On Thursday night, Jeff Tweedy and Mavis Staples joined forces on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to perform “Freedom Highway.”
Originally released in 1965 by the Staple Singers, this powerful song was brought to life again by Staples, Tweedy, and a full band at Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre. Colbert has been broadcasting his show from there all week because of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Colbert mentioned that “Freedom Highway” was recorded over sixty years ago in Chicago before introducing Staples and Tweedy as two of his favorite people from the city.
Interestingly, these two artists share more than just their hometown; they’ve been working together for years. Back in 2010, Tweedy produced and co-wrote Staples’ album You Are Not Alone, followed by their collaboration on her next album, One True Vine, in 2013.
A few years later, in 2017, they released a joint album called If All I Was Was Black, filled with politically charged songs. During the pandemic’s early days, they teamed up again for “All in It Together,” a song whose proceeds helped senior citizens through My Block, My Hood, My City—a local Chicago charity.
This summer saw Staples release her latest single “Worthy,” while Tweedy is preparing for an upcoming tour across the United States.
