Shanachie Releases Candi Staton Gospel Hits Collection

Music legend Candi Staton crowns her twenty-plus year gospel career with the release of a comprehensive two-CD collection which presents all of her gospel hits as well as her interpretations of such inspirational songs as like “A Bridge Over Troubled Water,” plus four brand new recordings and a bonus inclusion of her very first recording with the gospel group The Jewel’s. The Ultimate Gospel Collection, a deluxe digi-pak release which includes an extensive booklet telling the story of Candi’s gospel career and vintage photos, will be released by Shanachie Entertainment on August 22, 2006.

Among the special guests featured on the collection are such gospel stars as Dottie Peoples, The Richard Smallwood Singers, The Mighty Clouds Of Joy and more. The CD follows hot on the heels of the release of her acclaimed His Hands, which is her first secular recording since 1983. Taken together, these two new projects reveal a multifaceted artist who has blazed new trails as she followed her inspiration across genres and categories, one of those increasingly rare singers who is blessed with a truly unique voice.

The Ultimate Gospel Collection highlights Candi Staton’s range by devoting one CD to “traditional hits” and the other to “contemporary hits—a praise party.” Even the “traditional” CD does not confine itself to a straight gospel formula. The opening track, “When There’s Nothing Left But God” uses gut-bucket blues as its musical template even as it delivers a spiritual message. “Shut Up And Stop Praying,” which features Dottie Peoples, addresses church-goers’ hypocrisy while “Mama,” one of Candi’s most popular songs, is a heartfelt tribute to her mother who died before Candi made the switch from secular to gospel, something that would have pleased her devout mother. Interestingly, “Mama” was well-received by country music fans, highlighting Candi’s ability to appeal across racial or sectarian lines. Her 1983 hit “Sin Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” found favor in charismatic and evangelical circles while “To Glorify Your Name” was popular with white church-goers. “I Will Praise” is a Yiddish-inflected dance tune inspired by Candi’s visits to worship at synagogues.

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