The Prayer Warrior
Cleste Scott was much more than just an employee; she was an important confidante, personal assistant, and close friend to Mahalia Jackson. Mahalia herself aptly described their relationship with the words, "Well, we're just tight, very tight." Their connection was deep and multifaceted, characterized by trust, collaboration, and mutual support.
Personal environment and family ties
Celeste Scott was married to Eddie Scott, whom she had brought with her from Lexington, Mississippi. Another central figure in her life was her younger sister, Margaret Aikens, who was affectionately known as the "little missionary" and later as the "prayer warrior" for Mahalia Jackson. Sources also mention a stepmother in the context of Celeste and Margaret, suggesting a more complex family structure.
Celeste's influence on Mahalia Jackson's life and career was immense and spanned various areas:
Financial and administrative support
She played a key role in Mahalia's finances, counting income and managing funds. She also assisted her with everyday tasks such as shopping and furnishing Mahalia's apartment in Chicago.
Travel companion and confidante
Celeste accompanied Mahalia on numerous trips, including tours to New York, Europe, and California. On these trips, she was not only a loyal companion, but also an important confidante to whom Mahalia entrusted her personal worries, whether they were health problems or frightening incidents such as a supposed "voodoo" incident in her bedroom.
Organizer and planner
She was actively involved in planning and organizing Mahalia's events, such as the Mahalia Jackson Foundation's Easter concert in Inglewood, California. Here she coordinated churches and choirs and worked closely with a team that included Margaret, Robbie Preston, Gwen, Yancey, and Allen Clark. She was also responsible for communications regarding Mahalia's performances, even with political figures.
Musical participation
Although Celeste was initially unsure whether she could sing, Mahalia encouraged her, saying, "Of course you can, I'll just show you a few things." She was present during recording sessions and played a crucial role in the recording of Mahalia's hit song "Move on Up a Little Higher," with Mahalia expressly acknowledging her contribution.
Spiritual support
Celeste was one of Mahalia's "strongest prayer warriors" and also supported her on a spiritual level.
Celeste Scott was present at many important moments in Mahalia Jackson's life:
She participated in Mahalia Jackson's 25th anniversary program.
She traveled to New York with Theodore R. Frye, Mildred Falls, and James Cleveland.
She played a key role in the creation of Mahalia's hit song "Move on Up a Little Higher."
She assisted Mahalia with dental treatment.
She helped design and furnish Mahalia's apartment in Chicago.
She was contacted by Mahalia when she was frightened by what she believed to be a "voodoo" incident in her bedroom in Los Angeles.
She participated in Mahalia's Christmas party at Mother Parks' house in 1971.
Although Celeste Scott was primarily based in Chicago, she was also active in Los Angeles, where she supported Mahalia Jackson in her various engagements.