Mavis Staples has announced the November 7th release of Sad And Beautiful World, the latest solo album from a national treasure and multigenerational talent. On her new record, Mavis stands side by side with us in the face of dangers she knows all too well, at a time when more and more people have reason to wonder who and what could be lost.
Produced by Brad Cook (Bon Iver, Waxahatchee, Nathaniel Rateliff), ‘Sad And Beautiful World’ spans seven decades of the American songbook — a range nearly as vast as Mavis’ career — and includes reinventions of timeless songs as well as original music. It also includes cameos by artists who have become part of Mavis’ world, many of whom are legends in their own right: Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Tweedy, Derek Trucks, Katie Crutchfield, MJ Lenderman, Justin Vernon and others shine a light on her while Mavis does what only she can do. Embracing vulnerability, she sings close and deep here, drawing the listener into a circle filled with her unforgettable presence.
Out today is her rendition of Kevin Morby’s “Beautiful Strangers”, where she reminds those in danger: “If you ever hear the gunshot… think of mother / I am a rock.” Listen to it below.
Staples will be on tour throughout the fall with her next show in Colorado on September 6 and is announcing new 2026 tour dates today at three legendary venues: Chicago’s Chicago Theatre, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and New York’s Beacon Theatre. All upcoming dates are listed below.
TOUR DATES
September 6 – Lone Tree, CO @ Lone Tree Arts Center
September 11 – Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
September 13 – Napa, CA @ Blue Note Summer Sessions
October 1 – Stoughton, WI @ Stoughton Opera House
October 2 – Stoughton, WI @ Stoughton Opera House SOLD OUT
October 4 – Memphis, TN @ Mempho Fest
October 9 – Tucson, AZ @ Fox Theatre
October 11 – Prescott, AZ @ Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center
October 12 – Chandler, AZ @ Chandler Center for the Arts
January 10 – Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre (w/ support from Nathaniel Rateliff solo)
January 24 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
February 28 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre (w/ support from Allison Russell)
Pre-Save ‘Sad And Beautiful World’
1. Chicago
2. Beautiful Strangers
3. Sad And Beautiful World
4. Human Mind
5. Hard Times
6. Godspeed
7. We Got To Have Peace
8. Anthem
9. Satisfied Mind
10. Everybody Needs Love
