From Chicago, Illinois, The Staple Singers started blending gospel and R&B in 1948 – a combination considered profane in some quarters at the time. Driven by Roebuck “Pops” Staples’ stark, Delta-infused guitar style awash in eerie reverb, and given a laser-like urgency by Mavis Staples’ amazing singing, their early recordings are balanced right at the juncture between country-blues and gospel. This release features The Staples’ first two LPs: Swing Low Sweet Chariot (1961) and Uncloudy Day (1959).