How Does Candi Staton Pronounce Her Name? The Answer May Surprise You!

Candi Staton’s name is often mispronounced, just like David Bowie’s. She sets the record straight, “My mom and dad, we were Stay-tons. Daddy was Ersey Staton, mom was Rosie Staton, and we said it Stay-ton!”

This pronunciation might seem surprising to some, but it’s a common pattern in African American families, especially in the South. The “a” in “Staton” is often pronounced with a more open, “ah” sound, closer to the “a” in “father” than the “a” in “cat.” This pronunciation adds a bit of soul to her name, just like her music.

Candi Staton herself has even joked about the pronunciation in interviews, acknowledging that it can be a bit of a head-scratcher for those unfamiliar with the Southern dialect. But, she takes it all in stride, happy to share a little bit of her heritage with her fans. After all, her music transcends pronunciation, connecting with listeners on a deeper, emotional level.