Chicago Gospel Diva Nominated for Blues Awards

By Dan Klefstad

DeKalb, IL – Chicago gospel singer Mavis Staples is nominated four W.C. Handy Awards. The W.C. Handy Awards are the most prestigious awards in the blues. Staples is the daughter of the late Roebuck "Pops" Staples, leader of the Staple Singers. Just before Easter, 2002, Mavis Staples came into the WNIJ studios for an on-air interview during the Saturday Blues. She talked about her father's influence on her music, and her longtime friendship with singer Mahalia Jackson.