"Like many in the civil rights movement, The Staple Singers drew on the spirituality and strength of the church to help gain social justice and to try and achieve equal rights. With this record, I hope to get across the same feeling, the same spirit and the same message as we did then - and to hopefully continue to make positive changes. Things are better but we're not where we need to be and we'll never turn back. 99 and 1/2 just won't do!"   -- Mavis Staples

We'll Never Turn Back is Mavis Staples' most electrifying album, and the most personal statement she's ever made. Through reinterpretations of classic Freedom Songs, and new original songs written by Mavis Staples and Ry Cooder, she explores the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of her own experiences. Raw and powerful, this album features exquisite performances from Mavis along with stellar backing from Ry Cooder, Mike Elizondo, Jim Keltner, and Joachim Cooder, along with guest vocals from Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

2007 release; produced by Ry Cooder

TRACK LISTING

1. Down In Mississippi
2. Eyes On The Prize
3. We Shall Not Be Moved
4. In The Mississippi River
5. On My Way
6. This Little Light Of Mine
7. 99 And 1/2
8. My Own Eyes
9. Turn Me Around
10. We'll Never Turn Back
11. I'll Be Rested
12. Jesus Is On The Main Line