This month we review one of the many compilation videos of a true Legend - Mahalia Jackson.   There is none like the incomparable Mahalia Jackson.  She was indeed the first lady of Gospel.  She was the first to wear the title Queen of Gospel Music. And, she is still referred to, in the present tense, as “the world greatest gospel singer.”

Many today did not have the opportunity to see her perform in person.  The next best thing to a live performance is watching her on a video.  There are some great videos of her performances.  Such as, Immortal Mahalia Jackson (2006), Mahalia Jackson - 1957-1962 (1963), Mahalia Jackson - Give God The Glory (1973), Mahalia Jackson Collection (1998), Mahalia Jackson - The Power And The Glory (1997) and the one that is the subject of this review In Concert-I Believe.  This DVD was released in January 2008.  All the videos of Mahalia Jackson give you nothing but great singing.

Because of the era (the 50s and 60s) in which the performances were captured on tape, the quality may not measure up to the high tech DVDs of today.  However, one thing that this DVD does capture is Mahalia Jackson at her best.  In earlier tape quality, the DVD is still a great production with songs that you may not be able to find anywhere but on this DVD.  It should be noted that Mahalia Jackson recorded over 30 albums and many 45’s. So, this DVD only represents a small portion of her discography.  The total run time of the DVD is fifty-nine (59)minutes. 

There are seventeen songs on this DVD. They are "You’ll Never Walk Alone," "Just As I Am," "Lord Don’t Move The Mountain," "Highway To Heaven," "The Lord’s Prayer," "Tell It, Sing It, Shout It," "The Rosary," "My Faith Looks Up To Thee," "Come On Children Let’s Sing," "Somebody Bigger Than You And I," "I Believe," "My Lord An I," "I Trust In God," "I Asked The Lord," "Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho," "God Will Take Care of Thee," and "Didn’t It Rain."  From the songs listed, it is easy to see that this DVD contains some of her most memorable recordings. 

Each song begins with a still picture of the Queen with the caption Mahalia Jackson Sings. There are powerful close-ups of Ms. Jackson on each song. You really get to see her facial expressions, which transfers into the robust emotions displayed by Ms. Jackson in the delivery of each song.  As a side note, you will realize that the Queen closed her eyes often while singing praises to our Lord and Savior.  

The quality of the sound for each song is outstanding.  There are no noticeable variations at all in the recording level from song to song.  The lighting is also outstanding.  Keep in mind however, that all of the taping was done in Black and White. 

The project is vintage traditional gospel quartet music.  If you are looking for a good video that captures the essence of this extraordinary singer add this video to your collection.  This is also one of those DVD that captures a portion of the history of Gospel Music that cannot be told.  You just have to see it fro yourself.  This is one of those DVDs that you will find yourself watching over and over.

We give the video “In Concert - I Believe” by Mahalia Jackson a 10 out of 10.  To purchase your copy of the video click here.    Click on the picture above to view a clip from the video.***

Top 5 Gospel Quartet Videos

1. Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's

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2. Racy Brothers

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3. Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC's

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4. The Mighty Clouds of Joy

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5. Leomia Boyd

Hi-Lites Music Ministries, Inc. - On Time

***The quality of the clip IS NOT indicative of the quality of the video.  Often, resolution in the picture quality is lost during placement of the clip on the Internet.  In addition, the type of computer you are using to access the Internet and the video player you are using may drastically impact the quality of the clip.