May 12, 2021 1:53PM ET - Rolling Stone Staple Singers Co-Founder Pervis Staples Dead at 85
“He was one of the good guys and will live on as a true Chicago legend,” said sister Mavis Staples By Jon Blistein https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/pervis-staples-staple-singers-dead-obituary-1168693/ (clockwise from top left): Mavis Staples, Pervis Staples, Cleotha Staples, and Roebuck 'Pops' Staples pose for a publicity shot circa 1965. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1NPQpnWYAEkMR9.jpg
Pervis Staples, a co-founding member of the legendary gospel group the Staple Singers, died May 6th at his home in Dolton, Illinois. He was 85.
Staples’ death was announced May 12th, with Adam Ayers, a member of Mavis Staples’ management team, confirming his death. A cause was not given. Funeral services will be held on May 17th in Chicago.
Mavis Staples said in a statement, “Pervis was one of a kind ? comical and downright fly. He would want to be remembered as an upright man, always willing to help and encourage others. He was one of the good guys and will live on as a true Chicago legend.”
Pervis Staples was born in November 1935 in Drew, Mississippi, although the family later moved to Chicago. Along with his siblings, Pervis learned gospel music from his father, Roebuck “Pop” Staples, and soon the family was cutting records for a local label, Untied Records. The Staple Singers later signed with Vee Jay Records, which released their earliest hits, like “Uncloudy Day” and a rendition of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
In the group, Pervis sang tenor, backing up Pop alongside Mavis and Cleotha. Early on, many assumed Pervis was the one hitting the low notes on the tunes, although it was actually Mavis.
