Essential component
Immerse yourself in a world full of knowledge and inspiration!
My articles are at the heart of this project. They are the result of my personal journey and research, and share my deepest insights and analysis with you. Here you will find not only familiar topics, but also those that have been overlooked until now.
This platform is more than just a collection of texts—it is a place that imparts knowledge and unleashes creative thoughts. The articles are arranged in the order in which they were written.
I warmly invite you to embark on this journey and wish you much enjoyment as you discover it!
The human voice is an instrument of immeasurable expressiveness and fascination. Hardly anyone could resist the appeal of Mahalia Jackson's singing. But how can her voice be described and classified? Is that even possible? This article examines the phenomenon of Mahalia Jackson's voice from a technical, but not unemotional, perspective, beginning with a general overview of the human singing voice.
The orchestral recordings are masterpieces, but they were initially rejected because their loyal fans feared that this new direction would cause them to abandon their roots. However, this fear was unfounded. It was an inevitable expansion of their work, made possible only by their indescribable skill and talent.
Mahalia's spiritual journey was marked by a daily discipline that she guarded like a precious treasure. She found inspiration and divine guidance not in fleeting moments, but in a conscious, daily search for God. Every morning she knelt down to thank her Creator for all the blessings she had received. The Bible was her constant companion, a beacon in stormy times. Especially in times of trouble, she sought comfort and guidance in its sacred pages.
Throughout her life, Mahalia Jackson had a great, unfulfilled dream: to build a non-denominational temple in Chicago. This temple was to be not just a house of worship, but a vibrant "living memorial" to her deeply rooted convictions and unshakeable faith. It was a vision that transcended her musical career and reflected a deep longing for community, education, and spiritual renewal.
Mahalia Jackson's own lack of formal education shaped her desire to open doors for others. For her, the foundation was more than just financial support; it was a "launching pad" for God's grace and a way to make dreams come true. Her long-held desire to build a non-denominational, non-sectarian temple in Chicago where children of all ethnicities could sing, learn, and develop their talents remained unfulfilled during her lifetime, but her foundation was a concrete step in that direction.
Mahalia Jackson's reputation preceded her in Europe even before she set foot on German soil. In early 1951, she received an award from the Charles Cros Academie in France for her recording of "I Can Put My Trust in Jesus." The influential French jazz critic Hugues Panassie played her records repeatedly on French radio, which led to the release of her music by Vogue Records in Europe. She had a very special relationship with Germany.
Mahalia Jackson played a central role in establishing the genre on television through numerous appearances and her own shows. Follow this interesting and exciting story!
Color television conquers Germany
A historic performance by Mahalia Jackson at the launch of color television in Germany in August 1967.
August 25, 1967 marked a turning point in the German media landscape: color television was officially introduced in West Germany. This event, which took place as part of the 25th International Radio Exhibition in Berlin, promised a new era of seeing and hearing.
Don't miss the captivating story of how Mahalia Jackson conquered Carnegie Hall and changed gospel music forever! Learn how her legendary concerts not only shaped her career, but also catapulted an entire musical genre from churches to the world's most prestigious concert halls, bringing it worldwide recognition.
The incomparable gospel singer Mahalia Jackson actually made a memorable appearance in Douglas Sirk's 1959 melodrama "Imitation of Life." However, her involvement was anything but straightforward and sheds light on the complex portrayals of Black characters in Hollywood at the time.
Released in 1964, The Best Man is an American political drama that provides a gripping insight into the intrigues of a national party convention.
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner and based on a screenplay by Gore Vidal — adapted from his own successful Broadway play — the film boasts a stellar cast, including Henry Fonda as the liberal William Russell and Cliff Robertson as the ruthless Joe Cantwell. The realistic portrayal of dirty politics earned the film not only positive reviews, but also Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for supporting actors Lee Tracy and Ann Sothern.
Mahalia Jackson and the deep spiritual significance of the Newport Jazz Festival
The Newport Jazz Festival has always been a stage for musical excellence, but few performances have underscored its spiritual depth and cultural significance as powerfully as that of Mahalia Jackson. The "Queen of Gospel" was a fixture at the festival, and her midnight performance in 1958, captured in the iconic film "Jazz on a Summer's Night," remains unforgettable. At a time of profound racial division in the United States, Newport created a rare platform where artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds came together to experience music.
