Mavis Staples, member of the iconic Staples Singers, shares stories from her time with the group. Mavis and Norah play a gospel classic and pay homage to Pops Staples. The hosts discuss heartfelt singing and reminisce about holding hands during a performance. They reflect on growing up with love and music and share memories of meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They also talk about touring experiences and the healing power of music.
Mavis Staples discusses her career with the iconic Staple Singers and her experiences during the civil rights movement.
The Staples Singers, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., transitioned from gospel music to protest songs.
Mavis Staples reflects on her family's tight-knit bond, the unique sound of her father's guitar, and her relationships with other artists like Nina Simone.
Deep dives
Major League Baseball and T-Mobile partnership in advancing the game with 5G solutions
Major League Baseball has partnered with T-Mobile for Business to improve the game with next-gen 5G solutions. This includes real-time data visualization, new camera angles, and testing an automated ball strike system in the minor leagues.
Nora Jones's podcast episode with Mavis Staples
Nora Jones's podcast episode features a conversation with music legend Mavis Staples. They discuss Mavis's career as a member of the iconic Staple Singers, her work during the civil rights movement, and her experiences as a solo artist. They also collaborate on singing gospel classics and pay homage to Mavis's father.
Pops Staples's influence on the Staples Singers' transition to singing protest songs
Pops Staples, the patriarch of the Staples Singers, played a significant role in the group's transition from gospel music to singing protest songs during the civil rights movement. Pops was inspired by the message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and believed that their music could spread the same message of love and equality. They wrote freedom songs like 'Why Am I Treated So Bad?' and 'March Up Freedom Highway' to support the movement.
Close Family Bonds and Musical Travels
This podcast episode features Mavis Staples discussing her experiences traveling and touring with her family from a young age, highlighting their tight-knit bond and the enjoyment they found in fooling audiences with their performances. Despite the potential for drama, the Staples family maintained a strong unity, with the only disagreements being about what to wear. Mavis also reflects on her brother Pervis leaving the group and how it affected her, as well as the unique sound of her father's guitar and her friendship with Levon Helm.
Music, Connection, and Industry Challenges
The conversation also delves into Mavis Staples' relationships with other artists, including the appreciation she had for the voice of Cleedy, her sister, and the influence her father, Pops, had on musicians like Johnny Cash and Aretha Franklin. Mavis shares stories of meeting Elvis Presley, her friendship with Nina Simone, and the challenges she faced in the music industry, particularly regarding songwriting and publishing rights. The episode ends with an emotional rendition of the song 'Friendship' and a deep sense of gratitude and love.
Today we are sharing an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, Norah Jones is Playing Along. Norah is a multi-grammy winning artist who loves to collaborate with other musicians, so she started a podcast to do just that.
Today's episode features the legendary Mavis Staples. You’ll hear stories from her time as a member of the iconic Staples Singers. We will also hear Mavis and Norah play a gospel classic, as well as pay homage to Mavis’s father, Pops Staples, along with a few other surprises.
Listen, follow, and subscribe to Norah Jones is Playing Along wherever you get your podcasts, to hear more great episodes, with fantastic guest artists.