Watch Mavis!

Mavis! is a documentary biopic about the life and career of Mavis Staples, the legendary gospel and soul singer. It was directed by Jessica Edwards and released in 2015. The film is structured around a series of interviews with Mavis, interspersed with performances from throughout her career, archival footage, and interviews with other musicians and historians who have worked with or studied Mavis's music. The interviews with Mavis are framed by her preparations to record a new album with Jeff Tweedy, the frontman of Wilco and a longtime fan and collaborator of Mavis's.

The film begins with a brief overview of Mavis's early life in Chicago, where she and her family sang together as a gospel group called the Staple Singers. The Staple Singers quickly gained a following in the city, and began to attract attention from record labels and promoters. Mavis talks about her father's decision to take the group on the road, and the challenges and opportunities that came with touring the South in the 1950s and 60s.

As the film progresses, we see Mavis's career evolve from her gospel roots to her work as a soul and R&B singer in the 1960s and 70s. She talks about the challenges of navigating segregation and discrimination in the music industry, and the ways in which her music became part of the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice.

The film also explores Mavis's personal life, including her relationships with her family, her love for Bob Dylan and other musicians, and her struggles with health issues and addiction. Throughout it all, Mavis's music remains a central focus, and we see her perform some of her greatest hits, including "Respect Yourself," "I'll Take You There," and "Touch a Hand, Make a Friend."

One of the highlights of the film is the recording sessions with Jeff Tweedy, which take place in a studio in Chicago. We see Mavis and Tweedy collaborating on new songs, revisiting old favorites, and working with a group of talented musicians to create a sound that is both classic and contemporary. The sessions are a testament to Mavis's enduring artistry and her ability to connect with new generations of fans.

Overall, Mavis! is a moving and insightful tribute to one of the greatest voices in American music. It shows us not only Mavis's incredible talent and resilience, but also the ways in which her music has shaped and been shaped by the broader cultural and political currents of the last century. It's a must-see for anyone who loves soul, gospel, or R&B music, or who wants to understand the power and impact of music as an agent of change.