Mavis Staples Quotes & Sayings

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“Music is such a joy, just an absolute joy.”

“I have fun just about everywhere I go.”

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

“I sang with my father for over 50 years, and now all of a sudden he's gone, and I just dropped out.”

“I'm singing these songs to inspire you, to keep you going, to lift you up and give you a reason to get up in the morning.”