NOVEMBER 2011: Mavis Staples To Perform On VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul Premiering December 19, 2011 - Honoring The Great Cities Of Soul Music
Mavis Staples will perform on VH1's Divas Celebrate Soul at New York City's Hammerstein Ballroom to pay tribute to the great cities of soul music - Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia. VH1's Divas Celebrate Soul premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1. Joining Mavis on the show are Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle and Travie McCoy.
"Celebrating the soul music borne out of some of the world's greatest cities being performed by today's top artists with the iconic legends that put soul music on the map prove this year's 'Divas' will be a must-see event," said Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic.
Accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove as musical director, each diva will pay tribute through not only their own soul-inspired songs, but some of the greatest classics that have shaped a genre.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Mavis was included on VH1's list of 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll and on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. A Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee with The Staple Singers (1999), and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winner (2005), Staples recently won a Grammy in 2011 for You Are Not Alone (produced by Jeff Tweedy) for Best Americana Album.
Bill Frisell scored high in three categories, placing in the top 10 Jazz Albums of the Year for Beautiful Dreamers, in the top 5 for Best Guitarist (a category he has won 3 times in the past) and among the Best Beyond Albums for his collaboration with Vinicius Cantuária, Lagrimas Mexicanas.
Congratulations to all! Catch all of these artists individually live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
JULY 2011: Rosebud Artists Mavis Staples, Marcia Ball and Charlie Musselwhite Honored at 2011 Living Blues Awards
Top honors were awarded to Rosebud artists Mavis Staples, Marcia Ball and Charlie Musselwhite at the 18th Annual Living Blues Awards. Mavis won the Critics' Poll Blues Artist of the Year Award (Female) and Most Outstanding Blues Singer. In the Readers' Poll, Marcia was awarded Blues Artist of the Year (Female) and Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard). For the fifth year in a row Charlie won Readers' Poll Most Outstanding Musician award (Harmonica). Congratulations Mavis, Marcia and Charlie!
JULY 2011: Bill Frisell Honored With 10TH DownBeat Critics Poll Win For Guitarist of the Year - Allen Toussaint, Trombone Shorty, Bettye LaVette, Dr. John, Charlie Musselwhite, Mavis Staples Also Recognized
Allen Toussaint was named in the Arranger category; Trombone Shorty was recognized in both the Trombone and Rising Star: Trombone categories. Bettye LaVette, Dr. John and Charlie Musselwhite were all named in the Blues Artist category. Charlie received an additional nod in the Blues Album category, while Dr. John was also named in the Beyond Artist category. Mavis Staplesand Bettye LaVette were both recognized in the Beyond Album category. The late Muddy Waters (a Rosebud artist until his passing) was also named as one of the finalists for induction into the Hall of Fame.
As usual, many of Bill Frisell's frequent and recent collaborators were also honored: Jason Moran was awarded Jazz Artist Of The Year, Jazz Album Of The Year, and Piano of the Year, as well as being named in the Rising Star: Jazz Artist, Composer and Rising Star: Composer categories; Joe Lovano Us Five was awarded Jazz Group of the Year and Joe was also named in the Jazz Artist, Jazz Album, Soprano and Tenor Saxophone categories; Paul Motian was awarded Drummer of the Year and he was also named in the Hall of Fame and Jazz Artist categories; Dave Holland was awarded Acoustic Bass of the Year and was named in the Jazz Album, Composer, Arranger and Jazz Group categories; Jenny Scheinman was named in the Violin category; and Bill's Manager and Producer, Lee Townsend, was named in both the Producer and Rising Star: Producer categories.
