Staples family singer and Chicago blues great remembered
By Lynette KalsnesStaples family singer and Chicago blues great remembered
By Lynette Kalsnes
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Chicago lost some of its musical history this week. Both a blues great and a member of the famous gospel group The Staple Singers died Thursday.
The blues singer and guitarist, Magic Slim, who’s been described as representing the last of the no-nonsense Chicago style of blues, died in Pennsylvania. Magic Slim was 75, and was touring until about a month ago.
Cleotha Staples, known as Cleedi, died in her South Side Chicago home after suffering from Alzheimer’s. The oldest sibling in The Staple Singers was known for providing her smooth harmonies. She was 78.
WBEZ’s Richard Steele talked with host Greta Johnsen about their musical legacies: