English books

The Mahalia Jackson Reader

Oxford University Press 2020
ISBN 9780190461652

Almost 50 years lie between Laurraine Goreau's first biography and Mark Burford's publications. Burford also refers to the Goreau biography as one of his sources. The big difference, however, is that Oxford professor Burford is the first to approach the subject from an academic perspective. While Laurraine Goreau was still traveling with her tape recorder and typewriter and the internet did not yet exist, today's authors have completely different resources at their disposal. Mark Burford also had access to completely different sources, such as the "Bill Russell" archive. The result is a new, academically sound perspective that makes his publications "the standard work on Mahalia Jackson."

Controversial or incorrect information, such as Mahalia's correct date of birth, is clearly substantiated by him in a professional and scientific manner. In short, anyone who wants to delve deeper into the life and work of Mahalia Jackson cannot ignore these two publications.

Mahalia Jackson & the Black Gospel Field

Oxford University Press 2018
ISBN 978-0-19-063490-2

Almost 50 years lie between Laurraine Goreau's first biography and Mark Burford's publications. Burford also refers to the Goreau biography as one of his sources. The big difference, however, is that Oxford professor Burford is the first to approach the subject from an academic perspective. While Laurraine Goreau was still traveling with her tape recorder and typewriter and the internet did not yet exist, today's authors have completely different resources at their disposal. Mark Burford also had access to completely different sources, such as the "Bill Russell" archive. The result is a new, academically sound perspective that makes his publications "the standard work on Mahalia Jackson."

Controversial or incorrect information, such as Mahalia's correct date of birth, is clearly substantiated by him in a professional and scientific manner. In short, anyone who wants to delve deeper into the life and work of Mahalia Jackson cannot ignore these two publications.

Moving on up a Little Higher

Louisiana State University Shreveport 2019
The Noel Masters Series 1
ISBN 5 800135 289951

Like Mark Burford's publications, the author approaches this topic from an academic perspective, as it is his dissertation at Southern University at Shreveport, Louisiana, from 2013. The book was published in 2019.

The author has been interested in Mahalia Jackson since his youth and is fascinated by her. This is evident in his meticulous research on the subject. The focus is on Mahalia's contribution to the civil rights movement. Excluding the pages with references, the book is "only" 46 pages long. However, it is only a partial publication of his dissertation. Carefully and conscientiously researched and combined with his own thoughts, the author paints a picture of Mahalia Jackson's position in the civil rights movement. Reducing such a far-reaching topic to its essentials is an art that has been mastered here. Anyone looking for an overview of the subject will find this book very useful. Along the way, you will learn about the origins and roots of spirituals and their evolution into modern gospel music.

In the words of her last accompanist

Dr. Chales Clency - Amazon 2025
ISBN 9798280104051

While reading the book, I was immediately struck by the accuracy with which Dr. Charles Clency remembered his time with Mahalia. He was Mahalia's organist from 1967 to 1972. He received the offer completely out of the blue and, of course, accepted it with gratitude. And right away, he was off on big tours and concerts. The entire book is an expression of his appreciation of Mahalia as a musician and as a person. But this was not one-sided; it was reciprocated by Mahalia. She always introduced him as a "university professor," even though he wasn't one at the time. Charles mentioned this to Mahalia, who said that he should take it as a compliment! That was her way of saying THANK YOU. For musicians like me, it is particularly interesting to read what he writes about using his Hammond organ and equipment, as well as his approach to conducting. You also learn interesting things about what happened before, during, and after the concerts. I was particularly touched by his appreciation for Mildred Falls, who was Mahalia's piano accompanist for 25 years and laid all the musical foundations for Mahalia's work. And also for the subsequent accompanists such as Edward Robinson, Gwendolyn Rosetta Capps Lightner, and the author of this book, Dr. Charles Clency.

The author's expertise is particularly evident in his description and analysis of Mahalia's voice (vocal range). This is also evident in the brief historical digression on the musical and lyrical differences between gospel, spirituals, hymns, and other song forms. The book also includes a list of Mahalia's most important songs, grouped into categories.

