Happy Birthday Candi Staton!

Celebrating Candi's birthday with her version of "Shine A Light" by the Stones off her Grammy-nominated album Back To My Roots and much more. 

Candi Staton - Back To My Roots

For Candi Staton’s latest album “Back To My Roots;” the soul legend has recorded a sensational set of songs that draw heavily upon her gospel roots.

It is best to let this great lady of soul speak for herself: “This album was recorded over several years. We took our time. I planned for it to be my last full album, so it was a labor of love and a family affair. My son Marcus produced, mixed and mastered it. My daughter Cassandra runs our label and kept all the business straight. My son Marcel came up with the bass line for ‘1963.’ My sister Maggie Peebles joined me for two songs we sang as kids. My British bandleader, Ernie McKone, cut ‘Shine A Light’ in London, which is only right considering it’s a Rolling Stones classic.

Mark Nevers, who produced some of my past Americana albums, stepped in to do some sweetening on certain tracks. Guitar great Jonathan DuBose Jr gave ‘I Missed the Target Again’ new life. Blues great Larry McCray added some zing to 'Hang on in There'.

My longtime friend William Bell was the perfect person to sing ‘My God Has A Telephone’ with me. I’d just like to thank my other sons, Terry and Clarence Jr for their support.”

Staton’s voice has always been a powerful and emotive instrument and on this album it has never sounded finer. No wonder “Back To My Roots” was nominated for Best Gospel Album at the 2026 Grammys, her first nomination in 40 years! 

Get a copy of Candi Staton's "Back To My Roots" album directly from Ace Records UK right here who've also collected her incredible FAME recordings for the brilliant Evidence 2CD compilation, available right here. 

Check out Candi's version of The Rolling Stones tune "Shine A Light" along with more clips and interviews below.  

 

LINKS

New York Times Candi Staton is a survivor