Watch Mahalia Jackson: The Power and Glory

Mahalia Jackson: The Power and Glory is a 1997 musical biographical film that depicts the life and career of the legendary gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson. It captures the essence of her music, which is an expression of her deep religious faith, and her influence on the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. The film features original footage and interviews with some of Mahalia's friends and colleagues, including the civil rights leader Jesse Jackson and Mahalia's music director, Horace Clarence Boyer. Through their reminiscences, we get a sense of the woman behind the voice, and the impact she had on the world around her.

Mahalia Jackson was born in New Orleans in 1911, and grew up singing in her local church. She moved to Chicago in the late 1920s to pursue her career as a gospel singer, and soon became a hit on the black gospel circuit. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery connected with audiences in a way that few other singers had ever managed.

As Mahalia's fame grew, so did her influence on the Civil Rights movement. She was friends with many of the leading figures in the struggle for racial justice, including Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, and her music provided inspiration and comfort to those who were fighting for change.

The film touches on this aspect of Mahalia's life, but it is primarily a celebration of her music. Some of the standout performances in the film include "I Found the Answer," "Come On Children, Let's Sing," and a stirring rendition of "We Shall Overcome." Each song is given its proper due, with plenty of footage of Mahalia's electrifying live performances.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it captures the behind-the-scenes work that went into Mahalia's music. We see her rehearsing with her band, working on vocal arrangements, and even giving advice to up-and-coming singers. Through these glimpses into her process, we get a sense of just how much went into making her music sound so effortless.

Overall, Mahalia Jackson: The Power and Glory is a fitting tribute to one of the most important singers of the 20th century. It does an excellent job of capturing the warmth and generosity of spirit that Mahalia brought to everything she did, and it showcases some truly awe-inspiring performances. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to her music, this film is well worth checking out.

Mahalia Jackson: The Power and Glory is a 1997 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.