Candi Staton Releases a New Album for Her 85th Birthday!

What better way to find a new lease on life than to keep thrilling audiences with a new album? Today, the legendary American soul and gospel singer, Candi Staton (available in the 80s playlist by Allzic), celebrates her 85th birthday, proving that time has no hold on her. Her latest release, "Back To My Roots", takes us back to the peak of her career.

Born in Hanceville, Alabama, Canzetta Maria Staton came into the world on March 13, 1940 and discovered her passion for music at an early age. At just 11 years old, she sang alongside her younger sister, catching the attention of the reverend at Jewell Christian Academy. He brought her into the Jewell Gospel Trio, marking the beginning of her career. Driven by great ambition, she decided to take a new direction and signed with the Fame label between 1969 and 1974, exploring a sound that blended country and soul. But for an artist eager for renewal, it was impossible to limit herself to just one style. Candi then joined Warner, where she released five albums with soul-disco vibes, including the iconic "Young Hearts Run Free", a true hit of the summer of 1976.

In the 1980s, Staton (discover her in the Disco playlist by Allzic) decided to take a break from soul music, and dove back into gospel. A rather good idea, as she went on to record no less than eight gospel albums. She took a brief hiatus in 1986 and recorded the hit "You Got the Love", a very popular track in nightclubs, which would be remixed in 1991, 1997, and 2006. Then, she fully dedicated herself to gospel again until 1999.

While the musician (you can listen to in the pop-rock 80 playlist by Allzic) celebrates her 85th birthday today, she also takes the opportunity to showcase her love for music with her 32nd album, "Back To My Roots", released on February 14, 2025. A project that marks a return to her deep gospel and soul influences, where the singer reinterprets, in her own way, standards popularized by great names, such as the Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, and Al Green, as well as original compositions. This album promises a fusion of spirituality and groove, with sounds reminiscent of her beginnings. A beautiful tribute to her exceptional musical journey!