Congratulations to all the artists! Catch all the Rosebud artists performing live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
JULY 2011: Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama Featured In New Gospel Documentary: Rejoice and Shout - In Select Theaters Now
Mavis Staples and The Blind Boys of Alabama are both featured in the new gospel documentary, Rejoice and Shout (released June 3, 2011). Tracing the history of gospel, the film includes archival footage of an onstage duel between The Blind Boys of Alabama and the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. Mavis Staples is featured both in present day interviews as well as archival footage of her early performances with The Staples Singers, her family's legendary band (who, in addition to Mavis and Pops Staples, Rosebud is honored to have represented). Rejoice and Shout official website >> Rejoice and Shout at IMDB (more clips available) >>
Film critic Roger Ebert notes in his review, "Mavis Staples, whose father [Pops Staples] links back to the earliest days of gospel, is a warm presence throughout the film, calling on personal memories of many of the artists... this is an engaging film filled with love for the music." Check out some clips from the film in this two-thumbs-up review from Ebert Presents At The Movies (PBS). The critics point out the strength of the film lies in it's maintaining incredible full-song performances in it's presentation of archival material.
JUNE 2011: Rosebud Artists Nominated For 7 Living Blues Awards: Marcia Ball, Ruthie Foster, Bettye LaVette, Charlie Musselwhite, Mavis Staples All Get Nods - CAST YOUR VOTE
The Rosebud Agency's 2011 Living Blues Awards Nominees: Blues Artist of the Year (Female):
- Marcia Ball
- Ruthie Foster
- Bettye LaVette
Most Outstanding Blues Singer: Mavis Staples
Most Outstanding Musician (Harmonica): Charlie Musselwhite
Most Outstanding Musician (Keyboard): Marcia Ball
Best Blues Album of 2010 (New Recordings): Charlie Musselwhite - The Well
Last year Charlie received his eighth Living Blues Award for Outstanding Musician (and his fourth in a row) and Ruthie was honored with Blues Artist of the Year (Female) in the Critics' Poll. Marcia was awarded in 2009 for both categories she's nominated in this year, adding to her wins in the Outstanding Musician category in 2007 and 2008. Bettye has previously been honored with two Reader's and three Critics' Awards, including Blues Artist of the Year (Female) and Most Outstanding Blues Singer. Mavis has also previously been honored with two Critics' Awards including Blues Artist of the Year (Female).
You can vote here for your choices, as well as write-in candidates: All ballots must be received by July 15, 2011. Congratulations to all the nominees!
MAY 2011: 2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples Receives Honorary Doctor of Music Degree From Berklee College of Music
2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples received an Honorary Doctor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music on May 7, 2011 (read the full story). Berklee president Roger H. Brown presented the honorary degree to Mavis for her dedication to bringing gospel music to the mainstream and aspiring to uplift and bring about social change through music.
"Well, I finally made it to college. Finally!" said Mavis upon receiving her degree. "I'm so deeply honored, and I sit here in awe of these smiling beautiful faces. I know the world is waiting for you, and you're ready to go out and bring the joy of music to the world."
Mavis was joined by fellow honorees Michael McDonald; Chucho Valdés and his father, Bebo Valdés; and Kenny Garrett. This year's honorary doctorate recipients were recognized for their achievements in contemporary music, for their enduring contributions to popular culture, and for the influence their careers and music have had over Berklee's international student body. They join esteemed past recipients including David Bowie, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sting, B.B. King, James Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Billy Joel, Loretta Lynn, Quincy Jones, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Smokey Robinson, and Patti Labelle. The honors took place during Berklee's 2011 commencement, held at the Agganis Arena at Boston University for the graduating class and an estimated crowd of more than 4,000 guests.
Catch Mavis performing live on stage as she tours extensively in the coming months, including stops at Levon Helm's legendary Midnight Ramble, Mountain Jam, Bonnaroo, dates with Dr. John & the Lower 911 Band (represented by Rosebud for dates outside North America) and New Orleans' Essence Music Festival among many more. Please see Tour Dates >>
Mavis Staples interview part 1
Mavis Staples interview part 2
APRIL 2011: 2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples Featured on CBS Sunday Morning's Sunday Profile
Mavis proclaimed in the piece, "I was put here to sing. I was put here to spread the word. To bring ya'll a message. To inspire you. To motivate you. You know, that's what Mavis is about. That's my life... Ain't no stopping me, I will sing. You know, you'd have to come and scoop me off the stage. I'm gonna sing till I die. I will sing until I die. No need stopping."
