Pop Staples : Faith, Friendship & Beguiling Guitar!

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‘Think where man’s glory most begins and ends and say my glory was my friends’ (WB Yeats)

‘The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.’ (Bob Marley)

Some of us spend our whole lives trying to figure out just exactly who we are.

For some creative artists that pursuit can be both furious and fruitful – consider the late much lamented David Bowie.

But there is a high cost in psychic and emotional wear and tear in living such lives.

Better to my mind to find out who you are early and then just be.

Easier, of course, said than lived.

So, I find that when I encounter that rare person who is entirely comfortable in their own skin and content to be nothing other than themselves I am both surprised and enormously impressed.

And, my ultimate example of such a person would be Roebuck ‘Pop’ Staples; singer, songwriter, guitarist extraordinaire and Patriarch of the greatest Gospel group of the modern era, The Staple Singers.

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I first saw him some time in the mid 1980s at one of my favourite music venues/watering holes of those times ‘The Borderline’ a small basement club in Charing Cross Road London.

Somehow, that night, Pop through his prophetic guitar, beguiling voice and grace filled songs turned a ramshackle crew of booze hounds and music aficionados into a joyful clapping on the off beat congregation.

The inner lit warmth of Pop’s faith and the transparent sincerity of his belief in the fellowship of mankind made for a transformative experience.

I had expected to be affected by his history and his talent.

I had not expected to be so moved by his person.

Actually to feel I was a better person simply by having been in the same room as him.

With Pop there’s no tortured theology, no secret knowledge for the elect alone.

Instead there’s faith, fellowship, fraternity and guitar playing throbbing with power and portent.

 

 

What more can I say?

Well, just that if you’re looking for some resolutions for 2017 (and every year thereafter) you might listen closely to the lyric above.

And if you want some watchwords as the year progresses you won’t do better than to remember and embody some more wise words Pop lived out every day of his life:

Respect yourself.

Reach out touch a hand – make a friend if you can.

In these troubled times that will certainly do for me

 

81 thoughts on “Pop Staples : Faith, Friendship & Beguiling Guitar!”

      • Hi Thom, a bit of a crie du coeur. Starting my blog/website, I suppose I was hoping for some kind of public approval, maybe a figurative pat on the head or two, or the odd ‘well done’, but I also wanted my musings/outpourings to generate discussion, debate, disagreement … anything except indifference.
        Which is largely what my blog has produced. And I have the WordPress stats to prove it, unfortunately!
        That’s why I am asking the advice of the successful blogger that you are. I know you are a niche writer — and a very fine one — unlike my own more random approach. But I wonder if you can suggest what I might do to improve my site, and whatever else might strike you. I do appreciate it’s a big ask but I would sure welcome your advice
        I was a copy editor for years, so I have never had any difficulty having my writing critiqued, and usually know when something isn’t working. But here, I am not so sure anymore
        I’m a big boy and I know there are a lot of voices out there — I only skim through my Twitter and Facebook feeds, so I know I am missing good stuff all the time — but I guess I want my blog to be noticed! There, I’ve admitted it.
        Another reason I am writing to you is you are, in my experience, unusually kind to and supportive of fellow bloggers.
        Anyway, if you do get the time, I would appreciate your thoughts. And don’t hold back if you feel what you say can be constructive.
        Best wishes, Enda

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  2. A notable theme for a New Year Thom! May the Jukebox spin on into the year ahead. A soulful song from Pop and always interesting to hear an ‘I was there’ anecdote. Rock on 2017!

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