Anyone just watched the Louis Armstrong Newport Jazz '70 Documentary on Beeb 4?

Mahalia Jackson- Wow! If your definiton of soul is loud and raw, then this is it. The others pale by comparison.

I think it was either Ray Charles that said it would have been disrespectful to have asked her to sing secular music.

A tremendous performer with a voice that could break glass. Without Mahalia there would have been no Aretha,

& countless other gospel singers that made the transition to Soul. I love her 'Walk In Jerusalem'.

I recorded it last night and have just watched it this morning. She really is the Queen of Gospel. If you get the chance check out the 'Jazz on a Summer's Day' film (see my avatar) recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. As well as being a brilliant film, Mahalia Jackson performs 3 songs including an extraordinary version of the 'Lord's Prayer' which has to be heard to be believed.

Her "Songs For Christmas" long player is flawless.

In the Spike Lee film Jungle Fever , the lead chartacter has a penchant for playing Mahalia Jackson.