Mavis won the 2011 GRAMMY for You Are Not Alone in the Best Americana Album category. She is currently in the midst of a South Pacific tour which includes performances at the giant Byron Bay Blues Festival in Australia, the Sydney Opera House with fellow Rosebud artists The Blind Boys of Alabama (collaborating here with Aaron Neville) and dates in New Zealand also paired with the Blind Boys. Catch Mavis live on stage, including a June 3rd stop at Levon Helm's legendary Midnight Ramble in Woodstock NY, followed by performances at the Mountain Jam and Bonnaroo festivals among many other Highlights coming soon. Please see Tour Dates >>
MARCH 2011: 2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples Featured on NPR's Mountain Stage Premiering April 1st
2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples will be featured on NPR's Mountain Stage, premiering April 1, 2011. The following week the show will be posted to NPR's archive on their website here. Mavis' performance was recorded at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, Scotland as part of the Celtic Connections Festival in January 2011. Mountain Stage is broadcast on over 170 NPR stations, click here to find a station in your area that broadcasts the show.
Mavis has been having a phenomenal year so far. Following her GRAMMY Win for You Are Not Alone (Best Americana Album) and her performance at the GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony (singing alongside Cyndi Lauper, Betty Wright and Maria Muldaur with both Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd featured on guitars), she was featured on Conan O'Brien's show "Conan" on the TBS network. Two days later on March 4th, Mavis was honored with the NAACP Image Award for You Are Not Alone in the Outstanding Gospel Album category. Mavis also performed "America The Beautiful" at the Award Ceremony, broadcast live on FOX TV, in a segment to recognize the 2011 NAACP President's Award Recipient, Gen. Colin Powell.
Catch Mavis performing live on stage, including a Tour of Australia and New Zealand in mid-April (on which half the dates will be shared with fellow Rosebud artists The Blind Boys of Alabama , who on these dates will feature Aaron Neville). Please see Tour Dates >>
MARCH 2011: Mavis Staples Honored with NAACP Image Award for You Are Not Alone (Outstanding Gospel Album) and Featured Live at Award Ceremony
2011 GRAMMY winnerMavis Staples was honored with the NAACP Image Award for You Are Not Alone in the Outstanding Gospel Album category, in a ceremony held at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium on March 4, 2011. Mavis also performed "America The Beautiful" at the 42nd Award Ceremony, broadcast live on FOX TV, in a segment to recognize the 2011 NAACP President's Award Recipient, Gen. Colin Powell. Mavis recently won the GRAMMY Award for You Are Not Alone in the Best Americana Album category. The album has become the most successful of her solo career.
The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier multi-cultural awards show celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. Congratulations Mavis!
Catch Mavis performing live on stage, including select Northeast dates with Billy Bragg, "The Hope, Love & Justice Tour," in early Spring and a Tour of Australia and New Zealand in mid-April (on which half the dates will be shared with fellow Rosebud artists The Blind Boys of Alabama, who on these dates will feature Aaron Neville). Please see Tour Dates >>
FEBRUARY 2011: 2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples To Perform on Conan on the TBS Network March 2nd
2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples will be featured on Conan O'Brien's show "Conan" on the TBS network Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011. Last season, Mavis performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Colbert Report, as well as being a featured performer at the Jon Stewart / Stephen Colbert Rally To Restore Sanity And/Or Fear in Washington, DC.
