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We do more than sell autographs. We build relationships.™ RON WEEKES and DONNELL G. MUELLER, Co-Proprietors Member: The Manuscript Society, The Ephemera Society of America, |
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JACKSON, Mahalia (1911-72)
Celebrated African-American gospel singer and recording artist. Born in New Orleans, Jackson only graduated from the eighth grade but went on to reach the pinnacle of success as a gospel singer and recording artist. After recording with the Prince Johnson singers, she went on to record for Decca Records in 1937. When her records did not sell as well as she expected, she shifted gears to become a beautician (following in the footsteps of her father who was a barber). After five years of touring with Thomas Dorsey in gospel tents and churches, her popularity grew enormously. She garnered another recording contract, this time with Apollo Records (1946-54). From 1954 to 1967 she recorded with Columbia Records and her popularity increased dramatically. Throughout the 1950s, Mahalia's voice was heard on radio, television and concert halls around the world. Her shows were packed in Europe, and her audience very enthusiastic at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival, at a special all-gospel program she requested. In 1954, she began hosting her own Sunday night radio show for CBS. She performed on the Ed Sullivan show in 1956 where she catapulted gospel music into America's mainstream. She sang for President Dwight Eisenhower and at John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball in 1960. From the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott until her death, Mahalia was very prominent in the Civil Rights Movement. Very close with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she often performed at his rallies--even singing an old slave spiritual before his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington in 1963. She also sang at his funeral five years later. Boldly-penned autograph on a Christmas card. Professionally matted with a memorial card from the Jackson family as well as a small black and white litho print photo-postcard of the acclaimed gospel singer. Uncommon and desirable. $ 165 |
