Candi Staton - (1969-1973) Evidence - The Complete Fame Records Masters

The repost request was for an earlier compilation that I've since replaced with this one because it is better and more complete...hope you don't mind.

"Candi Staton (pronounced Stay-ton, born 13 March 1940 Hanceville, Alabama) is probably best known for her disco hits "Young Hearts Run Free" (1976) and "Nights On Broadway" (1977).

But back in the day, between 1969-1973, Candi recorded some of the best examples of what we call Southern Soul with producer Rick Hall at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals.

Candi was singing in a gospel group at a very early age and at boarding school she joined the Jewel Gospel Trio making recordings for Nashboro Records and touring with gospel stars like Mahalia Jackson, The Staple Singers, The Soul Stirrers and others.

Still in her teens Candi became pregnant and married a Pentecostal minister who was a jealous and abusive man and her musical career was temporarily suspended. For the next several years she was busy as a wife and mother of four children.

Later she began to sing R&B in local clubs and one night performed with Clarence Carter, who liked what he heard and offered her a job within his band. Initially, she declined but after leaving her husband, she met up with Carter again and joined the band. She went on to become Mrs Clarence Carter!

With Clarence’s guidance she honed her performing skills and eventually started recording at Rick Hall’s FAME studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The results are evident here in 26 tracks, released on Capitol Records, full of funky southern soulfulness. They include eight singles (A& B sides) including ‘I’d Rather Be An Old Man’s Sweetheart (Than A Young Man’s Fool)’,’ I’m Just A Prisoner (Of Your Good Lovin’)’, ‘Sweet Feeling’ and ‘Stand By Your Man’. She also does a stirring version of ‘That’s How Strong My Love Is’ to compare with Otis and O.V. Wright – Her original distinctive voice once heard is not forgotten.

Candi has continued to have a successful career beyond her disco phase and has scored with several club hits especially in the UK. In the early 80’s she returned to recording Gospel and 2 of her albums received Grammy nominations . In 1991 she sang on The Source’s UK hit ‘You Got The Love’ which continues to be a classic club favorite . She is still active today aged 72 recording and appearing at various live events."