Mavis was recently honored with the GRAMMY Award for Best Americana Album for her latest CD, You Are Not Alone, which was produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Some of Mavis' previous honors include induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame; a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award; five Blues Music Awards; a National Heritage Fellowship Award presented by The National Endowment for the Arts; a First Amendment Center / Americana Music Association Spirit of Americana Free Speech Award; inclusion on both Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time and on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll; and by recently having "Mavis Staples Day" proclaimed by both the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
FEBRUARY 2011: Thanks To Mountain Stage (NPR) Encores For Loudon Wainwright III, Pieta Brown, David Lindley, John Hammond, Mavis Staples, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Thank you to Mountain Stage, who are re-broadcasting six Rosebud artists' performances, from mid-February through the beginning of April. Loudon Wainwright III and Pieta Brown are both featured in an episode airing the week after February 18th (the "week after" runs from Friday to the following Friday). David Lindley and John Hammond are both featured in a program airing the week after March 11th and 2011 GRAMMY Winner Mavis Staples is featured in the show airing the week after April 1st. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue's performance was recently re-broadcast in an episode which aired after February 11th.
FEBRUARY 2011: Mavis Staples Wins The GRAMMY for You Are Not Alone (Best Americana Album)
The legendary Mavis Staples has won her first GRAMMY for her album You Are Not Alone in the Best Americana Album category. The album has become the most successful of Mavis' solo career. Upon receiving her GRAMMY, the clearly amazed and grateful Mavis delivered a moving, heartfelt speech. "Oh my God, that was the shock of my life," she said. "My goodness. It's been a long time, a long time coming," and pledging, "I'm going to be around a while. You have not seen the last of me. God is not through with me."
Shortly before her victory, Mavis performed "Wang Dang Doodle" at the GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony, singing alongside Cyndi Lauper, Betty Wright and Maria Muldaur with both Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd featured on guitars.
While this is Mavis's first Grammy win for a CD, she was awarded the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, in recognition of her earlier work with her family, The Staple Singers. She was also nominated last year for her album Live: Hope At The Hideout (Best Contemporary Blues Album); nominated in 2005 for her collaboration with fellow Rosebud artist (for international representation outside North America) Dr. John on "Lay My Burden Down" (Best Gospel Performance) and nominated in 2003 with Bob Dylan (Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals) for their duet "Gotta Change My Way of Thinking."
FEBRUARY 2011: GRAMMY Nominees Mavis Staples and Trombone Shorty to Perform at GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony February 13
GRAMMY nominees Mavis Staples and Trombone Shorty will each perform at the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony, taking place on Sunday, February 13th from 1 - 4pm (PST) at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mavis and Trombone Shorty will be joining fellow GRAMMY nominees performing at the event including including Buddy Guy, Cyndi Lauper and Kenny Wayne Shepherd among others. Mavis is nominated for Best Americana Album for You Are Not Alone, while Trombone Shorty's Backatown is nominated for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. The event will be streamed live internationally on grammy.com/live and youtube.com/thegrammys beginning at 1 pm (PST) and will remain on GRAMMY.com as video on demand for 30 days following the event. Best of luck to the nominees! Check out both Mavis and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue live on stage, please see Tour Dates >>
Eleven albums and six singles released by Rosebud artists last year are recognized in the 2010 Village Voice Pazz & Jop Music Critics Poll, which calculated 712 critics' votes for the most important music of the year.
Listed among the year's top singles are: Mavis Staples, "You Are Not Alone" and "Last Train" Bettye LaVette, "Salt of the Earth" Trombone Shorty, "On Your Way Down," "Backatown" and "Something Beautiful"
Also recognized on the album list:
- Elvis Costello's National Ransom, which features Jim Lauderdale and for which Jim co-wrote the song "I Lost You."
- Cyndi Lauper's GRAMMY Nominated Memphis Blues which features Charlie Musselwhite and Allen Toussaint
In addition, Captain Beefheart's "Big Eyed Beans From Venus" reissue was recognized in the year's top singles list. The late Captain Beefheart was a Rosebud artist until his retirement in 1981.
JUNE 2011:
