Mavis Staples Releases Stunning Cover of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed”
Legendary Chicago R&B and gospel artist Mavis Staples has unveiled her latest musical endeavor: a heartfelt cover of Frank Ocean’s poignant track “Godspeed.” The cover, produced by the talented Brad Cook, showcases Staples’ soulful vocals and is complemented by spoken word contributions from the emerging artist Kara Jackson.
Staples’ Tribute to Frank Ocean
In a recent press release, Staples expressed her admiration for Frank Ocean, detailing how his music has profoundly influenced her. “Channel Orange was my first introduction to Frank Ocean and I was just amazed at the writing and soulfulness coming from his voice,” Staples shared. She further reflected on her love for Ocean’s album *Blonde* and the emotional weight of “Godspeed,” noting, “That first line in ‘Godspeed’ of ‘I will always love you’ just crushes me every time I hear it… or sing it.” Staples admitted to feeling a sense of nervousness about covering such a beloved song, but emphasized her honor in interpreting Ocean’s powerful lyrics.
Upcoming Tour Announced
In addition to her new cover, Mavis Staples has announced an exciting tour schedule that will see her performing across North America and Europe. Her tour will feature a mix of festival appearances and solo shows, allowing fans to experience her exceptional live performances.
Tour Dates
- 06-21: Ottawa, Ontario – Ottawa Jazz Festival
- 06-23: Toronto, Ontario – Toronto Jazz Festival
- 06-26: Montreal, Quebec – Montreal Jazz Festival
- 06-28: Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre
- 06-29: Brevard, NC – Brevard Music Center
- 07-05: Sioux City, IA – Saturday in the Park
- 07-13: Winnipeg, Manitoba – Winnipeg Folk Festival
- 07-18: Detroit, MI – Concert of Colors
- 07-20: Columbus, OH – Jazz & Rib Fest
- 07-22: Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall
- 08-02: Notodden, Norway – Notodden Blues Festival
- 08-05: Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg
- 08-07: Gothenburg, Sweden – Way Out West
- 08-10: San Jose, CA – San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
- 08-22: Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat
- 08-23: Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester Performance Center
- 08-25: Ocean City, NJ – Ocean City Music Pier
- 09-11: Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern
- 09-13: Napa, CA – Blue Note Summer Sessions
- 10-04: Memphis, TN – Mempho Fest
- 10-09: Tucson, AZ – Fox Theatre
- 10-12: Chandler, AZ – Chandler Center for the Arts
Recent Musical Projects
Mavis Staples continues to be a significant figure in the music industry, with her most recent album, *Carry Me Home*, released in collaboration with Levon Helm in 2022. The album received critical acclaim, showcasing her timeless voice and deep-rooted musical heritage. Last year, she made a memorable appearance on *The Late Show With Stephen Colbert*, performing the Staple Singers’ classic “Freedom Highway” alongside Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, coinciding with the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Conclusion
Mavis Staples’ cover of “Godspeed” not only highlights her extraordinary vocal talent but also her ability to connect with and pay homage to contemporary artists like Frank Ocean. As she embarks on her upcoming tour, fans are sure to be treated to a series of unforgettable performances that celebrate her rich musical legacy.
FAQs
What is the release date of Mavis Staples’ cover of “Godspeed”?
The exact release date was not specified, but it is available for listening now.
Where can I find Mavis Staples’ tour dates?
Her tour dates are listed above, detailing various performances across North America and Europe.
What is the name of Mavis Staples’ most recent album?
Her most recent album is titled *Carry Me Home*, released in 2022.
Who produced Mavis Staples’ cover of “Godspeed”?
The cover was produced by Brad Cook.
Is there any collaboration in the cover of “Godspeed”?
Yes, the cover features spoken word vocals from Kara Jackson.
