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My voice is my gift. And Pops had me using it in the right way. I had many offers to sing pop, to sing rhythm and blues. Pops said "Mavis, this record company want to give you a million dollars." I said, "No daddy, I want to sing with the family." And I did. I never wanted to branch out by myself. But I've had to now. It's my mission. I've been left here to do it. And I'm grateful.

"Mavis Staples Interview: Staple Singers, Elvis Presley, Martin Luther King, Jr., and that one time in Memphis". Interview with Ed Masley, www.azcentral.com. March 1, 2017.
My voice is my gift. And Pops had me using it in the right way. I had many offers to sing pop, to sing rhythm and blues. Pops said Mavis, this record company want to give you a million dollars. I said, No daddy, I want