Roebuck “Pops” Staples (Dec 28, 1914 – Dec 19, 2000)

"There is no more recognisable sound in gospel music than the aching harmonies of the Staples Singers, underpinned by the husky murmur and throbbing electric guitar of Roebuck Staples, who has died aged 85. Leading his family group for more than 40 years, he was a pivotal figure in gospel in the 1960s and 70s, when the music gave a vivid voice to both the anger and the aspirations of the African-American community."

Beginning of Pops Staples obituary 
by Tony Russell in The Guardian
Thursday 28 December 2000