Mavis Staples Recalls A Few Times Aretha Franklin Was Shady Towards Her

Get the Full StoryAlthough many believe the modern-day Twitter war is a masterclass in disrespect those people apparently don t know about how it used to go down back in the day. Luckily for us, legendary singer Mavis Staples of The Staples Singers is here to give a history lesson on the origins of shade by recounting a time when Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Quips and Clap Backs, treated her like a lowly commoner during their decades-long friendship, which sounds like it was pretty one-sided. And unfortunately, Mavis was not on the winning side.

If you don t know who Mavis is SHAME ON YOU! Her music, including the popular 70 s song I ll Take You There, can still be heard today, making her one of the last living legends from an era where you could keep your clothes on and still be famous. And since she and Aretha contributed so much to the world of music it would stand to reason the two of them were the best of friends, right? WRONG! Because during an interview with The New Yorker via Jezebel , Mavis discussed a time back in 1987 when she and Aretha recorded a duet of Oh Happy Day. But once the time came for the song to be released Aretha gave Mavis the good ol beautiful gowns treatment and shut her part of the song all the way down. Literally.

When the recording was released, it became clear that Franklin had turned down the volume on Staples s vocal track. Staples said she just shrugged and let it go. I should ve told her, No, just don t put the record out, she said. But you know me: goody-goody Mavis.

Eventually, Mavis grew tired of getting no respect from Aretha, and knew she was completely done with her after Aretha introduced her to the term ghosting in its earliest stage.

Franklin, she admits, put her temperament to the test. I put up with her for a long time till I got tired, you know? Staples told me. She was very insecure. I tried my best to be her friend. She would call me and ask me to call her back. When I called her back, the number was changed. So, you know, she was weird like that.

Mavis is probably revealing this tale of treachery because she knows Aretha won t be able to respond. But she better say a little prayer just in case, as I m sure Aretha is preparing a One Night Only performance titled Mavis Haunting for later on this evening.

Pics: INSTARImages

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