Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples

The kids today have these fresh faces. It's like they're on pins and needles, waiting to see what I'm going to do. They've never seen me. In the 1960s, those were hippies. They were wired up already. The kids today know me because I've worked with Jeff Tweedy and other young producers.

Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples

When I come out of my dressing room, I go to my heart and say a little prayer and go out on stage. There I am, coming to lift you up and to motivate you. I want to bring joy. It's gospel, and gospel is the truth. It's what I do. I'm going to bring you the truth and lift up your spirit.

Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples

I get my voice from my mother's side of the family. My mother and my grandmother both had strong voices.

Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples

I'm just singing what I feel in my heart.

Mavis Staples
Mavis Staples

The best music of my life I heard at my grandmother's church, this little wooden church up on a hill.