

• Spotify