Mahalia Jackon: The Power & The Glory

Mahalia Jackson: The Power & The Glory, released in 1997, is a documentary film that celebrates the life and achievements of Mahalia Jackson, the queen of gospel music. This film is a tribute to her long and illustrious career, which spanned from the early 1930s until her death in 1972. Directed by Ken Mandel, it features archival footage of her performances, interviews with her contemporaries, and commentary from music scholars and historians.

From her humble beginnings in New Orleans, Mahalia Jackson rose to become one of the most influential singers of the 20th century. She started singing in church choirs as a child and later moved to Chicago, where she began to make records for the Decca label. Her warm, full-bodied voice and expressive style quickly won over audiences, and she soon became a fixture on both the gospel and secular music scenes.

Mahalia's career peaked in the 1950s and 60s, when she became a regular on television and radio shows, performed at Carnegie Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival, and recorded a series of landmark albums. She sang at the March on Washington in 1963 and at John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961, giving a stirring rendition of "I've Been Buked and I've Been Scorned" that moved the nation. Throughout her career, she used her music to advocate for social justice and to promote African American culture.

The film features interviews with some of Mahalia's closest associates, including her friend and biographer, Studs Terkel, and her longtime musical director, Mildred Falls. It also includes commentary from scholars such as Horace Clarence Boyer, who offer insight into the cultural and historical context of her music. Activist and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, who knew Mahalia personally, also appears in the film to pay tribute to her legacy.

One of the highlights of the film is the footage of Mahalia's performances, both in concert and on television. These include her famous rendition of "We Shall Overcome," which became an anthem of the civil rights movement, as well as powerful versions of "How I Got Over," "Precious Lord," and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." It is clear from these clips that Mahalia had a rare ability to connect with her audience and to convey the deep emotion and spirituality of her music.

The film also sheds light on the challenges that Mahalia faced throughout her career. Despite her widespread popularity, she frequently encountered racism and discrimination both in her personal life and in the music industry. She also struggled with health problems, including a heart attack in 1956 that forced her to take a break from performing. However, she bounced back from these setbacks and continued to inspire generations of singers and musicians.

Overall, Mahalia Jackson: The Power & The Glory is a stirring tribute to a woman whose music and activism left an indelible mark on American culture. Through archival footage and insightful commentary, it paints a portrait of a talented, passionate, and deeply committed artist who used her voice to speak truth to power. Whether you are a fan of gospel music or simply a lover of great music, this film is sure to move and inspire you.