Only on Sundays

Wowpublishing 2022
ISBN 978-0-98896-446-4

Janis F. Kearney is a renowned American author, lecturer, and publisher who was born in 1953 in the cotton fields of Gould, Arkansas. After studying journalism at the University of Arkansas in 1976, she made a name for herself as publisher of the historic Arkansas State Press Newspaper, which had previously been run by civil rights icon Daisy L. Gatson Bates. Her career took a unique turn when she served as President Bill Clinton's personal diary writer from 1995 to 2001—a role no one had ever held in the US presidency before her. Kearney is a prolific writer and co-author of 17 books. Her book about Mahalia Jackson is unlike any other on the subject, as it is a blend of "scholarly work" and novel. I was skeptical at first, but after reading it, I was convinced. When Mahalia leaves New Orleans for Chicago with her aunt, she imagines a conversation between the two that, of course, did not happen as she describes it. But her fundamental knowledge of the subject matter makes this conversation not only completely believable, but also entertaining. This book is therefore particularly suitable for those who are interested in learning about Mahalia for the first time.

Movin´on up - erste Ausgabe

Hawthorn Books, Inc. Publishers New York 1961
Library Of Congress Catalogue Card Number 66-22315

Mahalia Jackson's autobiography, Movin' On Up, which she co-wrote with Evan McLeod Wylie, was published by Hawthorn Books in 1966. The book was intended to chronicle Mahalia's life story and her personal perspective on her career. Although Movin' On Up was intended to be Mahalia's authentic narrative, it is questionable whether it truly succeeded in doing so. There is evidence that Mahalia expressed frustration with Wylie's "misrepresentations" of her oral accounts and the presence of "misinformation." This suggests potential inaccuracies or interpretations of her words by the co-author that did not fully align with Mahalia's own recollections.

Nevertheless, the book offers intimate insights into Mahalia Jackson's life, which are, in a sense, first-hand accounts, and it is the first "Mahalia book" ever written.

Movin´on up - zweite Ausgabe

AVON BOOKS / Hawthorn Books 1969
Library Of Congress Catalogue Card Number 66-22315

Mahalia Jackson's autobiography, Movin' On Up, which she co-wrote with Evan McLeod Wylie, was published by Hawthorn Books in 1966. The book was intended to chronicle Mahalia's life story and her personal perspective on her career. Although Movin' On Up was intended to be Mahalia's authentic narrative, it is questionable whether it truly succeeded in doing so. There is evidence that Mahalia expressed frustration with Wylie's "misrepresentations" of her oral accounts and the presence of "misinformation." This suggests potential inaccuracies or interpretations of her words by the co-author that did not fully align with Mahalia's own recollections.

Nevertheless, the book offers intimate insights into Mahalia Jackson's life, which in a sense are first-hand accounts, and is the first "Mahalia book" ever published. While the first edition was dedicated to her then-husband Sigmond Galloway and her stepdaughter Sigma Galloway, the second edition is dedicated to her aunt Mahalia Paul and "all children everywhere."

Just Mahalia, Baby

Word Books, Publisher Waco, Texas
Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number 74-82654

This biography is essentially the "original biography" on which all subsequent books are based. Laurraine was Mahalia's assistant in her final years and accompanied her on her last major tours. Immediately after Mahalia's death, she interviewed countless people who had known her well. As a result, their memories were still very fresh. Many of these interviews have been preserved. She recorded them on a tape recorder at the time. She transcribed some of them herself on a typewriter.

This information is presented in great detail over more than 600 pages. This often makes it difficult to follow her train of thought, as she treats names and events as common knowledge, which can be confusing for the uninformed reader. Nevertheless, these documents are incredibly valuable, as many things would otherwise have been forgotten. According to Mahalia's own autobiography, this book was the first official biography. In addition to the original edition, a reprint is now available.

Got To Tell It

Oxford University Press 1992
ISBN 0-19-507144-1

This book is rightly one of the most controversial books about Mahalia Jackson. Jules Schwerin was an important figure in Mahalia Jackson's life, known as her biographer and filmmaker. He was the producer of Mahalia Jackson's Grammy-winning album for best gospel and soul in 1976 and the creator of a documentary film of the same name about Mahalia. Schwerin does not refer to any of the other sources used, but reports primarily and exclusively on his personal experiences. It took him a long time to gain Mahalia's attention and trust, but he quickly lost it again. In some cases, one gets the feeling that certain facts are a "personal vendetta" against Mahalia on his part. This fact is all the more serious given that the book was not published until 1992, long after Mahalia's death. Mark Burford clearly demonstrates that some things in Schwerin's book are "purely fictional." This calls his credibility into question in general, especially since one often has to rely on his statements, as they cannot be substantiated in any way.

