Press Agent
Alfred A. Duckett 1917-1984,
was an outstanding figure in the African-American community, whose influence extended across journalism, public relations, and literary contributions. He played a particularly important role in the career of gospel icon Mahalia Jackson.
A life dedicated to African American voices
Alfred A. Duckett was born in Brooklyn, the son of a Pullman porter and a teacher. After serving as a veteran in World War II, he devoted himself passionately to journalism and public relations.
Journalism and PR careers
Duckett became a ubiquitous figure in the black press. He worked as a columnist, feature writer, and editor for renowned newspapers such as the New York Age, the New York Amsterdam News, the Pittsburgh Courier, the Baltimore Afro-American, and the Chicago Defender. His particular strength lay in crafting stories for the black media and placing celebrities such as Mahalia Jackson in publications such as Jet magazine. He founded his own PR firm, Alfred Duckett Associates, which specialized in African American organizations and personalities from the entertainment industry. In addition to Mahalia Jackson, his clients included close friends such as Harry Belafonte, Duke Ellington, and Martin Luther King Jr.
Literary contributions and collaboration with greats
Duckett was also a renowned author and co-author. He played a key role in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s groundbreaking book “Why We Can't Wait.” He also co-authored the autobiography of baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson. His own poems were published in an anthology by none other than Langston Hughes.
The relationship with Mahalia Jackson
Since the early 1950s, Alfred A. Duckett had been Mahalia Jackson's press agent in Chicago. Mahalia valued his advice and spoke with him about various topics, including the unfair portrayal of Duke Ellington in the media.
Duckett vividly recalled the moment he fell in love with her voice when Mahalia performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City—a venue that had never heard a gospel song before. He described Jackson's deep pride in her heritage and her unwavering determination to defend her fellow human beings. Duckett also played a supportive but quiet role in important meetings, such as one between Mahalia Jackson, Robert Anderson (a representative of Columbia Records), and a reporter from Life magazine.
"A Birthday Salute to Mahalia Jackson"
In October 1955, Duckett attended a gala dinner at the Morrison Hotel in Chicago in honor of Mahalia Jackson. The event, hosted by Studs Terkel, raised funds for a halfway house for homeless and delinquent young women on the South Side. In front of three hundred friends and fans, Duckett delivered the most personal remarks of the evening and presented Mahalia Jackson with a plaque from the city of Chicago.
Alfred A. Duckett was therefore not only a professional accompanist to Mahalia Jackson, but also a close friend and influential advocate who helped her bring her message and influence to a wider audience.