Mavis Staples is not one to shy away from addressing the turmoil of our times, but it's clear she believes in using her voice as a force for good - like during her iconic performance at the 1969 Harlem Cultural festival alongside sister Mahalia Jackson. Mavis recalls how Sister Mahalia would give advice on taking care of her voice and says "I definitely get lost in the music when I'm on stage, My father taught me: 'Mavis, if you sing from your heart, you'll reach the people, because what comes from the heart reaches the heart'."
Speaking of her father Roebuck Staples and his passing, Mavis shares a story about how he handed her some lost tapes and told her "Don't lose this" before succumbing to illness. These tapes were eventually released on an album called Don't Lose This, with the help of Jeff Tweedy. She says it was truly a magical time working at Stax Records with people like Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
The documentary Summer of Soul does showcase some amazing performances by Mavis Staples along with other legends. Mavis describes the feeling as "good times." When asked if she had heard Martin Luther King give the famous speech before, she reveals that it was Sister Mahalia who famously shouted out "Tell them about your dream," and they would often perform together.
In conversation with DabMaine about how listeners have shared positive influences from the Staple Singers as young people, Mavis shares a love for kids and how they always sing along at her shows. While discussing Stax Records, she highlights its true essence of art, liberty, and righteousness.
Mavis's message is one of hope - to not dwell on darkness, but to turn on the light within yourself.
Speaking of her father Roebuck Staples and his passing, Mavis shares a story about how he handed her some lost tapes and told her "Don't lose this" before succumbing to illness. These tapes were eventually released on an album called Don't Lose This, with the help of Jeff Tweedy. She says it was truly a magical time working at Stax Records with people like Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
The documentary Summer of Soul does showcase some amazing performances by Mavis Staples along with other legends. Mavis describes the feeling as "good times." When asked if she had heard Martin Luther King give the famous speech before, she reveals that it was Sister Mahalia who famously shouted out "Tell them about your dream," and they would often perform together.
In conversation with DabMaine about how listeners have shared positive influences from the Staple Singers as young people, Mavis shares a love for kids and how they always sing along at her shows. While discussing Stax Records, she highlights its true essence of art, liberty, and righteousness.
Mavis's message is one of hope - to not dwell on darkness, but to turn on the light within yourself.
! Her music always lifts me up when I'm feelin' down 
and it's so cool that she's still spreadin' positivity & hope, even in these crazy times 
. I mean can you blame her for gettin' lost in the music? Her dad's wisdom about singin' from the heart is like the truth, ain't nothin' more powerful than genuine emotions 
. And I'm dyin' to know more about those lost tapes, that album Don't Lose This sounds like a total treasure trove 
!
her vocals are iconic no need for autotune or whatever lol. and yeah mavis staples is a total legend btw i mean dont lose this album btw it's like she poured her heart out on those tapes 
And let's be real, her dad Roebuck was straight fire 
with that advice! [ GIF of a cassette tape being passed from hand to hand ] Don't lose this magic, indeed! 
it's so inspiring to see someone carry on that legacy in such a powerful way
! And can we talk about Stax Records? That whole scene was all about creativity and innovation 
. Mavis's experience there is truly inspiring. Her message about turning to your inner light when faced with darkness is so powerful 
. I'm totally here for it 
I wonder what Mavis Staples' life was like growing up? Did her dad Roebuck teach her how to sing when she was little or was that something she just naturally picked up? 
I'm totally loving Mavis Staples' energy & spirit 
. The way she talks about using her voice as a force for good & spreading hope is everything 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be reminded to "sing from the heart" when life gets tough? 
. Don't get me wrong, it's great to see all the legends from Stax Records getting recognition, but can we get some new info? Like, what about Mavis Staples' latest music? Has she released any new albums recently? It feels like no one cares about her recent work just because of these documentaries 
You can tell she's still got that passion for music and spreading love 
They were one of the most successful R&B groups in history! And, fun fact: Mavis Staples was just 15 when she joined The Staple Singers, leaving home to tour with her family 
.
. That's mind-blowing!
He even got arrested during the Montgomery Bus Boycott! Talk about a legacy, right?
It's amazing how they've been re-released and people are still discovering new magic in Mavis's music 
and I just can't get it outta my head! Like, the little dude is literally crawling all over the plants, thinking he's some kinda gardener. Anyway, Mavis Staples talking about using her voice for good always puts me in a good mood 
