Just Mahalia, Baby

Great biography! I have always enjoyed reading about the world's greatest singer, and this biography simply takes out all the stops and tells about the true Mahalia, in her own words. Mahalia, I miss you more and more each day, because no one sings like you or as well as you sang.

I read this lengthy story many years ago. In the meantime I was privileged to meet one of Mahalia's former pianists, Rev. J. D. Strawther, who is so listed in the book. Hearing Strawther's chronicle of his experience with the powerful singer made the book come alive to me. I am a very strong admirer of the late Clara Ward, and enjoyed reading, from Mahalia's viewpoint, about the relationship of the Ward Singers and Miss Jackson.It is extremely admiral to see how that Mahalia pulled herself up by her own bootstraps in a day and time when that was very difficult, and given her problem with timing in regards to her vocal singing. It must have taken a lot of courage for Laurraine to write the good, the bad and the ugly; and some instances were rather disappointing. But she wrote as she was instructed, "Don't make me no saint, baby."

Just great...but very long. In my school library, we have 2 copies of of this book, and I believe that I've checked them out close to 15 times. I really enjoyed the parts that I've been able to read.It had it's contented times and it had it's sad times. There's information about Mahalia's concerts/T.V appearances...what went on backstage, during the concert, and after the concert. One of my favorites was the part where Mahalia was a guest on Dinah Shore's show and they sang many songs, and then it came time to sing my favorite song, "Elijah Rock." Dinah said that she couldn't remember the words, but tried everything in her power to distract her singing by clapping or adding stuff in the song. I believe that I remember reading that Mahalia, shortly after beginning the song, saw that Dinah forgot the song and kept looking at her in a joking manner. I laugh everytime I read that. This book was great, and you should read it to...SERIOUSLY!