Coachella Hipsters Absolutely Lose It for Mavis Staples
Soul legend Mavis Staples took to the stage in the Gobi tent at Coachella Music Festival on Friday, and showed the young folks how it's done.
The iconic singer poked fun at the fresh-faced crowd, pointing to various people saying, "She wasn't born. He wasn't born. She wasn't born," as she introduced her 70's hit "I'll take you there." She followed it up with an unexpected cover of a modern hit. Commented on the eight sparkling chandeliers in the tent, saying, "Aren't they beautiful?" She continued, "Makes me think of that song," before singing some of Sia's "Chandelier." She then laughing, "That little girl gonna come after me," she said. "I better stop."
Most memorable, however, were Staples performances of her classic hits. She gave a stirring version of "Freedom Highway" that surely opened up a new generation of fans to her music:
Staples has been the an important voice in the Civil Rights movement as well as the music world for decades. The HBO documentary film MAVIS!, which came out earlier this year, explores her life and work like never before. BET sat down with MAVIS! director Jessica Edwards to discuss what Staples has meant to the world, and how her legacy will be remembered for years to come.
(Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Coachella)