26.10.1911 - 27.01.1972
My name is Thilo Plaesser
and I am delighted to welcome you to this interesting website.
This project is dedicated to the life and work of the incomparable Mahalia Jackson. It is a cultural research project that was created without financial interests and is available online free of charge.
A compendium about Mahalia Jackson
This compendium is intended for musicologists, musicians, and all lovers of Mahalia Jackson's music, her life, and her impressive legacy. The focus of my work is to remember, preserve, and reevaluate her work. This project is based on my extensive private collection, which includes countless books, records, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, original photos, programs, magazines, and much more, which serve primarily as sources for the texts and articles published here.
Timeliness
Today, at a time when values such as equality, justice, and standing up for the vulnerable are more important than ever, Mahalia Jackson's message is remarkably relevant. She was not only an exceptional artist, but also a courageous activist who used her voice and influence to support the civil rights movement. Her faith, strength, and unwavering hope are an inspiration that will endure for generations to come. Her music and her life remind us that we all have a role to play in creating a better world.
Challenges posed by copyright law
Unfortunately, I cannot present everything I would like to show—in particular, the many photos, including numerous originals from my own collection. The reason for this is copyright law, which I naturally respect. However, this law dates back to the "pre-internet era" and urgently needs to be updated. This deprives researchers in particular of many opportunities. Since there are also people who specifically search the internet for copyright infringements, regardless of the intention (research without financial interests), the risk for a private individual is unfortunately too high due to the potentially enormous financial consequences.
This compendium is continuously updated and expanded. I cordially invite you to immerse yourself in the world of Mahalia Jackson and rediscover her extraordinary legacy.
Please excuse any mistakes. English is not my native language, so I cannot rule out errors.
INTENTION
Research and exchange
With this online compendium, I would like to create a central point of reference for academic and personal engagement with Mahalia Jackson's work.
Preservation
My project is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of this extraordinary artist for future generations and ensuring that she is not forgotten.
Conservation
A central aim of this project is to make Mahalia's legacy and her message accessible to a wide audience.
Inspiration for young people
By sharing their lives and their music, I want to inspire young people in particular and help them understand the importance of art, faith, and commitment.
Spreading joy
Ultimately, the archive aims to convey the joy of their unique music and profound work: to listen to, read, sing, and play yourself.
Through this online archive, I want to ensure that Mahalia Jackson's timeless voice and her tireless commitment to humanity and civil rights will continue to touch and move people in the future.
Collaboration
I would like to urge you to get involved! If you have any information or relevant contributions, please feel free to contact me and become part of this exciting project. I look forward to hearing from you.
Acknowledgement
I am in contact with many people. The Facebook group "Mahalia Jackson Appreciation Group" offers an ideal opportunity for this. Thank you all for your interest.
I would like to highlight three particularly warm and intense contacts:
- Minister Valerie Nero, the grandniece of Mahalia Jackson.
- Mr. Sherman Housten Jr., author of the book “Moving on up a Little Higher“ / “Champion of Freedom through Song“.
- Dr. Charles Clency, organist for Mahalia Jackson from 1967 to 1972.
Thanks for sharing and for the motivation!
I hope you enjoy discovering it,
Thilo Plaesser
You can find more information about me and my motivation here!
Copyright and the challenges of a digital archive
"It used to be difficult to infringe copyright, but today it's almost impossible not to."
This sentence accurately describes the challenge faced when creating such an extensive online archive.
Copyright
As an author and musician, I take copyright very seriously. However, I am also aware that reality is often more complex than ideal legal concepts might suggest. I have researched to the best of my knowledge and indicated the copyright or acquired the licenses.
However, should anyone feel that their rights have been infringed, please contact me personally. I always strive to respect the rights of all parties involved and to find solutions.
A call for mindfulness when dealing with copyright
However, I would also kindly ask YOU to be mindful of copyright issues.
The content and works on these pages created by the site operator are subject to copyright. The reproduction, editing, distribution, and any kind of use outside the limits of copyright require the written consent of the respective author or creator. Downloads and copies of this site are only permitted for private, non-commercial use. Insofar as the content on this site was not created by the operator, the copyrights of third parties are respected. In particular, third-party content is identified as such. Should you nevertheless become aware of a copyright infringement, please inform me accordingly.
I am delighted that you are interested in my content! Here you will find important information on the use of our texts, images, and other materials.
What is not allowed?
Publications
It is not permitted to publish this content (text, images, videos, etc.) on other websites, social media, blogs, forums, or similar platforms, even with acknowledgment of the source. If you would like to share something, please share the link to this website or contact the author.
Commercial use
Any commercial use of our content is strictly prohibited. This includes, for example, the sale of printouts, use in advertising materials, or integration into paid offers.
Modification and editing
Changing, editing, or adapting our content is not permitted!
Distribution
The mass distribution of this content (e.g., via email to large groups) is not permitted. Private use The following applies in principle: All content on this website is protected by copyright. You are welcome to use the content for purely private purposes. This means that you can read texts, view images, and save, print, or digitally archive the information for your own use.
What is meant by "private use"?
Private use means that you may not make the content publicly available, distribute it, or use it commercially. Examples of private use include: You save a few photos in your personal photo folder. You print out an article to read at your leisure. You show friends pictures from the website on your private device. Would you like to use the content of this page publicly? If you are interested in using our content beyond purely private use, for example for public educational institutions or for publications, please contact me.
Important note
The unauthorized use of copyrighted content may result in legal consequences. Please respect copyright laws.
Copying and redistributing content without express permission is not permitted!
All content - ©Thilo Plaesser
(unless otherwise specified)
Together, we can ensure that everyone's creative achievements are protected and appreciated.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.