Silent Night (Songs for Christmas)

Read About This Recording

Even nearly 35 years after her death, Mahalia Jackson is still considered the greatest of all gospel singers. A powerful vocalist whose musicianship was only matched by her sincerity, Jackson was a major star for decades yet always remained humble. Born in poverty in New Orleans, she began singing when she was four and although always strongly influenced by religious music, she was open to the blues of her early musical hero, Bessie Smith. She left school during the eighth grade and worked in Chicago as a maid but was soon performing regularly with the Johnson Brothers in a variety of churches.

Jackson began her solo career in the mid-1930s, started recording in 1937, and hit it big in 1948 with her record of Move on Up a Little Higher. She had her own weekly radio series on CBS in 1954, appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival and on the Ed Sullivan Show, and became the most famous gospel singer in the world.

Silent Night, a set of Christmas-related songs, features Mahalia Jackson in prime form. Whether it is Sweet Little Jesus Boy, Joy to the World, O Come, All Ye Faithful or Go Tell it on the Mountain, one can easily appreciate her appeal.

One does not have to be particularly religious to enjoy the musical power of the immortal Mahalia Jackson.

-Scott Yanow

Contents

Sweet Little Jesus Boy; A Star Stood Still (Song of the Nativity); Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; Christmas Comes to Us All Once a Year; Joy to the World!; O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adestes Fideles); O Little Town of Bethlehem; What Can I Give; Go Tell it on the Mountain; Silent Night, Holy Night.

Mahalia Jackson, Vocals.