As someone who grew up singing gospel hymns in her Baptist church and who later brought that music to diverse audiences around the globe (she sang for John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.), Mahalia Jackson served as... more » the Queen of Gospel Music and as an inspiration and influence to future generations. These Christmas songs benefit from her powerful phrasing and unrestrained enthusiasm which easily transform an old English madrigal ("What Child Is This?") into something deeply felt from her own difficult upbringing. A stylist of the highest order, Jackson infused everything she sang with a majestic sweep that made her one of the most important voices of her day. --Rob O'Connor« less
As someone who grew up singing gospel hymns in her Baptist church and who later brought that music to diverse audiences around the globe (she sang for John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.), Mahalia Jackson served as the Queen of Gospel Music and as an inspiration and influence to future generations. These Christmas songs benefit from her powerful phrasing and unrestrained enthusiasm which easily transform an old English madrigal ("What Child Is This?") into something deeply felt from her own difficult upbringing. A stylist of the highest order, Jackson infused everything she sang with a majestic sweep that made her one of the most important voices of her day. --Rob O'Connor
A Voice Infused with The Holy Spirit... **AMAZING**
indie_in_kalli | Chico, CA! :) | 12/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I cannot find the words to describe Mahalia Jackson's voice. Recently I discovered the power of gospel (being Episcopalian I never really am exposed to much besides contemporary, which I am not a huge fan of) and Ms. Jackson is at the top of my list. Never before have I heard a voice so deeply in love with and filled with praises for Our Lord. This CD needs more than a measely 5 stars. It reaches far beyond anything my heart has tuned into for a long time. Thanks be to God for Ms. Mahalia Jackson!"
Do You Hear What I Hear
Dwayne | Maryland | 07/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As already stated, "Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming" holds it own. Such a lovely arrangement, and Mahalia 'butters' it up a little. As a child, there is one song from this particular album that was always played on the Gospel station around Christmas. The song that I'm speaking of is "Happy Birthday To You Our Lord." When I hear this song, it sometimes makes me teary-eyed, because I begin to think of the Christmas' when my grandmother was still living- the times when we would be driving around, and this song would come on. Such good times."There's No Room In The Inn" is my absolute favorite on this CD. That song skips so much, b/c I always put it on repeat. As Mahalia sings this song, I can just imagine Mary & Joseph searching for a comfortable place to stay- I can see their faces as they're turned away. I can feel their pain. I just get goosebumps thinking about it.EXCELLENT CD!"
Mahalia at her BEST
Sosenko, Germany | Fuerfeld Germany | 09/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I was 5 years old, my Mom received this album as LP from
my uncle. From that time on it was my favourite Christmas music.
I loved it. Now I tried for a long time to get it as a CD.
It will always remind me of Christmas at home.
In my opinion it is Mahalia's BEST Christmas album.
The songs are wonderful and very special sung."
REAL Christmas
Joseph Urso | Dallas, TX United States | 12/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just listen to HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,OUR LORD and you will remember what Christmas is all about. I found this album years ago and it is not "Christmas" until I listen to her beautiful renditions of these wonderful Christmas songs. I defy anyone to remain a "grinch" after hearing this angel's voice!"
Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming. . .
Bill Cleland | Winchester, Indiana | 03/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This song epitomizes Mahalia Jackson. . . she is eternally magnificent. And her voice in this song is rich, full and powerful. Her contralto is perfectly controlled as it
meanders up and down the scale. No Room At the Inn is stunningly soulful. Listen to her curlicues. . . how does she do that?! The spirit of the album is great and I recommend it."