Mavis Staples Shares Moving Cover Of Frank Ocean’s ‘Godspeed’

Legendary vocalist Mavis Staples shared a poignant cover of Frank Ocean’s song, “Godspeed.” The Brad Cook-produced track features Kara Jackson and others.

“Godspeed” appeared on Frank Ocean’s standout 2016 album, Blonde. The album was the follow-up to Ocean’s breakout debut, 2012’s Channel Orange.

“Channel Orange was my first introduction to Frank Ocean and I was just amazed at the writing and soulfulness coming from his voice,” Staples revealed. “And I loved Blonde when that record came out. That first line in ‘Godspeed’ of, ‘I will always love you,’ just crushes me every time I hear it… or sing it. It’s just such a beautiful song and he sounds amazing on it so I was a little nervous if we could pull it off. I was honored to sing his words.”

Along with producing, Brad Cook played synthesizer and provided the horn arrangement performed by saxophonist Matt Douglas and trumpeters Trever Hagen and Will Miller (who also played EVI bass synth). Brad Cook’s brother Phil Cook played piano, Nathan Stocker played electric and acoustic guitar, and Matt McCaughan played drums. Singer-songwriter and Youth Poet Laureate Kara Jackson recorded the track’s spoken word outro.

Staples will mix festival appearances with headlining shows over the coming weeks and months. Scroll down for her full tour schedule.

Listen to Mavis Staples’ moving cover of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed” below: