If you’ve ever heard that deep, gravelly voice—the one that sounds like it’s been soaked in Mississippi mud and dried in the Chicago sun—you know Mavis Staples. She isn't just a singer. She’s a piece of living history. People often find themselves wondering, "Wait, how old is Mavis Staples exactly?" because she seems to have more energy than most people half her age.
Honestly, it’s a fair question. She’s been around forever. She was there when Martin Luther King Jr. was choosing songs for marches. She was there when Stax Records was the coolest place on earth. And she’s still here right now, headlining festivals in 2026.
How Old Is Mavis Staples Right Now?
Let’s get the numbers out of the way. Mavis Staples is 86 years old. She was born on July 10, 1939. This means she’ll be turning 87 this summer.
It’s kinda wild when you think about the timeline. She started singing with her family, The Staple Singers, back in 1950. She was just 11 years old then. Most of us were worried about middle school homework at that age, but Mavis was already out there becoming "God’s Greatest Hitmaker" alongside her father, "Pops" Staples.
Why People Can't Believe Her Age
The reason the "how old is Mavis Staples" search query pops up so often is her schedule. She hasn't slowed down. In fact, she just released a brand-new album titled Sad And Beautiful World in late 2025.
She isn't just "releasing" music either. She’s collaborating with the new guard—people like MJ Lenderman, Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee), and Justin Vernon. She’s not a legacy act playing the old hits for a paycheck. She’s an active participant in the current music scene.
📖 Related: The A Wrinkle in Time Cast: Why This Massive Star Power Didn't Save the Movie
- Birth Date: July 10, 1939
- Current Age: 86
- Active Since: 1950 (that’s 76 years of singing, folks)
- Latest Release: Sad And Beautiful World (2025)
The Legend of the Last Staple Standing
Mavis is the last surviving member of The Staple Singers. Her sisters Cleotha and Yvonne, and her brother Pervis, have all passed away. So has Pops.
Being the "last one" carries a lot of weight. She’s talked about this in interviews, basically saying she feels a responsibility to keep their legacy alive. When she’s on stage, she isn't just Mavis; she’s carrying the spirit of the whole family.
From the Front Lines to the Beacon Theatre
Back in the 60s, the Staples were the soundtrack to the Civil Rights Movement. Pops Staples was close friends with Dr. King. They didn't just sing "church songs"—they sang "message songs."
If you go to one of her 2026 tour dates, you might hear "I’ll Take You There" or "Respect Yourself." These aren't just radio hits. They were anthems for change. It’s pretty incredible that at 86, she’s still traveling to places like the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville or the Beacon Theatre in New York to deliver that same message of hope.
What’s Keeping Her So Young?
You’d think after seven decades, she’d want to sit on a porch and relax. Nope.
👉 See also: Cuba Gooding Jr OJ: Why the Performance Everyone Hated Was Actually Genius
She actually almost retired back in 2023. She told her team she was tired. But then, that "eternal optimism" she’s famous for kicked back in. She realized she still had more to say.
The secret seems to be her connection to younger artists. She doesn't act like a "legend" who knows everything. She’s curious. When she worked with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, or more recently with producer Brad Cook, she approached it like a student.
"You have to stay hopeful and have faith that things are going to get better. I just have to deliver the compassion I feel." — Mavis Staples
Is She Still Touring in 2026?
Yes. It’s actually kind of exhausting just looking at her itinerary.
She kicked off January 2026 with a massive show at the Chicago Theatre. From there, she’s heading to Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. She’s even scheduled for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in May.
✨ Don't miss: Greatest Rock and Roll Singers of All Time: Why the Legends Still Own the Mic
If you’re wondering if she "still has it," the reviews for her recent shows are pretty much unanimous: she’s still a powerhouse. Her voice has deepened, sure. It’s more of a rich alto now. But the grit and the soul are exactly where they’ve always been.
Upcoming 2026 Tour Highlights:
- Nashville, TN: Ryman Auditorium (January 24)
- New York, NY: Beacon Theatre (February 28)
- Portland, OR: Revolution Hall (March 14)
- New Orleans, LA: Jazz Fest (May 3)
Addressing the Common Misconceptions
There are a few things people get wrong about Mavis.
First, some think she’s purely a gospel singer. While her roots are in the church, she’s touched everything from R&B and soul to folk and indie rock. Prince even produced two of her albums back in the day. He was a huge fan.
Second, people assume she must be "winding down." But if you listen to Sad And Beautiful World, you'll hear a woman who is very much engaged with the "hard times" of the present day. She covers Frank Ocean. She covers Kevin Morby. She isn't stuck in 1972.
How to Support a Living Legend
If you want to experience why Mavis Staples is still the "transcendent force of love" (as Allison Russell calls her), there are a few things you should do.
- Listen to the new record: Sad And Beautiful World is probably her most vulnerable work yet. It’s got these "spare skeleton" recordings that really let her voice breathe.
- See her live: At 86, every performance is a gift. The atmosphere at a Mavis show is unlike anything else—it’s half concert, half revival.
- Dive into the history: Check out the documentary Mavis! if you want to see the footage of her as a teenager with the short hair and the giant voice.
Mavis Staples is 86 years old, but her impact is timeless. She’s seen the worst of humanity and somehow still sings about the best of it. That’s not just a career; that’s a calling.
Next Steps:
Check her official website for ticket availability for the Spring 2026 leg of her tour, as many shows are already selling out. You can also find the "Champagne Vinyl" edition of her new album through ANTI- Records to hear the latest chapter of her 70-year journey.