蜜芽传媒

Mavis Staples is probably the most renowned and highly regarded American rhythm and blues and gospel singer you've never heard of. And - if you have heard of her - you'll probably agree that more people should. Born in 1939, Mavis joined her family group, The Staples Singers, founded by her father "Pop Staples", when she was a child, aged 10. They toured throughout the south of the United States and built quite a reputation.

Today, Mavis Staples, is still touring more than sixty years after she started performing and there's a new documentary out about her career and how she and The Staple Singers provided much of the background soundtrack to the US civil rights movement of the 1960s. Weekend has been hearing from the film's director, Jessica Edwards.

(Photo: Mavis Staples performing. Credit: Miikka Skaffari/Film First Co)