Mavis Staples, a voice that has resonated through six decades of American music, continues to captivate audiences with her powerful and soulful delivery. From her early beginnings as a teenage prodigy to her status as a beloved elder stateswoman of music, Staples’ career is a testament to her enduring talent and unwavering spirit. Her journey, deeply intertwined with the cultural and historical fabric of the United States, offers a unique lens through which to explore the evolution of American music, particularly the rich tapestry of genres that predate the rock and roll revolution. This exploration delves into the essence of “Oldies music,” highlighting its significance and Mavis Staples’ pivotal role within it.
The Uncloudy Day and the Rise of a Legend
Staples’ career took flight at the tender age of 16 with the release of “Uncloudy Day.” This seminal hit, with its raw and longing vocals, announced her arrival on the music scene and laid the foundation for the Staple Singers’ illustrious career. The song’s profound spiritual underpinnings and Mavis’s mature vocal performance belied her youth, foreshadowing the depth and emotional resonance that would become her hallmark. This early success marked her bold “hello to the world,” setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to music.
A Career Spanning Eras and Genres
Mavis Staples’ career is not merely a chronicle of hit songs but a living history of American music and social change. In the 1960s, the Staple Singers emerged as powerful voices of the Civil Rights Movement, their music serving as anthems for justice and equality. They performed at pivotal moments, including Martin Luther King Jr.’s gatherings, embedding their sound within the struggle for civil rights. The 1970s saw the group embrace a funkier, more danceable sound, delivering million-selling US No. 1 hits like “I’ll Take You There” and “Let’s Do It Again.”
Staples’ influence extended beyond her family group. In the 1980s, Prince, recognizing her immense talent, brought her out of semi-retirement and produced two solo albums for her, nurturing a bond she affectionately describes as a mother-son relationship. More recently, she has collaborated with contemporary artists, including Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, and performed with Arcade Fire, further cementing her relevance across generations. Her latest album, Livin’ on a High Note, features collaborations with artists like Benjamin Booker, Nick Cave, and Neko Case, showcasing her continued artistic vitality.
Echoes of Giants: Mavis and Her Peers
The impact of Mavis Staples’ voice and artistry has been recognized by some of the most iconic figures in music history. David Bowie, whom Staples recalls with deep admiration, expressed his profound respect for her, leaving her “melted” by his kind words. This mutual admiration highlights the profound connections forged within the music community, transcending fame and status.
Perhaps one of the most significant acknowledgments of her influence comes from Bob Dylan. He famously described “Uncloudy Day” as “the most mysterious thing I’d ever heard,” and has consistently cited the Staple Singers as a major influence since first hearing them in 1953. Dylan’s poetic description of her voice— “like the fog rolling in”—captures the evocative power of her singing. Staples and Dylan shared a brief romantic connection in the early 1960s, a period she fondly recalls through exchanged letters and shared festival stages. Though she turned down his proposal, they have maintained a lifelong friendship, even collaborating on the gospel song “Gonna Change My Way of Thinking” for Dylan’s 1979 album, Slow Train Coming.
The Roots of Resilience: Chicago Beginnings and Gospel Traditions
Mavis Staples was born in Chicago in 1939, but her father, Roebuck “Pops” Staples, hailed from a Mississippi plantation, where he learned guitar from the legendary delta blues artist Charley Patton. This blues heritage became a foundational element of the family band’s sound. Mavis, affectionately nicknamed “Bubbles” by her mother, was a cheerful child who joined her family on the road at a young age. Despite the demands of touring, she insists she didn’t miss her youth, balancing music with childhood joys like jumping rope and attending school, albeit with extra homework for missed Mondays.
Her early experiences with gospel music and the Staple Singers’ tight-knit family dynamic instilled in her a deep sense of humility and a commitment to self-reliance. She recalls ordering room service as a child and being addressed as “Mr. Staples” due to her deep voice, a testament to its unique timbre even then. This grounding in family, faith, and the blues provided the bedrock for her extraordinary career.
Enduring Relevance: Music as a Force for Change
Even as she celebrates her prolific career, Mavis Staples remains a potent advocate for social justice. Songs like “Why (Am I Treated So Bad)?” written by her father in response to the Little Rock Nine incident, continue to resonate deeply. She emphasizes that these songs remain relevant, sometimes feeling as though she is transported back to the turbulent 1960s when watching the news. Her new album features “MLK Song,” a piece built around a Martin Luther King Jr. speech, produced by M. Ward, further underscoring her commitment to carrying forward the message of peace and justice.
Staples’ perspective on aging is one of grace and acceptance. As she navigates the loss of friends, she reflects on her own mortality with a sense of peace, feeling prepared for whatever comes next. This introspection has infused her latest album, Livin’ on a High Note, with a conscious sense of joy, inspired by Pharrell Williams’s “Happy.” She desired songs that would uplift listeners, a departure from the more somber themes she has addressed in the past. This desire to spread happiness is a powerful continuation of her musical legacy.
A Life Lived Authentically
Despite her legendary status, Mavis Staples remains remarkably down-to-earth. She continues to manage her own daily life, from grocery shopping to doing laundry, eschewing the entourage that some of her peers, like Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin, employ. This groundedness, she explains, is crucial for staying connected to the people and understanding their needs. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: “Treat everyone right.” This commitment to authenticity and connection is the enduring thread that runs through her remarkable life and music.
Livin’ on a High Note was released by Anti- on February 19. The documentary Mavis was also released on the same day.