Nevertheless, or rather unfortunately, this book is one of the most widely read books about Mahalia Jackson.

Bill Russell - Jazz Scrapbook

Historic New Orleans Collection 1998
ISBN 0-917860-41-1

Bill Russell's book Jazz Scrapbook is a very special work about the early days of jazz, particularly in New Orleans. It is not a traditional biography in the sense of a continuous text, but, as the title suggests, a "scrapbook" of information, pictures, and insights.

Here is the most important information about the book:

William Wagner "Bill" Russell (1905–1992) was an influential American composer, author, producer, and musician of Dixieland jazz. He was known for his tireless passion for preserving the history of early jazz. Russell collected a vast amount of material—including interviews, letters, sheet music, recordings, and photographs—which today forms an important part of the William Russell Jazz Collection at the Historic New Orleans Collection. He knew many of the early jazz greats personally, including Louis Armstrong, and was best known for serving as Mahalia Jackson's advisor, friend, assistant, and quasi-biographer for three years, recording many events in his diary and making audio recordings of Mahalia.

Studs Terkel - Talking To Myself

THE NEW PRESS, New York 1995 (new edition von 1977)
ISBN 978-1-56584-319-6

"Talking to Myself: A Memoir of My Times" is an important book by renowned American author, oral historian, and radio broadcaster Studs Terkel. Published in 1977, it differs from many of his other works in that, unlike his famous oral histories, in which he mainly collects and presents the voices of others (as in "Working" or "The Good War"), it is explicitly autobiographical. Although it is an autobiography, it is not a conventional, linear retelling of Terkel's life events. Instead, it is a "memoir of his time," closely interwoven with the countless individuals he met and interviewed throughout his long career.

The book is rich in anecdotes, moments, and conversations with a wide variety of people, from everyday individuals to historical figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahalia Jackson, Bertrand Russell, and Federico Fellini. These interactions form the core of the book and shape Terkel's own thoughts and experiences.

The Rise Of Gospel Blues

Oxford University Press 1992
ISBN 0-19-509057-8

This book, published by Oxford University Press, is considered a key work on the history of gospel blues, particularly the career of Thomas Andrew Dorsey.

Author Michael W. Harris focuses on Thomas Andrew Dorsey (1899-1993), a central figure in the development of modern gospel music. Dorsey, also known as "Georgia Tom," enjoyed considerable success as a blues pianist and composer in the 1920s. He later turned to church music and incorporated blues elements into his sacred compositions, leading to the emergence of gospel blues.

The book examines how gospel blues became popular in the late 1930s in the Protestant black churches of the American Midwest and Northeast, particularly among black migrants from the Deep South.

Harris shows how Dorsey, despite initial controversy over mixing "sacred" texts with "profane" blues melodies, established a new musical form that had an immense impact on African American churches and religion. Dorsey composed over 400 gospel songs and is still considered one of the most prolific composers and publishers of this movement.

The book not only highlights the musical evolution, but also the social forces and cultural contexts that shaped this music, offering insights into African American religion and culture.

The story of JAZZ

Oxford University Press 195

Marshall W. Stearns' "The Story of Jazz," first published in 1956, is not just a book about jazz, but a cornerstone of jazz historiography itself. This work is still considered one of the most influential and comprehensive accounts of the development of this unique musical form.

A literature professor in the service of jazz Behind this standard work was Marshall Winslow Stearns (1908-1966), a remarkable personality. Originally a professor of medieval English literature at Hunter College, Stearns developed a deep passion for jazz that would shape his life. He was much more than an academic; he was a tireless researcher who spent decades listening to jazz, studying it, and conducting interviews with musicians. His dedication culminated in 1952 with the founding of the Institute of Jazz Studies, now housed at Rutgers University and considered one of the world's most important archives and research centers for jazz. Stearns' intellectual curiosity and deep understanding of the subject made him a pioneer in jazz research, whose influence extended far beyond "The Story of Jazz." He also co-authored the posthumously published work "Jazz Dance: The Story of American Vernacular Dance" with his wife Jean Stearns. Another important aspect is the consideration of the cultural impact of jazz on America and the world, a musical form that played its way from the margins of society to the center of popular culture.

