Jackson's unique vocal style was fully formed, combining the full-throated tones and propulsive rhythms of the sanctified church and the deep expressiveness of the blues with the note-bending phrasing of her Baptist upbringing. This wonderful video features 17 musical performances culled from the 'Mahalia Jackson Sings' programme, broadcast in 1961, the year she sang at President Kennedy's inauguration. Shot on an oddly appropriate, austere German Expressionist set, she's backed by piano, organ, and occasional guitar and drums, taking on gospel evergreens like 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho'. In the year of her death, Mahalia was honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, she was posthumously inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame and was the first gospel artist to be inducted onto the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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