R&B, Soul and Gospel legend Mavis Staples has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Delta State University.
“We are honored to welcome Mavis Staples back to Delta State, and to present this musical legend who has ties to the Delta, with an honorary degree,” said Delta State University President William N. LaForge said in a statement.
Yesterday @DeltaState pic.twitter.com/PgXmtd3nCS
— Mavis Staples (@mavisstaples) May 7, 2018
The University notes that while Mavis wasn’t born in the Mississippi area, her history comes from the region. “Mavis, who was born in Chicago, has ties to the Mississippi Delta thanks to Pops’ roots. Pops was born and raised near Dockery Farms in Sunflower County, learning to play his guitar at Charley Patton’s feet, picking up technique and musicianship from the older and popular bluesman”.
Mavis Staples is also a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Kennedy Center Honoree, and a National Heritage Fellowship Award recipient.
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