When it was first published on December 31, 1956, "The Story of Jazz" was immediately recognized as a groundbreaking work. It was one of the first books to offer such a systematic and comprehensive account of the development of jazz. For this reason, it quickly became a standard textbook in jazz history courses and served countless readers as their first and often fundamental introduction to the subject. Stearns' work is still valued today for its thoroughness, scholarly precision, and engaging narrative style. It is more than just a collection of facts; it is a passionate tribute to a musical form that Stearns deeply loved and understood. "The Story of Jazz" remains an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to explore the complex and fascinating history of jazz.

The New Orleans Jazz
Mahalia Jackson and the Philosophy of Art

PIOQUANT editions 2000
ISBN 987-1-909281-81-3

"New Orleans Jazz, Mahalia Jackson and the Philosophy of Art" is volume 2 of the series "The Complete Works of Hans Rookmaaker." Hans Rookmaaker (1922–1977) was a Dutch art historian and philosopher known for his writings on art from a Reformed Christian perspective. This book is particularly interesting for readers who are interested in the history of jazz and gospel, the philosophy of art, and the connection between faith and culture.

The book brings together Rookmaaker's writings on jazz, blues, and spirituals, particularly his in-depth analysis of these musical forms in the context of his Christian philosophy. He had a lifelong interest and enthusiasm for these musical styles, which are reflected in this volume. Mahalia Jackson occupies a special place in Rookmaaker's work. He saw her as one of the few contemporary Christian musicians of value and significance whose gospel singing was an authentic and meaningful expression of faith. He believed that "the only meaningful Christian music (that emerged in the twentieth century) comes in the form of the gospel songs of Mahalia Jackson and others."

The volume also includes Rookmaaker's philosophical writings, which reveal the roots of his art historical work in the "Philosophy of the Cosmonomic Idea" (Dooyeweerdian philosophy). This understanding is essential for a proper grasp of his philosophical framework. The book traces the development of jazz, blues, and spirituals from their origins in Africa through slavery and the emergence of minstrel shows, brass bands, and ragtime to the development of early jazz in New Orleans, the rise of swing and modern jazz, and the evolution of spirituals.

INK - J. Mayo Williams

University of Illinois Press 2024
ISBN 987-0-252-08798-1

J. Mayo "Ink" Williams (1894-1980):
J. Mayo Williams was a truly unique and groundbreaking figure in American history, whose influence spanned several fields. Williams was the first African American producer at a major record label and the most successful producer of music by black artists, particularly blues and jazz, from the 1920s to the 1940s. His nickname, "Ink," came from his ability to secure contracts for talented African American musicians.

He discovered and recorded an impressive list of blues and jazz legends, including Ma Rainey, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Tampa Red, Thomas A. Dorsey (before his gospel career as "Georgia Tom"), Memphis Minnie, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Peetie Wheatstraw, and Louis Jordan.

Before entering the music industry, Williams was an outstanding athlete. He played college football at Brown University (an Ivy League university) and was one of the first black players in the early NFL, playing for the Hammond Pros, among others. He was also the first black official in an NFL game in 1921. He later founded his own record labels, including Harlem Records and Ebony Records, which also signed a young Muddy Waters. Williams' life was a remarkable journey of an ambitious and aspiring man who, despite the racism of white society and class tensions in the black community, remained steadfast in his path. The book is an interesting addition to the topic of Mahalia Jackson, as it reflects a comprehensive picture of the black community and music, in which Mahalia is naturally mentioned.

A City Called Heaven

University of Illinois Press 2015
ISBN 978-0-252-08069-2

Robert M. Marovich is a renowned gospel music historian, author, radio host, and music archivist. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Gospel Music (formerly The Black Gospel Blog) and the producer and host of the radio program Gospel Memories. The book focuses on Chicago's crucial role in the emergence and development of gospel music in the United States. It traces the evolution of gospel music from its early hymns and camp meetings to its growth as the "sacred soundtrack" of Chicago's major black Protestant churches.

