Essential companions on the go
Jim Mindling
was the son of Mahalia's long-time agent Lou Mindling. He accompanied Mahalia on her European tour in 1967 as road manager and took on the typical duties.
Eugene Schaeffer
is mentioned as the road manager who was present at Mahalia Jackson's performance in Gütersloh, Germany. He and his wife played a role in bringing Mahalia to these performances. Schaeffer was "astonished" by Mahalia Jackson's performance in Gütersloh, especially since she had been discouraged during much of her tour and was obviously in great pain.
David Haber
Behind the scenes of their extensive international tours was often a man whose tireless dedication was crucial to their success: David Haber, their dedicated road manager. He was not only a logistics expert, but also a confidant and observer of their extraordinary journeys, especially their unforgettable European tours and their deeply moving pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
David Haber's relationship with Mahalia Jackson went far beyond a purely business relationship. Mahalia valued his company and often invited him to accompany her on her travels. Their closeness was reflected in the affectionate nickname "Dave-Honey" she sometimes called him. As her road manager, he was the backbone of her tours, responsible for the often complex travel arrangements and all the logistics. He took care of everything from boat trips to flights, ensuring that Mahalia could remain focused on her music and her mission. His surprise at the opulent supplies on board the S.S. United States is just a small glimpse into the many details he dealt with.
Haber's everyday life was marked by the unpredictable challenges of international tours. He kept Mahalia informed about her tour plans, which was often news to her—sometimes she only found out she was on tour from him! In Hamburg, he accompanied her on shopping trips, helped with transactions, and rejoiced in her delight at her finds. The chaotic docks of Beirut, on the other hand, demanded a lot from him, and he was grateful for the support of the American Embassy in ensuring that the onward journey went smoothly, including connecting flights and customs clearance.
Haber was not only an organizer, but also an attentive observer. He even tried to persuade Mahalia to visit a nightclub in Beirut by offering to dance himself – a small, humorous moment that shows their relaxed relationship. He served as an interpreter between Mahalia and her French-speaking driver "Fez" and noticed Fez's "great infatuation" with Mahalia, which she pragmatically dismissed as Fez's desire to come to the US. Unforeseen events, such as the sudden appearance of a reporter in Damascus or Fez's spontaneous departure without him, were also part of his everyday life.
The pilgrimage to the Holy Land
David Haver's accompaniment of Mahalia on her deeply spiritual journey to the Holy Land was particularly formative. He experienced firsthand how deeply moved she was by biblical sites such as Jericho, Galilee, and Bethlehem. Although frustrated by a lack of hotel reservations in Jerusalem, he accepted Mahalia's view of the trip as a "pilgrimage." He made sure they had the address for thank-you notes after a farewell party, helped carry luggage through the Almond Gate into Israel, and guided Mahalia through immigration. Even during a heated argument with a sponsor over concert commitments in Israel, he was present and supportive. It was also Haber who arranged for Mahalia to record an interview and songs "for the troops" in Jerusalem.
Haber's job was by no means glamorous. He experienced the chaotic rush of spectators at the Oklahoma Sports Palace and helped bring Mahalia to safety, even taking a blow to the jaw in the process. Moments like these illustrate the physical and mental strain that came with his role. His dedication and commitment were an indispensable part of the story that was Mahalia Jackson's life.
David Haber may have stood in the shadows, but his importance to their career and the spread of their music cannot be overstated. He was the invisible force that kept their world tours running and enabled them to carry their message of faith and hope to the farthest corners of the world.
Dekko TeruyaMahalia
Jackson's key figure in Japan Dekko Teruya played a crucial role in organizing Mahalia Jackson's performances in Japan and was instrumental in the success of her tours. He was often referred to as the "handsome Dekko Teruya from I.A.B., the tour sponsor," which underscores his central position in organizing Jackson's concerts.
Teruya also had connections to Columbia Records and was present at important public appearances, such as a press conference at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo, where Mahalia Jackson spoke to numerous journalists. He acted as Mahalia Jackson's direct liaison to Katsuhiro Ataka, the actual tour sponsor, who did not speak English. Their close collaboration was reflected in personal "arrangements" that Mahalia Jackson made with Teruya, which illustrates his direct involvement in the logistics and planning of her performances. Mahalia Jackson affectionately nicknamed him "Cuckoo" because she thought he was "like a little bird."
Teruya was also particularly delighted by the news that Princess Takako Shimazu, the youngest daughter of the Emperor, wanted to attend one of Mahalia's concerts, which underscores the significance and high standing of the performances.
Kurt Collien
In Germany, Mahalia Jackson had an important supporter and sponsor in Kurt Collien, who acted as her "German godfather." He was the owner of a concert agency and organized Mahalia's concerts in Germany. The concert agency still exists today, now in its third generation.
Armin Meyer
Armin Meyer was the American ambassador to Japan. He played a decisive role in making Mahalia's 1971 tour of Japan happen.