Miss Lavelle White Says “Keep Your Mask On”
“Please, do it for me!” implores veteran R&B vocalist
By Kevin Curtin, 12:00PM, Tue. Jun. 30, 2020
Miss Lavelle White’s trying not to catch anything. The soul and funk purveyor today unveils a new song called “Keep Your Mask On,” wherein the source amplifies the message. This weekend, the Austin treasure turns 91, which according to ample documentation, increases her risk susceptibility to COVID-19.
The six-minute vamp, taped for ACL Radio’s forthcoming Blues on the Screen broadcast, finds Miss Lavelle dishing clever couplets on the subject of protective face coverings:
“We’re all in this together no matter what we say.
Gotta keep our masks on and fight it every day.
You know this pandemic is strong.
You really gotta get it on – keep your mask on!
“No matter if you’re young or old,
We’re trying to reach our goal.
Keep your mask on!
“You know the mayor is right and governor too.
Wear your mask, it’s what I want you to do.
Please do it for me!”
White’s manager Deborah Lerner says the singer still writes a lot of new material and left show organizers Jackie Venson and Andy Langer awestruck after performing “Keep Your Mask On” at 3ten ACL Live for a closed-set taping last Thursday. Naturally, drummer Paul “Buddha” Mills and keyboardist Matt Farrell wear masks in the clip.
The veteran vocalist celebrates her 91st birthday Sunday at 7pm with a livestream performance broadcast from the Facebook page of her go-to venue Antone’s, although her birthday actually falls on Friday. Then, July 8, she’ll be featured alongside Alesia Lani, Kydd Jones, and Venson for a special Blues on the Green event. Curated by the latter, Blues on the Screen airs on Fox 7 Austin from 7-9pm and raises money for Central Texas Food Bank and E4 Youth.
Now listen to Miss Lavelle and cover your damn face:
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Miss Lavelle White, Jackie Venson, Blues on the Green, Blues on the Screen, COVID-19, Alesia Lani, Kydd Jones, Paul “Buddha” Mills, Matt Farrell, Andy Langer, Deborah Lerner, Central Texas Food Bank, E4 Youth
