Mahalia Jackson (/məˈheɪliə/ mə-HAY-lee-ə; October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer. Possessing a powerful contralto voice, she was referred to as “The Queen of Gospel”. She became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as “the single most powerful black woman in the United States”. She recorded about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen “golds”—million-sellers.
“I sing God’s music because it makes me feel free”, Jackson once said about her choice of gospel, adding, “It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues.” (by wikipedia)
Live at Newport is a wonderful reissue of the Newport 1958 album, containing all 15 songs that were on the original record. Jackson was at the peak of her career, and she gave a stunning performance at this show, lifting such songs as “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands,” “Lord’s Prayer,” “Evening Prayer,” “I’m on My Way,” “Walk over God’s Heaven” and “His Eye is on the Sparrow” to glorious heights. It’s not only one of the great live gospel albums, it’s simply one of the great gospel albums. (by Leo Stanley)
It was 1958 at the Newport Jazz Festival, and the announcer said it all: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is Sunday, and it is time for the World’s Greatest Gospel Singer, Miss Mahalia Jackson.” And, with that all-too-appropriate introduction, Jackson broke into a stirring rendition of “An Evening Prayer” that set the tone for a classic performance. Over the course of her 45-minute set, she performed pop-tinged numbers (“Didn’t It Rain”), a few trad tunes (“I’m Going to Live the Life I Sing About in My Song”), and songs immersed with soul (“Keep Your Hand on the Plow”). On all of these numbers, Jackson’s voice rang loud and clear, backed simply by piano and organ. Recorded at a time when her longtime fans were questioning her increasing fame and popularity, the “Queen of Gospel” proved shiningly, once again, that she still knew how to use her God-given gift of voice. (Jason Verlinde)
Personnel:
Tommy Bryant (bass)
Mildred Falls (piano)
Mahalia Jackson (vocals)
Lilton Mitchell (organ)
Tracklist:
01. An Evening Prayer (Battersby/Gabriel) 3.23
02. I’m On My Way (Jackson) 3.31
03. A City Called Heaven (Traditional) 3.53
04. It Don’t Cost Very Much (Dorsey) 3.21
05. Walk Over God’s Heaven (Dorsey) 3.07
06. The Lord’s Prayer (Malotte) 3.50
07. Didn’t It Rain (Martin) 3.08
08. My God Is Real (Yes, God Is Real) (Morris) 3.46
09. He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands (Traditional) 2.42
10. I’m Going To Live The Life I Sing About In My Song (Dorsey) 4.08
11. Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho (Traditional) 2.35
12. His Eye Is On The Sparrow (Gabriel/Martin) 4.38
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