A New Album Born from Urgent Voices

The foundation of Staples’ latest work was laid with “Human Mind,” a poignant composition by Hozier and Allison Russell. “That song really set the tone for the entire record,” Staples explained, recalling the emotional impact of first encountering the lyrics: “I deal in love baby, in good words from above … and I ain’t giving up.” She confessed to being moved to tears during her initial attempts to sing it, a testament to the song’s raw honesty and hopeful message.

The album continues with “Beautiful Strangers” by Kevin Morby, and a constellation of other songs that, according to Staples, represent the core of her life’s work. “All the songs are part of me and what I’ve been singing about my whole life,” she stated. The themes explored are broad and deeply relevant – war, love, hardship, and the plight of those facing economic adversity, like the farmer losing their land. It’s a reflection of the world as it is, making the album title, Sad and Beautiful World, profoundly fitting.

Echoes of History: Harlem, Watts, and the Power of Collective Song

Staples’ career is inextricably linked to pivotal moments in American history. Her recollections of performing at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, immortalized in the documentary Summer of Soul, are particularly vivid. Sharing the stage with the incomparable Mahalia Jackson was, she said, a deeply spiritual experience. “To be in the presence of such a voice, such a spirit… it was humbling and inspiring.”

Similarly, Staples remembers the 1973 Wattstax concert, a benefit event held in Watts, Los Angeles, to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the 1965 riots, with profound emotion. Wattstax wasn’t just a concert; it was a statement of resilience and community solidarity. “It was a time of healing, a time of coming together,” Staples reflected. “Music was our weapon, our solace, our way of saying, ‘We are still here.’”

Did You Know?: The Stax Records label, central to the Wattstax concert, was founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton, and became a defining force in soul music.

Staples’ journey has also included a memorable collaboration with David Byrne, a testament to her ability to bridge generations and genres. What does it mean to continue making music that speaks to the issues of today, after witnessing so much change and struggle? “It’s about keeping the faith,” Staples responded. “It’s about turning on a light in the darkness, you know?”

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Frequently Asked Questions About Mavis Staples and Her New Album

• What is the central message of Mavis Staples’ new album?

  The album, titled Sad and Beautiful World, explores themes of love, war, hardship, and resilience, reflecting the current state of the world and Staples’ lifelong commitment to social justice.

• What was Mavis Staples’ experience performing at the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival?

  Performing at the Harlem Cultural Festival was a deeply spiritual experience for Mavis Staples, particularly sharing the stage with Mahalia Jackson, whom she described as humbling and inspiring.

• How did the song “Human Mind” influence the direction of the new album?

  “Human Mind,” written by Hozier and Allison Russell, set the tone for the entire album with its message of love and perseverance, deeply resonating with Staples and influencing the overall emotional landscape of the record.

• What is the significance of the Wattstax concert in Mavis Staples’ career?

  The 1973 Wattstax concert was a powerful event for Mavis Staples, representing a moment of healing and community solidarity in the aftermath of the 1965 riots, and showcasing the power of music as a force for change.

• How has Mavis Staples’ music evolved over her 75-year career?

  While Staples’ core message of hope and justice has remained consistent, her music has evolved through collaborations with artists from diverse genres, reflecting her adaptability and enduring relevance.