At 85 years young, Mavis Staples' voice still carries the weight of history and the power to heal. In a candid new interview, the gospel legend opens up about her remarkable 75-year career that has intertwined with some of America's most pivotal moments and iconic figures.
A Light in the Darkness
"It's dark in the US right now, but I turn on a light, you know," Staples declares with the conviction that has defined her career. Her words resonate with the same urgency that powered the Staple Singers through the civil rights movement, offering musical solace during turbulent times.
Marching with Martin Luther King
Staples shares poignant memories of marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., recalling how her family's music became the soundtrack to the movement. "We were the spiritual encouragement," she reflects, describing how songs like "Freedom Highway" and "Why Am I Treated So Bad?" became anthems for change.
The Prince Connection
In one of the interview's most revealing sections, Staples discusses her deep, platonic friendship with Prince. The musical genius produced two of her albums and became an unexpected kindred spirit. "Prince understood the struggle," she explains, detailing their creative partnership that defied genre boundaries.
Seven Decades of Resilience
From her start in Chicago churches as part of the Staple Singers to her Grammy-winning solo career, Staples has witnessed musical and social revolutions. Yet her message remains consistent: hope through harmony. "The music has to mean something," she insists. "It has to help somebody."
The Legacy Continues
Even now, Staples continues to record and perform, her voice remarkably preserved. She sees her ongoing work not as a career but as a calling. "As long as I can sing, I'll be spreading this light," she promises, proving that some voices only grow more essential with time.
