Candi Staton

Born: Candi Staton-Sussewell, 13 March 1940, Hance

A former member of the Jewel Gospel Trio, Staton left the group, and her first husband, for a secular career. She was then discovered performing at a club by Clarence Carter, who took the singer to the Fame Records label. Carter wrote her debut hit, the uncompromising "I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart (Than A Young Man's Fool)", and helped to guide the singer's early releases. She later began pursuing a country-influenced path, especially in the wake of her successful version of Tammy Wynette's "Stand By Your Man". Staton and Carter were, by now, married, although this relationship subsequently ended in divorce. Staton left Fame for Warner Brothers Records in 1974 but it was two years before "Young Hearts Run Free", an excellent pop-styled hit (UK number 2), consolidated this new phase (the track has become a perennially popular staple at dance clubs). "Nights On Broadway", written by the Bee Gees, reached UK number 6 in July 1977, although it unaccountably flopped in America. The singer has continued to enjoy intermittent UK success but US hits have been restricted to the R&B chart. "You Got The Love", a collaboration with the Source, was a popular dancefloor track and a UK number 4 hit in February 1991. In the 90s Staton recorded in the gospel field, but she made a return to the UK charts in 1997 with the successful re-release of "Young Hearts Run Free", prompted by its inclusion on the soundtrack of the movie William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet.

Discography:

Proverbs 31 Women 2002
Christmas In My Heart 2001
Glorify 2001
Here's A Blessing 2000
The Best Of Candi Staton 1998
Cover Me 1997
Young Hearts Run Free: The Best Of Candi Staton 1995
It's Time 1995
Nightlites 1994
I Give You Praise 1993
Standing On The Promises 1991
Stand Up And Be A Witness 1989
Love Lifted Me 1988
Sing A Song 1986
The Anointing 1985
Make Me An Instrument 1983
Young Hearts Run Free/House Of Love 1976