Young hearts run free: The life and soul of Candi Staton
Candi Staton’s 1976 disco anthem became a dancefloor classic, but the lyrics tell a story of hardship and heartbreak that reveal what was happening behind the scenes.
If you’ve listened closely to the lyrics of the disco anthem Young Hearts Run Free, you’ll know that the joyous melody belies the pain and hardship of the words. The song was written for and about Candi Staton. She's been called the First Lady of Southern Soul, a disco diva; she's also known for her gospel work, and for a new generation she is the Queen of House. Her career started early, as a teenager, singing gospel at a time when racial segregation in the US was still enshrined in law. In seven decades in the music industry, Candi has received four Grammy nominations for her work.
Please note this episode contains a frank discussion about shocking and violent racism. This includes references to strongly racist language, and extreme physical abuse
Candi's 31st album, Back to My Roots, will be released in 2023.
Get in touch: [email protected]
Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Andrea Kennedy
(Picture: Candi Staton. Credit: Alan Mercer)
Last on
Broadcasts
- Thu 29 Dec 202212:06GMTBBC World Service
- Thu 29 Dec 202218:06GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
- Thu 29 Dec 202223:06GMTBBC World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Fri 30 Dec 202200:06GMTBBC World Service South Asia
- Fri 30 Dec 202203:06GMTBBC World Service except South Asia
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