Mavis Takes You There

Mavis Staples played an hour-long free show at Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City tonight, a beautiful night, gingham all around.

Looking and sounding a bit huskier than in her glory days, she still possesses a voice that packs a soulful punch. Mavis started with some gospel numbers including "This Little Light of Mine", a song I remember from Vacation Bible School. She performed "The Weight" by The Band, crediting each member of The Band by name and Buffalo Springfield's "For What Its Worth".

Mavis talked to the audience about her family's long friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King and sang a long version of "Why? (Am I Treated So Bad)", inspired by the school integration in Little Rock. That song was Dr. King's favorite, Mavis said.

She ended with the classic 70's Staple Singers' hits, "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself".