Yvonne Staples, Member Of The Staple Singers, Dead At 80

Yvonne Staples (L) and Mavis Staples (R) performing together. Screengrab via YouTube

Yvonne Staples, a longtime member of the gospel and soul group the Staple Singers, has died at the age of 80. She passed away at her home in Chicago Tuesday following a battle with colon cancer, according to the New York Times.

Born in Chicago on October 23, 1937, Yvonne joined the Staple Singers in 1971, after brother Pervis left of military service (the group was originally formed in 1948 by their father Roebuck). Yvonne sung background vocals on some of the group's most successful hits including "Respect Yourself," "I'll Take You There," and "Let's Do It Again."

When her sister Mavis embarked on a solo career in the '80s, Yvonne also served as a background vocalist, as well as managed her tours until just a few years ago. The Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, and received a lifetime achievement award at the 2005 Grammy Awards. They also received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award.

Yvonne is survived by Pervis and Mavis.

Speaking on her role as a background vocalist and, later, a manager, Bill Carpenter, a family friend, said:

"She was very content in that role. She had no desire to be a front singer, even though people in the family told her she had a great voice."

Source: New York Times