When Hozier, Elvis Costello, and Warren Haynes stood together onstage at Love Rocks NYC, the night was already a star-studded event. Things kicked up a notch when Whoopi Goldberg introduced Mavis Staples, describing her as “a powerhouse” and “a true queen.” The Staples Sisters legend took to the stage as the crowd greeted her with an enormous cheer. Then, joined onstage by the other musicians, she began to sing a song that has become synonymous with her iconic career.
Together, they performed ‘The Weight’, a song originally by The Band that has become closely linked to Mavis since she covered it with the Staple Singers in 1968. Not only was the audience blown away by Mavis’ appearance, but her fellow artists looked overjoyed to be performing with her, too. Their admiration was clear when they even turned to bow to her at the end of the song. Fans loved the moment, one commenting, “I love that Mavis gets a bow at the end. Wouldn’t expect anything less.”
I was deeply moved by this moment of recognition. I felt that the moment showed that, even amongst the greats, Mavis stands up as a true musical icon. Music Man fans who watch the video will understand why, even 50 years on from the start of her career, she is still held in such high esteem. I was amazed to see that, even at 86 years of age, Mavis can still give a performance that has an entire arena astonished by her talent, her voice still as powerful as it ever was.
There may only be one instance of Mavis collaborating with a group of musicians to perform this song that stands as more iconic than this one. That was when she, along with her fellow Staples Sisters, collaborated with The Band themselves to perform the song together. Music Man fans who have followed either act are sure to remember their collaboration for Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Last Waltz,’ which saw the two groups come together for a truly legendary performance of ‘The Weight’.
Mavis Staples’ appearance at Love Rocks NYC not only demonstrates how legendary ‘The Weight’ has become, finding new life multiple times over since its original recording, but is also a testament to Mavis’ legacy as a musician. With her appearance prompting excited reactions from fans and fellow artists alike, along with her Grammy Award wins in 2025, Mavis’s continuing impact on music over the last 50 years simply cannot be understated.
Mavis Staples remains a towering musical presence, and her Love Rocks NYC turn was a moving reminder of her enduring power. That standing ovation and the artists’ bow say it all: she’s a true icon. If you want to discover more—performances, interviews and recordings—check the useful links below this paragraph.