Roebuck "Pops" Staples (December 28, 1914 – December 19, 2000) was an American gospel and ‎R&B musician.‎
A "pivotal figure in gospel in the 1960s and 70s," he was an accomplished songwriter, guitarist and ‎singer. He was the patriarch and member of singing group The Staple Singers, which included his ‎son Pervis and daughters Mavis, Yvonne, and Cleotha.‎

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pops_Staples