Living legend Mavis Staples is set to be honored by the Kennedy Center, making her the second gospel singer to be recognized in the award’s 39 year history (the first was Marion Williams in 1993).
Staples’ storied history includes time on the Billboard charts, singing for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and touring around the globe with her family as a member of the Staple Singers. She collaborated with Prince in the 1980s. (Staples paid tribute to the late musician at this year’s Coachella festival.)
“I started crying, I hit the floor, I asked my manager, ‘Are you sure?’” Staples told the New York Times, recalling her reaction to hearing the big news. “I’m still excited and in disbelief. It’s so uplifting. I feel good. I must be the happiest old girl in the world.”
The Kennedy Center’s honors are widely considered to be one of the nation’s most prestigious prizes for artistic accomplishments. Of this year’s five awardees, two are women — Staples and pianist Martha Argerich.
A gala and ceremony will take place later this year, where the honorees will receive their medallions from Secretary of State John Kerry. CBS will broadcast the show on December 27. The winners will also be welcomed to the White House for a visit with President Obama.
The New York Times reports, “In years past, critics have said that the Honors sorely lack racial and genre diversity, and this year’s selections are part of continued efforts by the John F. Kennedy Center to reach audiences and groups that are traditionally outside of its purview. The center has addressed the criticism by expanding the nominating committee, accepting recommendations from the public, and giving artists like Ms. Staples her due.”
”My vision has been that we broaden that out,” explained Deborah F. Rutter, the president of the Kennedy Center. “That’s why I was really delighted when we had such a surge of interest in honoring Mavis.”
Staples was the subject of Jessica Edwards’ 2015 SXSW doc “Mavis!” “The film explores how Mavis and her family influenced and contributed to the history of American music while staying true to her commitment to equality and civil rights,” Edwards told Women and Hollywood. “Mavis!” opened theatrically and was broadcast on HBO in February 2016. You can watch it on iTunes.
