Mavis Staples Issues New Singles ‘Dedicated’ & ‘Action’

On Friday, revered vocalist Mavis Staples will issue Livin’ On A High Note through ANTI- Records. The M. Ward produced LP features the singles “Dedicated” and “Action” which have been shared in advance of the album’s release.

Penned by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon and Ward, “Dedicated” is one of 12 new compositions written for Staples by a diverse collection of contemporary songwriters that also includes “Action” composed by tUnE-yArDs. Others contributing new songs for the record included Neko Case, Nick Cave, Ben Harper, Aloe Blacc, Benjamin Booker, Valerie June, John Baptiste and The Head and the Heart. Vernon issued the following statement regarding the new tune:

Mavis Staples is a true national treasure. The Staples Singers’ catalogue is one of the most important in my life history. I’m beyond humbled to hear her sing on a song I had a hand in writing and to have her perform this year at Eaux Claires.

Stream “Dedicated” below:

Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs who wrote “Action” told The Fader this about her experience:

I am stunned that Mavis Staples is singing a song that I had a part in—stunned and honored. She is the coolest, the bravest, and a role model for me in terms of being a humble, generous performer. I wanted to write what she asked for: an upbeat, danceable song, but which also honored the Staples Singers’ tradition of songs that are relevant to right now, and which might inspire audiences to be brave themselves.

Stream “Action” below:

Last night, Staples won the Grammy Award for Best American Roots Performance for her recording of “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean” off her 2015 Your Good Fortune EP. On Monday, February 29 HBO will premiere the documentary film Mavis! about the life of the legendary performer. She will appear next in Dallas for a two-night stand at The Kessler Theater beginning March 4, with several other dates planned throughout the year, including an appearance at the above mentioned Eaux Claires festival which Vernon is hosting in Wisconsin this August.

[Hat Tip – Pitchfork & The Fader]