We'll Never Turn Back

Additional We'll Never Turn Back Information

When I listen to this music, it takes me back. It takes me back to the red clay hills of Georgia, to the Black Belt of Alabama, and the Delta of Mississippi. It takes me back to the moans and groans and pains of an oppressed people yearning for freedom. It takes me back to the time when hundreds and thousands of us decided we were "sick and tired of being sick and tired," as Fannie Lou Hamer said. It takes me back to the days when ordinary people inspired by a dream decided to quench our hunger and thirst for justice in the fountains of mercy and love.

Back then, some people thought legalized segregation in America would never come to an end. But those of us in the Civil Rights Movement were inspired by a higher calling. And even if it cost us our very lives, "we weren't gone to let nobody turn us `round". We believed that the action of peace, the way of non-violence, and the power of love could overcome our oppression and remind our oppressors of their own humanity. Through the power of this faith our nation witnessed a non-violent revolution of values, a revolution of ideas that changed America forever.

The music you are listening to right now was the soul of that revolution. It was this music that gave us hope when it seemed like all hope was gone. It was the heartbeat of this music and its steady, reassuring message that bound us together as one solid force. So when we were beaten, arrested and jailed; when we stood together on picket lines or marched through the streets of the Deep South; when we faced the guns drawn, the billy clubs and the bullwhips raised; when we were teargassed, trampled by horses, or scattered by fire hoses, it was these songs that lifted us and pushed us to a higher place.

It is my hope that when you hear Mavis Staples, when you hear the Freedom Singers, and the other artists on this CD, that you too will be inspired. I hope this music will help you find the courage to stand up, speak up, and speak out and answer the call of your own conscience. It is my hope that this music will help you see what ordinary people with extraordinary vision can do when they decide they will never turn back.

Rep. John Lewis

What Customers Say About We'll Never Turn Back:

Injustice, prejudice, bigotry is wrong, whether you are living in Mississippi or in some other part of the world, we are all God's children and we must take a stand against it. But I think what so defines this music is that the themes are so universal. I confess, I was never part of the civil rights movement, but Mavis gives us a living, breathing account of those times. This album perfectly conveys that message.

The voice and conviction are strong and the message is clear: "Have a look around yourself. Mud gave me this to listen to as he knew I really liked Ry Cooder.From the first track I was gob-smacked.This was the Ry I had come to know and love on his early albums: very sparse arrangements, deep bass, Jim Keltner on drums and of course the slide master, Ry himself.What about Mavis you ask.Sure, I'd heard of the Staples Singers and knew a couple of their hits from the 70's ("Respect Yourself" , "I'll Take You There" ) but that was about it. Hallelujah." Get your act together. I was in for a surprise.Mavis "owns" the old gospel numbers as if they were her own personal themes. She also injects new indignation at the issues of today as she did in the 60s civil rights movements.

Mavis is at the top of her form, and music doesn't come any better than that. Mavis Staples has a voice unlike any other -- one that will give you chills, bring tears to your eyes, and inspire you. This is one of the best albums ever: powerful songs of the struggle for freedom and dignity sung with profound soul and brought up to date with a great backing band.

These newer versions rock. These were the songs that gave us courage, the songs by which we kept the faith. Listen. Whew. There is no better voice of the Civil Rights Movement than Mavis Staples.

Thanks so much. It arrived in perfect condition. I love this CD. Thank you for your quick response.