For What It's Worth: Comp Epic Recordings 1964-68 (3CD)

UK three CD set. In 1964, The Staple Singers signed with Epic Records after leaving jazz/blues/folk label Riverside Records. From then until the middle of 1968, they recorded six albums for the label, all of which are featured in this box. Three of these classic albums, Pray On, For What It's Worth and What The World Needs Now Is Love, are making their CD debut and this now makes virtually all of their recorded work available on CD. During the years with Epic, The Staple Singers' sound developed into the soul/folk sub-genre that came to a commercial peak at Stax Records during the 1970s. This 66-track box set is the first-ever retrospective of their Epic years and features songs by Bob Dylan, Buffalo Springfield, Burt Bacharach and Hal David as well as numerous original compositions by Pop Staples. His original song, 'Why (Am I Treated So Bad)', has become a soul standard. Despite their newly-found commercial success, the group did not leave any of their gospel roots behind. All of the songs that are not gospel standards are imbued with a message of hope and inspiration, fully in keeping with their Christian music roots. Mavis Staples is featured on lead vocals on the majority of tracks but there are also several vocals from Pops Staples and his blues-drenched guitar gets much exposure too. Pervis Staples can be heard on three recitations with Bob Dylan's 'John Brown', which are especially notable. Mavis Staples is the only member of the family still active and regularly touring the world, keeping The Staples Singers legacy alive. Pervis has been long retired and Pops, Yvonne and Cleotha have all passed away.