“I still have every bit of my voice,” says singer and civil rights icon Mavis Staples. “It’s still here, and I’m still here.” Throughout her career, Mavis has used her voice to uplift the truth through song, and after seventy years, she has no interest in slowing down. This year Mavis is on tour throughout the US and Europe, and on May 20th, she will release a new album, Carry Me Home, recorded with The Band’s Levon Helm. On this episode, Hanif speaks to Mavis about the album, why she won’t be retiring anytime soon, and the secrets behind the longevity of her career—including how Mahalia Jackson taught her to take care of her voice. For the playlist of songs curated for this episode head over to https://bit.ly/oos-mavis-staples.

/ Music In This Week’s Episode /

I’ll Take You There - The Staple Singers

The Last Waltz Suite: The Weight (feat. The Staple Singers) - The Band, The Staple Singers

How I Got Over - Live at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church - Aretha Franklin

Summertime / Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child - Mahalia Jackson

Heaven - Mary Mary

Down in My Soul - Ingram Singers

BL3$$3D - Trek Manifest