Tony Cummings casts an eye on an artist who down the decades has recorded gospel, R&B, disco and dance music gems, CANDI STATON

Candi Staton

There's probably no other artist in the world who has recorded music in such a wide range of musical styles as Candi Staton... and done so with such brilliance. The latest Cross Rhythms radio hit "Shine Your Light" is done in a timeless traditional styling which within its small choir backing and understated accompaniment sounds like it could have been recorded anytime in the last 60 years. In fact, "Shine Your Light" isn't a Thomas Dorsey or James Cleveland composition but the Jagger and Richard number! Despite its vintage music approach the album from which "Shine Your Light" is taken was produced last year by Candi's son Marcus Williams at The Cave Studios, Stone Mountain, Georgia. The album title is self-explanatory.

The gospel roots of Canzetta "Candi" Staton go way, way back. Born in Hanceville, Alabama., she and her sister Maggie were sent to Nashville, Tennessee for schooling. By the ages of 11 and 12 the exceptional singing talent of the girls had been spotted by the pastor of the Jewell Christian Academy and when joined by a third girl, Naomi Harrison, the Jewell Gospel Trio were formed. They were soon singing around Tennessee's churches and such was their prowess they got a chance to perform at the touring gospel programmes alongside gospel giants like Mahalia Jackson and Rev CL Franklin. For 10 years the Jewell Gospel Trio recorded occasional singles for companies like New York's Apollo and Newark's Savoy. By 1968 Candi had married blind soul singer Clarence Carter who in 1968 introduced her to record producer and studio owner Rick Hall and her decades long career in pop and R&B took off.

Over the following decades she recorded a series of tracks demonstrating dazzling variety: the first R&B hit of 1970 "I'm Just A Prisoner"; also in 1970 the Grammy nominated cover of Tammy Wynette's country opus "Stand By Your Man"; her sweeping disco chart topper "Young Hearts Run Free" (1976); Grammy nominated soul gospel song "Make Me An Instrument" (1983); her electronic dance classic with The Source "You Got The Love" (1986) and her "Sing A Song" (1987).

As well as the Jagger and Richard gospel surprise the sound of 'Back To My Roots' is distinctly old school. There are traditional songs like "It's Gonna Rain", Thomas Dorsey oldies ("The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow") and even a guest spot from another soul music veteran returning to his gospel roots, William Bell.

Speaking about the project Candi said, "This album was recorded over several years. I pictured it to be my last full album so it was a labour of love and a family affair."