52 Quotes by Mavis Staples

But you have to have forgiveness in your heart. You will just take yourself under if you keep being angry.

If you don't get out among the people, how are you going to know what they need to hear about?

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.

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

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.

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

The best music of my life I heard at my grandmother's church, this little wooden church up on a hill.

Music is such a joy, just an absolute joy.