"Yes, it was hard to get started doing this CD. I procrastinated. It took me awhile to go on in the studio. I was having mood swings. It wasn't the easiest thing to do knowing that this is now a solo career. Of course, I've done some solo CDs before. In interviews, people would always ask me if I was going to continue to sing with my family. And I would just say, yes. But this is the first time in my life that I cannot say that. I've been forced into a solo career.
"My father passed in 2000. I had always thought the three of us would continue. But just after he passed, my sister [Cleotha] was stricken with this terrible disease, Alzheimer's. Actually, we knew that she was in her first stages, but she was very alert and she was doing well. But it seemed that after my father passed, she just let it take over.
"So, it was Yvonne and I. We took the year 2001 off so that we could be home to learn about this Alzheimer's, as well as to get some people that we could trust to stay with my sister. I had to let at least three of them go, because I didn't like the way they were taking care of her. We have 24-hour home care because I refuse to take her to a nursing home or any facility. Finally, Yvonne said, 'Mavis, you go on and sing and I'll take care of business.' I said OK at first.
"I just started choosing songs. I really wanted songs that had a ray of light and hope for the world. The world is in turmoil right now; people are on a low and I wanted to sing some songs that would uplift with positive messages and give people a reason to go on, to realize that everything is going to be all right. Actually, these are the same type of songs that my family sang.
"I started back singing in 2002. I did three concerts with my band singing background for me, and I knew that this was not going to work. I told Yvonne that she will have to sing. I need to hear at least one Staples voice back there. She agreed to go on and sing with me. And, so now that's the way it is.
"It was hard but I knew, too, that Pops would want me to carry on what he started. He would want me to sing. You know that has been my life, singing since I was 8 years old. It's my happiest time when I am singing."
Have A Little Faith was released earlier this month.