"A City Called Heaven" has been highly praised by critics as an "extraordinary work" and a "long overdue history of the city and the people at the heart of gospel music." It is described as a "meticulously researched chronology" that links not only gospel music but also African American music, history, and religion. It is considered an indispensable contribution to the history of African American music. And, of course, Mahalia Jackson is given special consideration in this context.

Queen of Gospel Song

Franklin Watts Library Edition
ISBN 0-531-11228-4

The book was published in 1996 by Franklin Watts (Scholastic Library Publishing) and is part of the "Impact Biographies Series." The book is primarily written for a young audience, more specifically for readers aged 11 to 15. This edition is also an important contribution for the younger generation. The book has been well received by critics such as the "School Library Journal" and "Booklist."

It has been described in reviews as a "touching, even moving biography" that examines the influence of the "Queen of Gospel Singing" on her audience. Particular emphasis is placed on Mahalia's desire to sing only inspiring music and the detailed portrayal of her life with the passion that characterized Mahalia Jackson herself.

Well Understand It Better

Smithsonian Institution Press 1992
ISBN 1-56098-167-9

Bernice Johnson Reagon is an outstanding figure in African American music and history. She is a respected historian, curator at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, singer, composer, and activist. Reagon is the founder and artistic director of the renowned a cappella quintet Sweet Honey In The Rock. She is known for her profound research and her ability to bring the history of African American music to life. She has written numerous works and was the conceptual producer of the radio and recording projects "Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions," which includes this book.

The book is a collection of essays focusing on six of the most influential pioneers of African-American gospel music. It highlights their lives, musical contributions, and influence on American and international music culture. The title of the book comes from a well-known and meaningful gospel hymn by Charles Albert Tindley. The book is aimed at a wide audience interested in music history, African American culture, religious studies, and the development of the gospel genre. It has been praised by critics as an "excellent collection of essays" and a "comprehensive and invaluable history" of gospel music. It is an essential contribution to the understanding of black gospel music and its profound impact.

The Voice of Gospel and Civil Rights

Enslow Publishers, Inc. 2003
ISBN 0-7660-2115-7

Barbara Kramer specializes in biographies for children and young adults and has written numerous other books about historical figures and contemporary personalities. Her goal is to tell inspiring stories that appeal to young readers. The book "Mahalia Jackson: The Voice of Gospel and Civil Rights" was published by Enslow Pub Inc. It is part of the "African-American Biographies" series and is aimed at a young audience, typically students in grades 6 to 10 (aged approximately 11-15). The book traces the life of Mahalia Jackson from her childhood in New Orleans to her success as a world-famous gospel singer. Special emphasis is placed on Jackson's unique style, which helped make gospel music popular. A significant portion of the book is devoted to Mahalia's activism in the civil rights movement. It highlights her role as a friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., her performances at rallies, and her commitment to using her voice and music to support the civil rights movement and break down hatred and fear between races.

A special book to make the younger generation aware of Mahalia Jackson's historical significance.

Mahalia Jackson, Young Gospel Singer

Aladdin Paperbacks 1995
ISBN 0-689-71786-5

Montrew Dunham (1919-2017) was a prolific author of historical biographies for young readers. She wrote numerous books in the "Childhood of Famous Americans" series, including biographies of Neil Armstrong, Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, and Ronald Reagan. Her style is designed to make complex life stories accessible and appealing to young readers.

The book "Mahalia Jackson - The Young Gospel Singer" is a biography that is also aimed at a young audience. As the title suggests, the book focuses on the early years of Mahalia Jackson, from her childhood in poverty in New Orleans to her first steps as a gospel singer. It highlights how her early experiences and environment shaped her. It is an inspiring story about how someone pursues their dreams despite adversity and uses their voice to spread a message of hope and love. A source of inspiration for young readers!

Walking with Kings and Queens

Amistad - Harper Collins Publishers 2015
ISBN 978-0-06-087944-0

For young readers and anyone interested in the history of the African-American civil rights movement and the world of gospel music, the book Walking with Kings and Queens is a shining example of biographical literature. Published by the renowned Amistad imprint of Harper Collins Publishers, this picture book tells the inspiring life story of Mahalia Jackson. Written by Nina Nolan and beautifully illustrated by John Holyfield, the book was published on January 27, 2015, and is primarily aimed at preschool and elementary school children (approximately ages 4 to 8). Mahalia Jackson's journey is traced across 32 pages. However, the heart of the book is not only Mahalia's musical career, but also her profound involvement in the American civil rights movement. It highlights her friendship and collaboration with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and culminates in an emotional portrayal of her performance at the historic March on Washington in 1963. The choice of Amistad as publisher underscores the book's significance. Amistad is a highly respected imprint of Harper Collins Publishers that has been dedicated to publishing works by Black authors and representing Black experiences since its inception.

