1918 - 1985
Laurraine Goreau 1918-1985,
was a journalist from New Orleans. She was a senior editor and, at 22, one of the few women in that position at the time. She won awards for her editorials, articles, headlines, and was known for her humor. She also worked as a producer and actress on television. She also distinguished herself as a composer. She is credited as the composer of the song "Who Made the Great Plan?"
Goreau also accompanied Mahalia on her tour of Asia in 1971, experiencing firsthand the emotional response of audiences to her music. She spent a total of 12 years with Mahalia as her assistant, friend, and biographer.
She worked as an editor for the New Orleans States-Item Women's Editor and wrote the award-winning column "c'est la vie" about the peculiarities and flavors of everyday life in her neighborhood. A prolonged illness forced her to give up her active newspaper career, which allowed her to spend more time with her close friend Mahalia Jackson. This time led to the creation of "Just Mahalia, Baby."
After Mahalia's death, Goreau broke off a musical collaboration with the late Pulitzer Prize winner Hodding Carter in order to devote himself entirely to Mahalia's story.
After Mahalia's death, Goreau interviewed over a hundred family members, friends, and acquaintances of Jackson to gather information for the biography.
BParticularly noteworthy is her contact with Mildred Falls, whom she visited and interviewed. This interview is available as an audio recording. She also spoke on the phone with Mahalia's long-time doctor, Dr. Barkley. This conversation was also recorded.
Since Mahalia's death (January 27, 1971) was still recent, the memories of those she spoke with were still fresh. Goreau used a colloquial writing style in her biography to imitate Mahalia's conversations with those around her. She also uses first names and nicknames, which can be confusing for readers unfamiliar with the subject. Despite criticism of her writing style, Goreau's biography is considered an indispensable source of information about Mahalia Jackson, especially her childhood in New Orleans, due to its attention to detail, primary sources, and important insights that she has preserved from oblivion.
Laurraine Goreau's work contributed significantly to documenting and disseminating Mahalia Jackson's musical legacy.