My uncle was 16, in junior high, and he heard me singing and snatched me off the stage. I thought he was… — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
I get my voice from my mother's side of the family. My mother and my grandmother both had strong voices. — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
The best music of my life I heard at my grandmother's church, this little wooden church up on a hill. — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
One day, when I was about eight years old, some kids pushed me on stage at school during a talent show because they knew… — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
I was not fortunate enough to run into Obama. We were at the same church per se, but I would never be there when… — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
I started writing letters home to my mother, saying that I wanted to come home, grandma won't let me sing. — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
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.'… — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
We enjoyed the fact that we were called to the folk festivals and we got to know Joan Baez, Dylan. We were singing strictly… — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
If you don't get out among the people, how are you going to know what they need to hear about? — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
It's been an amazing life. It's really just been the most magical thing for me - and I have these musical friends from all… — Mavis Staples Copy Share Image
