Cert PG
81 mins
BBFC advice: Mild bad language
If you are a fan of music, it would be impossible not the recognise the quality of the voice of Mavis Staples.
"Who?", I hear you ask.
Well, she may not be very famous in the UK, but Staples has just won her second grammy, more than 60 years after first taking to the stage with her father, brother and sisters as part of The Staple Singers.
Their gospel singing was so well-loved in the United States that they became regulars on prime-time TV shows, alongside the likes of Bob Dylan.
Years later, they moved in a more soulful direction and finally reached success in the charts.
Jessica Edwards' documentary is a portrait of the Staple Singers, lead vocalist, Mavis, who is still on the road with one of her sisters, Yvonne, today.
The film includes current interviews with the singer along with footage from recent performances and, in parallel, it includes a chronology of her life.
It is a story of individual accomplishment but also about family. Right up until the death of her father, Roebuck 'Pops' Staples, in 2000, the family sang together.
In fact, as Mavis reveals, she had opportunities to go solo but had always preferred to work with her kin.
Edwards' film contains contributions from her current band and background team and also from the likes of Dylan who admits he wanted to marry her in the 1960s.
One major record producer says; "I love Aretha (Franklin) but she ain't no Mavis Staples.".
Praise, indeed. But, after seeing this documentary and hearing the power of her voice which has lasted over six decades, I can see what he means.
In addition, this movie is more touching than many music docs because its subject seems so down to earth despite so many years of stardom.
Reasons to watch: fine insight into one of soul and gospel's heroines
Reasons to avoid: there is quite a lot of back-slapping padding
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 7/10
Star tweet
Mavis Staples I won my second Grammy--amazing!! Thank you!