Love Song

This is a blog about singing, but not necessarily about singers.

Mahalia Jackson and Mick Jagger surely have little in common, neither in their technique nor in the result. Mastery of the singing voice, more than any other instrument, is in the ear of the listener.

Though probably not the easiest instrument to master, the voice is the easiest of all to use. Non-singers can sing, and everyone sings in tune to something.

Some believe singing is therapeutic in the same way most believe that talking about one’s feelings is therapeutic.

My interest here is mostly in singing as just another form of healthy expression, another way to relieve stress and gain insight, become more self-aware. A natural human ability not necessary for survival, but which exists for some more enigmatic end.

I invite you to celebrate and explore the mystery of singing.

Showing posts with label muse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label muse. Show all posts

Monday, February 9, 2009

Mahalia

I was viewing YouTube videos of Mahalia Jackson. I just wanted to hear her sing again. I had an album of hers when I was a boy and always thought she was amazing. I’m white and middle-class, and I was a boy in the 50s. How did I know she even existed? I must have seen her on a TV show, or perhaps heard her on the radio.

My mother once tried to get me to meet her. Being my mother, she wanted me to sing for Mahalia. I was embarrassed, and have no idea if mom could have actually arranged that meeting, but it’s something I remember and value, the importance of music, especially music in the service of the highest of human aspirations.

I always was under the impression that Mahalia was very strict regarding what she would and would not sing, simply that she only sang sacred music. Imagine my surprise to find this video, which is wonderful and amazing in several ways, and not only to do with Mahalia’s glorious voice.

Enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPBVaRpNEgE&feature=related
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)