Walking with Kings and Queens is therefore not only a loving introduction to the life of an extraordinary artist, but also a testament to the importance of gospel music and its influence on social change in the United States. It is a book that introduces young readers to the power of voice and faith and keeps alive the memory of an era of struggle and hope.

Make a joyful noise unto the lord

Dell Publishing Co. Inc. New York 1974 / 1975
DELL 5170

Jesse Louis Jackson, born on October 8, 1941, is a prominent American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and politician. As a young protégé of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he played an important role in the civil rights movement of the 1960s and was actively involved in the marches in Selma.

This book is his personal tribute to another great personality who also played a major role in the civil rights movement: Mahalia Jackson. It is a brief outline of her life. It contains no new or unusual information. Its value lies rather in the author's respect for Mahalia's life's work.

Mahalia Jackson - Gospel Singer

Darlene Donloe, 1992
ISBN 0-87067-585-0

The book offers a biography of Mahalia Jackson, focusing on her life as a gospel singer and her efforts to overcome racial barriers through her music and activism. It highlights her journey from humble beginnings in New Orleans, her powerful alto voice, and her rise to international fame as "The Greatest Gospel Singer in the World."

The book highlights her significant role in the civil rights movement, including her close connection to Martin Luther King Jr., and her appearances at various rallies and important events. It also covers her personal struggles, such as experiencing racial discrimination despite her fame.

The book is considered a valuable resource for understanding Mahalia Jackson's life and her contributions to both music and social justice. The book also contains many very interesting photos!

Mahalia Jackson - Cooks Soul

Aurora Publishers Incorporated 1970
Library Of Congress Catalog Card Number 74-114780

More than just cooking
In 1970, just two years before her death, legendary gospel singer Mahalia Jackson collaborated with Andrewnetta Jones to publish her cookbook, Mahalia Jackson Cooks Soul, with Aurora Publishers. But this book was much more than just a collection of recipes; it was a reflection of her business philosophy, her philanthropy, and her deep commitment to the Black community.

A culinary heritage with principles
Mahalia Jackson's cookbook fit seamlessly into her existing business ventures, which ranged from beauty salons to flower shops to real estate investments. It embodied her firm belief that providing food was a basic necessity that should even precede evangelism. The book was closely linked to Maulana Karenga's Kwanzaa holiday and its fundamental African cultural principles of unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility. It was an expression of courage, zeal, and energy with the overarching goal of promoting economic independence and mutual aid within the Black community.

Recipes from the "Soul Bowl" and beyond
One highlight of the book is undoubtedly the "Soul Bowl," a hearty dish made with offal and gravy served over rice. Other mainstays of her menu included breaded chicken (known for its salty and crispy taste, which was said to put Kentucky Fried Chicken to shame), catfish, hush puppies, fried liver, and classic desserts such as sweet potato pie.

Although Mahalia Jackson herself came from New Orleans, surprisingly few Creole dishes can be found in her cookbook. Her personal favorite dish, oyster bread, was replaced by a recipe for oyster stew, for example. The book is full of practical tips on saving time and money and focuses on "feeding many mouths with little food" and making simple dishes tasty with clever combinations of spices. The collection of recipes is surprisingly diverse, ranging from traditional soul food dishes such as tripe, neck bones, and brains to unexpected creations such as "oven beef Burgundy" and "tuna burgers."

Clear design and practical handling
The cookbook impresses with clear and straightforward preparation instructions. The pages are also decorated with atmospheric photos of Mahalia at the stove, which give the book a personal touch.

A lasting legacy
Although it is unclear how many of the recipes actually came directly from Mahalia Jackson or were compiled from various sources, "Mahalia Jackson Cooks Soul" remains a fascinating document of her time and vision. The original books are rare. To get a copy, you have to invest up to several hundred dollars.

Books in English