Mahalia Jackson, known as the "Queen of Gospel," took on her first film role in "St. Louis Blues." This was a remarkable appearance, as she had strictly insisted throughout her career on singing only gospel music and refused to perform blues or jazz. Her participation in this film is a testament to the esteem she held for W.C. Handy and his musical legacy.
Born Mahala, she was affectionately known as "Halie" by her family and close friends. This nickname was a diminutive form of her birth name and a tribute to her older aunt Mahala "Duke" Paul. But that was just one of them...
On August 6, Mahalia Jackson was the star guest at the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago. But what is this traditional parade that still exists today? This article reveals the "secret"!
On June 15, 1959, Mahalia Jackson paid her first visit to Winston-Salem, North Carolina's fifth largest city. She gave a gospel recital at Atkins High School, sponsored by the WAAA Foundation. This is another historic document that demonstrates Mahalia's commitment to a good cause.
Mahalia Jackson's approach to money, finances, and investments was inextricably linked to her early experiences of poverty and exploitation. This shaped her keen business sense, a deep mistrust of others, and an unconditional desire to maintain control over her income.
Mahalia Jackson's approach to money, finances, and investments was inextricably linked to her early experiences of poverty and exploitation. This shaped her keen business sense, a deep mistrust of others, and an unconditional desire to maintain control over her income.
Brother John Sellers (1924-1999), affectionately known as "Brother John" and named after the famous Sister Rosetta Tharpe, was a colorful figure in American music history whose life was shaped by the deep roots of gospel and the harsh realities of the blues. At around the age of eight, he was taken in by Mahalia Jackson and her then-husband Ike Hockenhull and lived with them for a short time.
Chicago, a city steeped in history and culture, played an indispensable role in the emergence and development of gospel music. So much so that author Robert M. Marovich, in his book "A City Called Heaven," refers to Chicago as the true birthplace of gospel music. This metropolis was not only a center for musical innovation, but also the stage for the rise of one of the greatest gospel icons of all time: Mahalia Jackson.
New Orleans, the vibrant city on the banks of the Mississippi River, was more than just the birthplace of Mahalia Jackson, who would later become known as the "Queen of Gospel." It was the cradle of her musical soul, a melting pot of spiritual sounds, worldly rhythms, and profound experiences that would shape her unique style. Mahalia's connection to New Orleans was a lifelong, indissoluble relationship that was reflected in her music, her personality, and ultimately in her final resting place.
Gospel music is much more than just a musical genre; it is a deeply rooted expression of African American culture, a source of hope, a catalyst for social change, and a powerful tool in the fight against injustice. From its beginnings in the spirituals of enslaved people to its central role in the civil rights movement and beyond, gospel music has always served a multifaceted sociopolitical function.
On June 21, 1964, tens of thousands gathered at Soldier Field in Chicago for one of the most significant events in the American civil rights movement: the Illinois Rally for Civil Rights. Although the event is often mentioned in the context of the broader Chicago Freedom Movement, a campaign that took place in 1965–1966, this rally was a crucial precursor and a powerful symbol of the ongoing civil rights efforts in the city and beyond. At the center of it all was Mahalia Jackson, whose powerful voice and tireless dedication had a profound impact on the movement.
Video „Just a closer walk with thee"
Gospel music is much more than a musical genre; it is a deeply rooted expression of African-American culture, a source of hope, and a catalyst for social change. From the spirituals of enslaved people to the civil rights movement, it has always fulfilled a socio-political function, and continues to do so today!
Improvisation is a central element of their dynamic.
Mahalia Jackson was a master of this discipline!
More than just food, a legacy.
Mahalia Jackson's deep connection to food and cooking is an equally rich and fascinating facet of her life. From her humble beginnings in New Orleans to her innovative business ideas, her love of cooking was reflected in every aspect of her life—in her personal culinary skills, her hospitality, and even her groundbreaking business decisions.
Mahalia Jackson's life was, of course, inextricably linked to her homes – from her humble beginnings in New Orleans to her luxurious condominiums in Chicago. Her houses and apartments were not just places to live, but also witnesses to her impressive career, financial success, and tireless commitment to the civil rights movement. These retreats were particularly important to her, as she was constantly on the go, performing concerts, touring, recording albums, appearing on TV, and attending church events.