Mahalia Jackson - What Then? - Thomas Dorsey

Mahalia Jackson (October 26, 1911 January 27, 1972) was a completely natural, untrained singer. She had one voice lesson in NYC and the teacher told her to "stop screaming" or she would never make it anywhere. Thank GOD she didn't listen to the teacher. She has more chiaroscuro and register coordination than tenors singing today. With a big, ringing sound. When she died they found every Caruso recording in her house. This is not operatic, but it is still great singing. Perfect? No. Moving, thrilling and exciting? Yes. "Born in New Orleans in 1911, Mahalia Jackson grew up in a shotgun home shared by 13 people. Raised by her Aunt Duke after her mother died in 1917, economic circumstances forced Jackson to quit school and work at home when she was in fourth grade. Her earliest influences were the sights and sounds of Uptown New Orleans: banana steamships on the Mississippi River, acorns roasting in Audubon Park, hot jazz bands, the beat-driven music of the Sanctified Church, and Bessie Smith's bluesy voice wafting from her cousin Fred's record player. But Jackson found her greatest inspiration at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where she sang on Wednesday, Friday, and four times on Sunday. Even at age 12, her powerful voice could be heard all the way to the end of the block. "You going to be famous in this world and walk with kings and queens," said her Aunt Bell, predicting an illustrious future for a voice that would change the face of American music, empower the Civil Rights movement, and bring Mahalia Jackson worldwide renown." "When the choir has sung its last anthem, And the preacher has prayed his last prayer, And the people have heard their last sermon, And the sound has died out of the air. When the Bible lies closed on the altar, And the pews are all empty of men; And the world has rejected its Saviour We'll be asked for a reason, What then?"

Added 6 May 2026