On June 10, 2025, legendary soul and gospel singer Mavis Staples unveiled her poignant rendition of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed,” offering a fresh interpretation of the contemporary classic from Ocean’s acclaimed 2016 album, Blonde. Produced by Brad Cook, the cover features spoken word contributions from poet and musician Kara Jackson, adding a unique dimension to the track.
In a press release, Staples expressed her deep admiration for Ocean’s songwriting and emotional delivery. She highlighted the song’s opening line, “I will always love you,” as particularly impactful, stating, “That first line in ‘Godspeed’… 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.”
Staples’ interpretation of “Godspeed” continues her tradition of blending gospel roots with modern influences, demonstrating her ability to bridge generational gaps in music. Her powerful vocals imbue the song with a sense of timelessness, resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners.
The release of “Godspeed” coincides with the announcement of Staples’ extensive tour across North America and Europe. Scheduled performances include appearances at major jazz and music festivals such as the Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto Jazz Festivals, as well as solo concerts in cities like Knoxville, Detroit, and Memphis. Notably, she will perform at the Way Out West festival in Sweden and the Mempho Fest in Memphis.
This latest release adds to Staples’ extensive discography, which includes her most recent album, Carry Me Home, a collaborative effort with Levon Helm released in 2022. Her enduring presence in the music industry is marked by a commitment to social justice and a passion for connecting with audiences through soulful performances.
