The Performance Took Us There!
The performance was certainly a show-stopper with the amazing gospel icon Mavis Staples as she teamed up with Chris Stapleton and Maren Morris. The powerful trio performed the Staples classic “I’ll Take You There.”
The power came from Staples herself, while the richness of the tones of the performance came from Stapleton and Morris. The performance itself was a cool mixture of the soul and the funk that Staples brings to the table, as well as the familiar country sound and feeling that we would expect from Stapleton and Morris. It is indeed one of the best performances of the night!
Morris certainly outdid herself in this year’s performance compared to last year. And it was truly a night for Stapleton when he bagged three major awards, including Male Vocalist of the Year award.
The Original “I’ll Take You There”
The original song is written by Al Bell and performed by the soul/gospel family band The Staple Singers.
The Staple Singers were an American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group that was active from 1948-1994. The Staple Singers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
“I’ll Take You There” is a significant chart-topper during its original release in 1972, and as well as two versions of the song. A 1991 cover by BeBe & CeCe Winans, together with Mavis Staples, made it to number one on the R&B chart. In 1994, the British band General Public also released their cover, and it reached No. 22 on the Hot 100.
The song invites us to seek heaven. Characterized by a complete ‘call-and-response’ chorus, it sets the tone of calling forth the people of the Lord to seek his heavenly home and guidance immediately.
The revival of the song is very much timely. With the world going into a state of limbo with their morality, it would undoubtedly be the perfect time to go back to our roots, go back to our God.
Here is the original version of the song!
Tags
chris stapleton, CMA Awards, I'll Take You There, Maren Morris, Mavis Staples