Author

If you don't get out among the people, how are you going to know what they need to hear about?

My high-school a cappella teacher would embarrass me in front of the choir. 'Mavis, you're in the basement. Mavis, you're singing with the boys.' I said, 'Mr. Finch, my voice isn't soprano. I can't sing up there with the girls.' So I just got out of the choir.

From Mavis Staples

The devil ain't got no music. All music is God's music.

From Mavis Staples

My purpose: to lift your spirit and to motivate you.

From Mavis Staples

I won't wear rings and jewelry on the stage because I don't want you looking at my hands. I want you hearing what I'm saying.

From Mavis Staples

I never sang for a Grammy, for money, for fame. That's my whole purpose for singing: for people, for the fans.

From 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.

From Mavis Staples

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

From Mavis Staples

Music is such a joy, just an absolute joy.

From 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.

From Mavis Staples

Mavis Staples

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