1921 - 1974
Mildred Elizabeth Carter Falls 1921-1974
was an influential gospel pianist who became best known for her long collaboration with Mahalia Jackson. Her role went far beyond that of a mere accompanist; Mildred Falls was a musical partner, confidante, and a crucial pillar in Mahalia Jackson's life and career. In the early years, she took on all the duties of an assistant and manager.
Early life and musical beginnings
Born Mildred Elizabeth Carter in Magnolia, Mississippi, in 1921, she was part of the Great Migration of the interwar period. At the age of two, her family moved with her to the South Side of Chicago. There, her musical journey began on a piano her parents bought for her, followed by lessons at a small music school. Even as a child, she admired Mahalia Jackson, whom she heard singing with the Johnson Singers. In her teenage years, Mildred Falls conducted church choirs in Chicago, anchoring her deep roots in the gospel tradition. She later moved to California to work as a pianist for gospel singer Emma Jackson. After a failed marriage, she returned to Chicago in 1947 and met Mahalia Jackson.
The decisive partnership with Mahalia Jackson
At the end of 1947, Mahalia Jackson, who had been working with various accompanists, asked Mildred Falls to become her regular pianist. This partnership, which lasted 25 years, was crucial to Mahalia's success and shaped her distinctive sound. Described by Mahalia as “talented, restless,” Mildred was the only pianist who fully understood and anticipated Mahalia's “changing moods and rhythms.”
Their musical chemistry was extraordinary.
Mildred intuitively understood Mahalia's spontaneous singing and was able to perfectly complement her phrasing and rhythmic approach. She imitated brass parts with her right hand and played a walking bass line with her left, filling the “gap” left by the absence of brass in their ensemble. This intuitive interplay gave Mahalia's music its characteristic bounce and swing. Together with organist Ralph Jones, they formed the “Fall-Jones Ensemble.”
In addition to her role as a pianist, Mildred Falls was also active as a composer. Her piece “I'm On My Way to Canaan Land,” with its “Cuban-African beat,” testifies to her willingness to experiment and her musical spectrum beyond pure gospel.
A complex friendship and professional challenges
The relationship between Mildred and Mahalia was deep and complex. It was marked by affection and respect, but also by tension. They shared not only the stage, but also hotel rooms and the humiliations of racial segregation during their travels. Mildred was Mahalia's confidante, with whom she discussed personal matters and who helped her cope with the demands of fame. She also supported Mahalia in business matters by negotiating with sponsors and promoters and taking care of logistical details.
Mildred Falls also had strong opinions about Mahalia's husbands and was openly critical of Sigmond Galloway, her second husband, who was rumored to have tried to control Mahalia's career and saw Mildred Falls as a threat to his influence. Like Mahalia, Mildred struggled with serious health problems, including a knee injury that forced her to travel in a wheelchair for part of the time. These circumstances made her work more difficult and contributed to her decision to retire from touring. There is also evidence of alcohol consumption, which led to tensions.
Later years and legacy
Mildred Falls died in 1974, just two years after Mahalia Jackson, in a nursing home in Chicago.
Her contribution to Mahalia's career is undeniable and of immense importance! She was an indispensable partner who helped bring out Mahalia's unique voice, powerful singing style, and individual interpretation, always adapting her piano playing to suit.